Where to stay in Le Morne: beachfront, La Gaulette or Chamarel

Le principali attrazioni di Le Morne

1. 1

   Le Morne Brabant

   The 556-metre basalt mountain was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008 and honours the people who escaped slavery on the island. A steep, rocky trail leads to the summit and takes several hours there and back. Start early, carry plenty of water, avoid it in rain or midday heat and consider going with a local guide.

2. 2

   Le Morne Beach

   The beaches along the peninsula are long and pale, backed by casuarina and palm trees and facing a lagoon sheltered by a coral reef. The water is calm for swimming, and kitesurfers and windsurfers use the breezier stretches, so check conditions locally.

3. 3

   Chamarel Waterfall

   A waterfall of roughly 95 metres drops off a cliff into a forested gorge in the hills above the coast. A short walk leads to viewing platforms, and the surrounding area is planted with coffee and fruit trees.

4. 

   4.Seven Coloured Earths

   Small dunes of volcanic soil show bands of red, brown, violet and blue, most vivid in the morning light. They are viewed from timber walkways rather than walked on, and the stop pairs naturally with the waterfall nearby.

5. 

   5.Black River Gorges National Park

   The largest national park in Mauritius protects native forest, steep gorges and a network of walking trails with viewpoints. It is the best place on the island to see native birds, including the pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel.

6. 

   6.Île aux Bénitiers

   A small island in the lagoon off the west coast, usually visited by boat trips from the Le Morne area that combine snorkelling, a beach stop and sometimes a chance to see dolphins. Choose an operator that keeps a respectful distance from the animals.

7. 7

   Gris Gris

   A dramatic headland on the south coast, where waves crash against black cliffs. It is a spectacular place to watch the sea, but swimming is dangerous because of strong currents, so stay behind the barriers and obey the warning signs.

Dove alloggiare a Le Morne

• Le Morne village and beach

  Beach resorts, a few villas and kitesurf schools line the peninsula beneath the mountain. It suits couples, families and kitesurfers who want to step straight onto the sand, though you need transport for shops and local restaurants.

• La Gaulette

  A fishing village a few kilometres north on the coast road, with guesthouses, small eateries and an everyday Mauritian feel. It suits travellers who prefer a local atmosphere to a resort.

• Bel Ombre

  A stretch of the south coast with large resorts, golf and a big nature estate, around 25 kilometres east. It suits families and golfers looking for facilities and wide beaches.

• Chamarel

  A hill village inland with cooler air, coffee plantations and views to the sea. It suits couples and walkers who want a quiet escape and are happy to hire a car.

Il periodo migliore per visitare Le Morne

May to December is the cooler, drier part of the year, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. The south-east trade winds are strongest and most dependable in the cooler months, from about June to September, which is the main kitesurfing season. The summer, from December to April, is hot and humid, with a risk of cyclones and heavy rain, especially from January to March. The sea stays warm enough to swim all year round, although a thin wetsuit can be welcome in the cooler months.

Come muoversi a Le Morne

Le Morne is spread out, so most visitors use hired cars, private drivers or taxis, and traffic drives on the left. Public buses run along the coast road to nearby towns, but services are slow and thin out in the evening. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is on the opposite side of the island, roughly an hour's drive away, and transfers are easily arranged through your accommodation. Ask your hosts to book taxis and agree the fare before you set off.

Cibo e bevande a Le Morne

Mauritian food blends Indian, Chinese, French and African influences. Look for dholl puri, a soft flatbread filled with ground split peas and served with curry, and gateaux piments, small fried chilli and lentil cakes sold as street snacks. Rougaille is a spicy tomato stew often made with fish or sausage, vindaye is a mustard-and-turmeric pickled fish, and octopus curry is a coastal favourite. Palm heart salad is a local treat, and alouda, a sweet milky drink with basil seeds, is popular in the heat. Chamarel is known for its rum and coffee.

Domande sulla visita a Le Morne