Le Morne and the south west: mountain, lagoon and Chamarel

The mountain and its story

In the 18th and 19th centuries, enslaved people who escaped plantations, known as maroons, took refuge on Le Morne's cliffs and caves. Oral tradition says some leapt to their deaths rather than be recaptured, unaware that slavery had just been abolished. The **Le Morne Cultural Landscape** is now listed by UNESCO, and the **International Slave Route Monument** at the foot of the mountain is a quiet, moving place to stop.

Hiking Le Morne Brabant

The hike up the mountain is one of the best on the island. The first part is a steady walk to a viewpoint cross; the upper section involves steep scrambling with some exposure. Start early to avoid the heat, wear proper shoes, carry plenty of water and avoid it after rain, when the rock is slippery. Many people go with a local licensed guide, and access to the upper part is sometimes controlled, so check before you go.

Lagoon and kitesurfing

The lagoon around the peninsula is wide, shallow and protected by reef, perfect for swimming from **Le Morne public beach**. In the windy season, roughly May to November, the inner lagoon becomes one of the best kitesurf schools in the world, while experts head for the famous reef break known as One Eye. Schools along the beach teach complete beginners. Boat trips visit the **Île aux Bénitiers** islet and Crystal Rock.

Chamarel and the hills

A winding road climbs from the coast to the village of **Chamarel**. The **Seven Coloured Earth** is a patch of rolling dunes in bands of red, purple and ochre, inside a small nature park with giant tortoises. Nearby, **Chamarel Waterfall** plunges into a deep green gorge. The **Rhumerie de Chamarel** offers distillery tours and tastings, and **Ebony Forest** runs walks through restored native forest with a view to the coast. Further on, the road reaches the Black River Gorges.

Dolphins, salt pans and the west

Early morning boat trips from **Tamarin** and Black River look for spinner and bottlenose dolphins. Choose an operator that keeps a respectful distance and limits boats, and do not chase the animals. The **Tamarin salt pans** are still worked by hand, and **Flic en Flac**, further north, has a long public beach with food vans and big sunsets. Families like **Casela Nature Parks** near Cascavelle for animals and zip lines.

Where to stay

The peninsula holds several large beach resorts, and the villages of La Gaulette and Le Morne have guesthouses and apartments popular with kitesurfers. Tamarin and Flic en Flac have more restaurants and shops. The west is the sunniest coast and sheltered from the winter trade winds.

Getting around

Buses run along the coast road but are slow and infrequent in the south west, so taxis or organised trips are often easier for Chamarel and the gorges. Agree on taxi fares first. See our places to visit list for more ideas, and the free trip planner to fit Le Morne into your route.