Paix Bouche (F)

There are two parts of the island called by this name, which means, 'Shut [your] mouth'. Both are associated with steep hillside paths around the island where walkers had to stop talking to save their breath for the climb. One is in the north, on the hill between Dos D'Ane and Blenheim. The old walking road along the north coast climbed up Morne Paix Bouche to get over to Thibaud and Hiroula Bay and on to Anse Du Mai. When the workers of Blenheim and Moore Park moved to form their own community after Emancipation, the settlement that developed on this ridge became known as Paix Bouche. The other one is in the south. Here Paix Bouche is the mountain between Petite Savanne and Point Mulatre. The main bridle path that went over it was also very steep on both sides, hence the name. A dramatically cut motorable road, opened in 1998-99 now follows the line of the footpath up and over the mountain.

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