New Caledonia the Paris of the Pacific

Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia has the sophistication of France with the flavour and pace of a romantic Pacific Island. Founded in 1854 by Tardy de Montravel, a French Naval officer, the capital of New Caledonia, Noumea, sits between low hills and a captivating natural harbour. and remains predominantly French.   With its fine French restaurants, chic boutiques and fantastic supermarkets that will spark any food lovers dream, this cosmopolitan city is often referred to as the Paris of the Pacific.  The city’s many beaches are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and scuba are popular past-times. Two of the main tourism areas of the town are Ansa Vata Beach and Baie des Citrons. The heart of the city has four different areas. The oldest area, the Place Feuillet, has been landscaped around an authentic old time music kiosk.  The Place Courbet is where the Céleste fountain is located, the Place de la Marne bustles with its Open Market and Live Entertainment and the Olry Square is where the typically French café culture watch the world go by.

The Isle of Pines is also referred to as The Jewel of the Pacific. Known by the locals as Kunié, it is a favourite spot for divers. With its white sandy beaches, pine forests and crystal waters, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Kanumera and Kuto Bays and the spectacular Tropical Lagoons. Known for the abundance of Tropical Fish,  Eagle Rays, Turtles and wide variety of vibrant Corals. You can go sailing in a Pirogue (a traditional Outrigger boat), take a glass-bottom boat to discover the marine-life below or visit the cave of Queen Hortense. To discover the Isle’s full potential, it is also possible to hire a car.

North East of la Grande Terre lie the tranquil Loyalty Islands of Maré, Ouvéa, Lifou and the tiny Island of Tiga. The people, mainly of Melanesian origin, are famous for their friendliness and their own unique cultural identity. Kick back to a slow pace and enjoy the immense beauty of these scenic Islands. You are unable to visit Tiga, but you are able to visit the other three and each have their own stunning entity. Ouvéa is amongst the Pacific’s most  beautiful atolls. Lifou is famous for its white sandy beaches, coral cliffs and limestone caves, while Maré is known for its spectacular untouched natural beauty  with its rugged towering Cliffs.

New Caledonia is diverse and each region has its own unique characteristic. The North brings a  colourful Kanak culture, cowboys, wide open plains, waterfalls, mines and tropical forests. If you are a nature lover this area will not fail to    excite. Apart from exploring the mines and tribal visits, it offers horse treks, fishing, diving, nature walks and climbing. The South is where you’ll find the stunning beaches, the tropical Islets, amazing rock formations  and  of   course   the  bustling  capital of New Caledonia - Noumea, with all the cosmopolitan charm it has to offer.