The village is named after a French warship, ‘La Preneuse’. It was commanded by Jean Marthe-L’Hermitte who was well known for his bravery. In 1799 Captain L’Hermitte was chased by an English squadron and he took refuge on the coast of Riviere Noire where he landed all his ammunitions. The locality where he landed came to be known as ‘La Preneuse’ after his warship.

A Martello Tower is found at La Preneuse. Today La Preneuse is a fishing village, and has a quite good beach. Smoked marlin is manufactured by ‘Velmar Ltee’ in the region. Opposite, on the other side of the road, there is a saltpan.