Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia is on the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there.
Gorgeous bays and splendid islets
Facing the lagoon, the Caledonian capital is the picture of the Pacific: a city to wander about in and live well, especially on the waterfront. The bay attracted the first Europeans to settle here starting in 1853 and has still kept all its appeal, as testified by the very beautiful beach on the Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata. Offshore in these bays are Îlot Maître and Îlot Canard, that can be reached in only a few minutes by boat. Both offer an ideal setting for a day of exploration or of lounging.
A wealth of culture
Noumea has built its Pacific identity through a mixing of cultures and styles. This cultural diversity is reflected on your plate, but also in the architecture and all the attractions it offers. True artistic heart of the country, museums, art galleries, theaters and cinemas are concentrated in Noumea. You can soak up the heritage of the city.
Although colonial-era houses are scarce nowadays, some have still be beautifully restored, like Maison Célières, Château Hagen or the old Nouméa City Hall, which now houses the city museum.
A city of pleasure
This city of about 100,000 inhabitants offers a range of activities that will inspire you with its diversity. Facing the sea and lined with inviting beaches and islands, you can practice outdoor sports all year long; not only walking, snorkeling, windsurfing and kitesurfing, but also golf, tennis and, of course, swimming.
It's also a joyful city with many bars, clubs, and two casinos for festive evenings after – and why not - a day of shopping in the various shops of downtown Noumea and Anse Vata. Three spots you can’t miss: Alma Street, Sebastopol Street and the Promenade.
Nouméa is where the convoys of convicts were taken. The first 250 (out of an estimated total of about 21,500 convict) arrived on May 9, 1864 aboard the Iphigénie. Most of the convicts were placed in the penitentiary center on Île Nou (which became the Nouville peninsula). A guided historical tour of the premises is available. Even though very few buildings have survived (the chapel, the commander’s quarters, the bakery, the water tower and the “boulevard of crime”!), the emotion is still very real.
Discover the must-sees in Nouméa
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World War two museum
During World War II, the US presence in New Caledonia greatly transformed the country, marking the spirit of its inhabitants.
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The Nouméa isles
Less than 5 km away from Anse Vata Bay, Îlot Maître and Îlot Canard are as popular with tourists as they are with Noumeans, who enjoy relaxing on these isles during the day. The îlot Maître is th...
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Baie des citrons
Located less than 10 minutes from the city center, Baie des Citrons is today the most connected seaside spot in the Caledonian "capital". Stores, bars, restaurants and night clubs follow one anot...
Read moreA green and blue city
The recently renovated Aquarium of the Lagoon houses a stunning collection of living underwater species. Its treasures include the pygmy seahorse and the famous nautilus, which is one of the emblems of New Caledonia.
Still, blue isn’t the only color to represent Nouméa; green also has a prominent place. The luxuriance of the vegetation (palms, coconut trees, flamboyants and hibiscus) commonly surprise visitors.
The city is blessed with several parks and gardens when you can enjoy a pleasant stroll. Start with the Zoological Forest Park, located in the heights of the city and offering an enjoyable day of discovery as well as local flora and fauna. Other ‘green lungs’: Coconut Tree Square in the downtown area hosts events and fairs throughout the year, Ouen Toro facing the sea, or even the Nouville Trail to Fort Tereka. The sea pediment was also built to accommodate a beautiful stroll between Orphanage Bay and the Pierre Vernier promenade.
