Travel to Nouméa

Explore

Nouméa, New Caledonia

Largely unknown to anybody outside of France and the Pacific Islands, Nouméa is the capital and largest city of New Caledonia, a French overseas collectivity in the Pacific Ocean. It is by far the most industrialised city in the region and has a relatively sizeable population of around 100,000. Although the first European to settle there was British navigator and trader James Paddon in 1851, it was the French who too control of the islands a few years later and has remained under their influence ever since. Indeed, today the city is almost exclusively Francophone and those without a decent grasp of French may struggle to communicate effectively. Although a long way from home and relatively expensive to get to, it offers an experience not to be found anywhere else where one can discover a unique history, heritage and culture. Known for its pristine beaches and year-round good weather (cyclones aside), Nouméa also boasts museums, a range of water sports and stunning natural assets. Not a destination in itself, Nouméa can be visited as part of a trip to New Caledonia or as part of an extended trip to Oceania.

  More

pros

•  Unique culture
•  Fine beaches
•  Safe

cons

•  Distance from UK
•  Cost of getting there
•  Cost of living

  More

map New Caledonia

Visit Nouméa

• To see

  The city has several museums and attractions which should not be missed during a visit to the capital. The Museum of New Caledonia specialises in the archaeology and ethnicity of the indigenous Kanak people as well as objects from the South Pacific nations such as Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The Tjibaou Cultural Centre, named after a Kanak leader and designed by Renzo Piano who designed the Pompidou Centre in Paris, looks at Melanesian culture while the Maritime History Museum displays results of numerous underwater searches around the island. The City of Nouméa Museum, which is housed in a former colonial dwelling, recounts the city's past as well as its immigration over the years. Also a must on your Nouméa itinerary is the Aquarium des Lagons which showcases the underwater life of the region and the Zoological and Forest Park which offers the possibility of forest walks and to see some of the island's wildlife including birds such as the kagu, the goliath imperial pigeon and the Ouvéa parakeet as well as stags and turtles. Nouméa also has a large indoor market where you can purchase fresh fruit, veg, fish and flowers and the late 19th Saint Joseph Cathedral, designed by a convict, is also worth a visit in the town centre. History buffs can visit the memorial marking the 50th anniversary of the arrival of US soldiers to the island in 1942.

    More

  To do

  One of the main attractions of Nouméa is it beaches, in particular at the Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata. The former is more popular with families, while the latter is more appropriate for sporty types. And speaking of sports, the possibilities are numerous: wind surfing, kite surfing, water skiing, snorkelling, diving, canoeing, fishing and more. Also out to sea one can experience whale watching while back on land, there are many options for those who enjoy walking and hiking. Another pleasurable activity is island hopping with the Ile aux Canards, the Îlot Maître and the Îlot Amédée among the most popular destinations. You'll find many companies offering tours of the islands some of which are fairly touristy, others more private. If you happen to be in Nouméa in the month of April then try and coincide your visit with the city's carnival.

    More

  To think about

  Getting to Nouméa can be fairly expensive, as can life on the island. There are no direct flights from the UK, so will you have to either stopover in France, Australia or New Zealand as the airlines who serve Nouméa are Air France, Qantas and Air New Zealand. Of course you wouldn't go all that way to visit just one city. The rest of the island and the other islands are also worth visiting and of course you are relatively close to other countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. If you plan to visit all the museums in Nouméa then it is worth your while buying the Nature and Culture Pass which allows reduced entry into the museums.

    More

• To avoid

  Nouméa is an extremely safe place to visit and there is no real risk to be wary of. The only thing you may want to think about is when you go, as February/March is the rainy season and not very pleasant for tourism!

    More

  To try

  Caledonian cuisine has many influences with French, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Réunionais, Australian and New Zealand dishes all present. However, the most famous dish is known as 'bougna' which you will find wherever you go. Made with meat or fish cooked in coconut milk, it also contains yam, sweet potato, banana and taro and is traditionally cooked in banana leaves in a ground oven which uses hot rocks to heat the food. The two main meats eaten in New Caledonia are either deer or the Caledonian bat, while a whole variety of fresh seafood can be sampled. Many meals are accompanied by 'achards', a mixture of small pieces of vegetable (beans, cauliflower, carrot etc) marinated in a special sauce of vinegar, oil and salt to which is added ginger, chili and turmeric. The island's only domestic beer is known as Number One, while another popular drink is 'kawa' which is made from the roots of the pepper tree. Considered a drug in France and therefore not on sale, kawa is slightly euphoriant and is drunk n groups as a sign of friendship in places known as 'nakamals'. For the most adventurous of eaters you could try the 'vers de bancoule' a type of beetle larva whose headless body is placed in grated coconut for a few days before being eaten.

    More

  To bring back

  Nouméa and New Caledonia in general has a thriving arts scene, rich in Kanak art and sculpture. For something highly original you can take back home wood paintings or carvings. Another speciality is 'nautilus', a type of marine creature whose shell you can buy as a beautiful souvenir - just make sure that you purchase from a certified dealer. Otherwise you'll find plenty of local souvenirs at the main market in Nouméa such as weaved baskets and hats.

    More

Country guide

New Caledonia, All you need to know!

• Practical information 
• History 
• Culture and traditions 
• Useful Addresses 
• Events 
• Climate 
• Food 
• Souvenirs 

All flights at the best rate with Easyvoyage

• Flights
• Hotels
• Cars
• Holidays

One wayRound trip

From

To

Outward journey date

Return journey date

Adults

Children

Babies

EconomyBusinessFirst

Advertisement