NOUMÉA CITY CENTRE
You’ll find several European fashion stores there, an entertaining Chinese quarter and a number of historic buildings to visit.
Place des Cocotiers is a series of landscaped esplanades and squares. It is famous for its bandstand and Céleste fountain, marking the 0-kilometre point from which all distances are measured in kilometres. Discover the new theme for the market, held in Place des Cocotiers every Thursday evening.
Saint Joseph’s Cathedral: from the cathedral forecourt, you can survey much of the city centre. Its two bell towers rise to a height of 25 m.
The Old Temple: Boulevard Vauban, near to the cathedral. Venue for numerous concerts, with remarkable acoustics.
Maison Célières: located in Faubourg-Blanchot, this is an example of the city’s rich colonial heritage.
Château Hagen: a magnificent mansion built in the Vallée des Colons district between l889 and 1892 and located in an attractive park.
MOSELLE MARKET
Open every morning except Monday (apart from Mondays that are public holidays and Mondays in December), from 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This covered market at Port Moselle consists of five hexagonal pavilions with blue-tiled roofs. Fishermen land their catch of fresh fish right there. You’ll find locally grown fruit and vegetables, flowers and lots of other local goods. The market is also the meeting point for craftsmen and women, offering a vast array of costume jewellery and decorative items.
On Saturdays and Sundays, it is recommended you don’t arrive too late in the morning, so you can find what you’re looking for and take full advantage of the colourful setting.
UNIQUE BAYS
Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons are the two most highly-prized bays. They are a haven for kite-surfers, stand-up paddle board enthusiasts and windsurfers, as well as being a favourite spot for families, cyclists and joggers.
Baie de l'Orphelinat: to be viewed in the morning light from up on Mont Vénus, or in the evening, as the sun sets on the sailboats moored there.
Baie des Citrons: a beach that particularly lends itself to sea swimming. And in the evening, it’s the "in" spot for Nouméa's young people.
Anse Vata: a long beach, beautiful promenade and excellent spot for a picnic. Don’t miss the spectacle of the windsurfers being propelled along by the trade wind.
Ouen-Toro Park: a haven for walkers, joggers and paragliding enthusiasts. Classed as a protected area, it harbours a section of dry deciduous forest and sandalwood trees.
Promenade Pierre-Vernier: A 4 km-long well-laid out pathway along the seafront for a pleasant and safe walk, ride or exercise route.
MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL CENTRE
Tjibaou Cultural Centre
Set in a vast park on the coast, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, made up of ten futuristic huts, designed by the architect Renzo Piano, exhibits a collection of Kanak and Oceanic contemporary works of art, but also ancient items of Kanak heritage.
| Avenue des Accords-de-Matignon, Tina. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00. Tel: 41 45 45 |
Museum of New Caledonia
A panorama of the art, culture and social life of Melanesian societies, seen through a large collection of petroglyphs, sculptures, funerary masks and everyday items. Entrance is free on the first Sunday of every month. Guided tours of the Oceanic collections available by advance booking all year round.
| Corner of Avenue Foch and Rue Eugène-Porcheron, in the Latin Quarter. Open every day except Tuesday, 09:00 - 11:30 and 12:15 - 16:30. Tel: 27 23 42. |
City Museum
Housed in a building from the colonial era, the City Museum is an invitation to dive into the history of New Caledonia, the founding of the city, life in the colonial era, the impact of two world wars and also the role played by nickel. Temporary exhibitions are also held throughout the year.
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Place des Cocotiers, city centre. Open all day Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00, and on Saturday 09:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 -17:00. Tel: 26 28 05. |
Maritime Museum of New Caledonia
The Maritime Museum of New Caledonia has been entirely redesigned, based on an innovative concept, in a renovated building that has been extended to present its new permanent exhibition.
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Maritime Terminal. Open all day, Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00. Closed on Mondays. Tel: 26 34 43. |
Museum of the Second World War
The saga of the volunteers who signed up, the presence of the American forces and ANZAC troops in New Caledonia etc. Whilst for most countries, the Second World War is synonymous with horror and destruction, it has taken on a very different meaning for New Caledonia. The museum reflects this paradoxical view, of a war that was rather “positive” for this country, despite the difficulties and traumatic experiences suffered by the local population.
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14, Avenue Paul Doumer. Open all day Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, and on Saturday 09:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 -17:00. Closed Sunday and on public holidays. Tel: 27 48 70. |
SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Aquarium des Lagons - Lagoon Aquarium
The aquarium allows you to set off in discovery of the treasures of New Caledonia's water world, from its freshwater sources, down through the mangroves to the depths of the ocean. Come and watch the fish being fed and other events and activities too, every day from 13:00. Public exhibitions and fun workshops throughout the year.
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Open all day, Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:00). Tel: 26 27 31 |
Forest park and zoo
A real showcase for New Caledonia’s endemic fauna and flora, just minutes from the centre of Nouméa. A botanic reserve and zoo, bringing together over 700 animals representing over 130 species, mainly birds of 110 distinct species.
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Open Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays. Tel: 27 89 51 |
Ile aux canards - Duck Island
Fins, mask and snorkel are all you need to discover the underwater trail at this extraordinary site. Just 5 minutes away by water taxi from Anse Vata, you’ll find numerous coral species there and an enormous variety of fish.
Amédée Lighthouse
Bathed in crystalline waters where hundreds of tropical fish live and grow, the islet on which Amédée Lighthouse stands is a unique spot. Just 45 minutes away from Nouméa by boat, you’ll discover a protected diving site.