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Nouméa |
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Where the French Riviera
meets the South Pacific |
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Nouméa is the place
where most people start their New Caledonia experience. lt is the only city
and the capital of the archipelago. |
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lt is a bustling cosmopolitan place, on a
large peninsula, home to around 40% of the population. Originally founded in
1854, the name Nouméa is derived form a combination
of Melanesian words meaning 'island'
and a small tropical fish‘. |
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The settlement was initially established as a
trading post and then a French fortress, and much of the city‘s unique
layout today is due to these influences. The soul of France in the South Pacific. |
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A Cultural Paradise |
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Nouméa has several of
New Caledonia‘s most important cultural centres. |
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The recently constructed Tjibaou Cultural
Centre offers the visitor a unique collection of contemporary art from the
Pacific region, as weIl as exciting Melanesian and Polynesian artistic and
historic displays. The architecture alone is worth a visit, created by the
famous Pritzker Prize Winner Renzo Piano, who
brilliantly merged Kanak design with. modern architecture. |
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The Territorial Museum is dedicated to the
archeology and ethnology of the region. And the City of Nouméa
Museum retraces the history of the city and country from 1854 to 1954. |
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Who to See |
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If you are looking for
great ideas or more Information on the many sights and activities in Nouméa
and New Caledonia you can visit the ‘Office du Tourisme‘ information centres
in the city centre and on popular Anse Vata beach. Most hotels also offer a
tour or excursion desk. |
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What to See |
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You‘ll never tire of the many sights in Nouméa
starting with the beautiful colonial architecture of many magnificent old
buildings. |
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The famous Place des Cocotiers‘ is an
attractive gardened square in the centre of the city, shaded by magnificent
flame trees. Surrounding this are numerous streets full of interesting
shops. |
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The Parc Forestier‘ nature reserve offers
both botanical and zoological treats, including the parrots, bats, deer and
the Cagou‘ -New Caledonia‘s unusual flightless national bird. |
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At the world-renowned Nouméa
Aquarium‘ you‘Il discover a large number of colourful displays of
tropical fish, a stunning selection of fluorescent coral and the Nautilus‘-an
ancient creature of the deep. |
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The Maritime History Museum displays some 40
pieces of wreckage, salvaged from the numerous ships which have run aground
on the reefs surrounding New Caledonia. |
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You can also hire a car and visit the many
vantage points in Nouméa which give a super view over the City and across the
Pacific Ocean. One of the best is St Joseph‘s beautiful
gothic cathedral, which was built by convicts in 1887. Or explore the
natural bushlands and other sights dose to Nouméa, such as Mount Koghi‘ which
is a short drive away. |
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What to Do |
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The possibilities for the
visitor to Nouméa are endless.
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A good way to start your
holiday is to take a short City tour to get your bearings, either by coach
or the famous ‘Le Petit Train‘. This will show you the highlights of what
the City has to offer and give you a good idea of some of the things you
will want to see and do during your stay. |
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Make sure you pick up a free
copy of 'Jason‘s Passport Map‘ of New Caledonia, which is readily available
in the arrivalhall at Tontouta Airport and at most hotels. |
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One of the great advantages
of a holiday in Nouméa is the close proximity and easy access to many of the
places and activities - the whole City. is your resort during your stay.
Here are a few suggestions: |
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Explore 'Downtown Nouméa' -
the shops and the wide variety of European products available; discover the
markets (the Baie de la Moselle market is open every day); or have lunch in
an outdoor café and watch the sights, soundso and pople as they pass by. |
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The beaches at Anse Vata,
Pointe Magnin and Baie des Citrons are focal points - you may wish to just
sunbathe, sail on a windsurfer, enjoy a refreshing ice cream served by the
mobile vendor, play a game of petanque‘ (French bowls) or just sit and
contemplate another picturesque Pacific sunset. Every Thursday evening on
Anse Vata, the Nouméa and Southern Province Tourist office invite you to come
and meet local artists and craftspeople. |
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A large ‘marina Complex‘ plays host to a number of boat tour operators, plus
yacht charter Companies and dive operators. Take a tour to the Amedee
Lighthouse‘ where you will enjoy excellent snorkelling, sights and
entertainment. Discover the underwater marine life frorn the pontoon‘ moored
on the outer reef. Or the fantasic snorkelling at Ile aux Canards (Duck
Island) which is only a few minutes from Anse Vata by water taxi. |
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Many hotels in Nouméa offer free activities
for guests at Anse Vata through
the Plage Loisirs‘ centre, including windsurfing, snorkelling and pedal
boats, as weil as deck chairs to make sunbathing more comfortable. Enjoy a
game of golf at the Tina international‘ 18 hole golf course which is only a
ten minute drive from Anse Vata. Go walking or jogging along the beautiful
‘Pierre Vernier Promenade‘. Some tour operators also provide exciting 4WD
excursions to the surrounding countryside. |
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Night-time in Nouméa is superb. Enjoy the choice of wonderful cuisine
available in any one of 130 restaurants, join the locals in one of the many
bars, cafes or nightciubs. Or try your luck at one of the Casinos. Nouméa
ofters the visitor plenty to do - by day or by night.
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Guide to
Nouméa and Districts |
