Le Morne looks unlike most mountains. Its sides are very steep and rocky, and the top is almost flat, like a giant table in the sea. The rock is made of basalt - dark, heavy volcanic rock - from when Mauritius was first formed by undersea volcanoes millions of years ago.
The mountain is very important to the people of Mauritius. It is on the Mauritian coat of arms - the official symbol of the country - and appears in paintings, stories and songs. When Mauritians think of home, Le Morne is often one of the first things they picture.
At the foot of the mountain, the waters are some of the most famous for kitesurfing in the world. The shape of the mountain and the surrounding bay creates strong, steady winds that kitesurfers love. On busy days, dozens of colourful kites dot the blue sky above the lagoon.