When Noumea lights up to the Francofolies beat, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre turns into the ultimate open-air stage.
|
Arrival at Tontouta International Airport. Collect your luggage, then head to Nouméa by rental car or a shuttle booked in advance. Once you have checked into your hotel and settled your belongings, it is time to explore.
Aeroport De Tontouta Izmerhamdanfishermen 2029 04 21
|
overview of Baie des Citrons, Nouméa New Caledonia
|
Evening in a bar in the Baie des Citrons, Noumea
|
Spend your late afternoon discovering the bays: enjoy a stroll along Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay) for your first encounter with the lagoon and the vibrant New Caledonian atmosphere.
For dinner or evening drinks, the waterfront terraces of Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata offer a superb setting to unwind. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After a hearty breakfast, head down to the Pacific for a day on the water.
Make your way to the lagoon and try your hand at kitesurfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing or pedal boating, with departures directly from Anse Vata. Local operators offer half-day experiences that generally don’t require advance bookings, making it the perfect opportunity to get out on the water and discover the lagoon at your own pace.
Windsurfing in Nouméa's lagoon
|
Just off Nouméa, a resort islet surrounded by blue.
|
Snorkeling with a lagoon turtle
|
At midday, take a water taxi to Îlot Maître (Master Island). Experience turquoise waters, exceptional snorkeling, and relaxation on the white sand. Lunch is available on the island at the snack bar or the hotel restaurant (bookings are essential). Return to the mainland pier before sunset.
For the evening, make your way to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre for the opening night of the Francofolies festival.
Opening hours to be confirmed.
26 09 Francofolies 3830
Boulangerie E. Aubry Nctps Eric Aubry Noumea Boulangerie
Croissant Toko Nct Toko Noumea
Following your first night at the festival, enjoy a leisurely morning. Take the opportunity to sleep in and recharge with a French breakfast in a local bakery .
Begin at Port Moselle Market (open mornings only) to discover local craftsmanship: gaïac wood carvings, mother-of-pearl jewellery, Lifou vanilla and sandalwood oils.
Continue to the Quartier Latin and La Boutique Partagée for authentic New Caledonian creations, then browse the local surf shops for New Caledonian boardsport brands you won’t find back home. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the city centre before heading back towards the bays.
Conclude your shopping with a stroll through Port Plaisance Galerie or Complexe La Promenade, home to the perfect souvenir stop, Laser Art Pacific, where you’ll find quality Caledonian art and design.
Port Moselle market in Noumea
|
Les Arts du Pacifique boutique, Anse-Vata
|
Palm Beach Gallery at Anse-Vata, Noumea
|
In the evening, make your way back to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre for the second and final night of the Francofolies. The last night of a festival always hits differently.
Francofolies 2025
|
Today is dedicated to recharging your batteries.
Start your morning at your own pace : a slow coffee, a last swim, a final look at the lagoon.
At midday, head to Le Ponton for a farewell lunch on the water (booking in advance is required). Accessible by shuttle boat, Le Ponton is an open-sea restaurant serving fresh local seafood, with a protected swimming area to relax before or after your meal.
"Le Ponton" floating restaurant in Nouméa
|
Afterwards, treat yourself to a spa session: massages, balneotherapy, and some well-deserved silence. Nouméa’s spas offer a range of treatments inspired by local ingredients, it’s the perfect way to ease tired legs and festival-worn bodies before the flight home.
All good things come to an end. Collect your luggage and begin the drive back to Tontouta International Airport, with two nights of music and a lagoon full of memories to take home.
