Noumea Hotels

The City of Noumea Museum provides a good insight into the workings of Grande Terre, the largest of the islands that comprise New Caledonia. Noumea’s best snorkelling is found off the Rocher a la Voile and French arrogance isn’t the only reason the markets at Rue Clemenceau are said to be the best in the country…

Noumea’s Top 10

Noumea History

• Maritime History Museum – A little museum that contains many maritime artefacts, as well as changing international exhibits.
• City of Noumea Museum – Contains a miniature model of the city during World War II.
• Cathedrale St Joseph – Contains colourful stained-glass windows with many elaborately carved panels.
• La Fontaine Celeste – A working fountain that dates back to 1892.
• Amender Lighthouse – Built in France, this was dismantled and shipped to the island, where it was later re-erected.

Noumea Arts & Culture

• Museum of New Caledonia – Contains many Melanesian and Kanak cultural items, such as spears, boats and other weapons.
• Tjibaou Cultural Centre – Large wooden roundhouse that contains many Oceanic and Melanesian art works.
• Government House – A colonial-style villa this is the residence of the French high Commissioner.
• Mwa Ka – A 12m totem pole with eight carvings that represent the customary regions of the island.
• Aquarium des Lagons – Aquarium with an excellent collection of local Nautilus and a lot of information about marine life around Noumea.

Noumea Shopping

• Waterfront Market – This Noumea market is open every morning and offers a range of food and other products.
• Noumea Market – Near Port Moselle, this is housed in blue-roofed buildings, where you can wander through many stalls offering handicrafts and fresh produce.
• Librairie Caledo Livres – A bookstore that specializes in books on the Pacific and New Caledonia.
• Casino Johnston – A supermarket that accepts a range of currencies include Euros and New Zealand, Australian and US dollars.
• Marine Corail – Offers a range of snorkelling gear with many different brands and at all price points.

Gay & Lesbian Noumea

• Escapade Island Resort – A four-star, gay-friendly hotel that is situated in a marine reserve.
• Le Nouvata hotel – A three-star, gay-friendly hotel that contains a boutique, restaurant, bar and swimming pool.
• Malecon Café – A gay-friendly cocktail bar located in the Baie des Citrons.
• MvLounge – A Noumea nightclub and lounge that offers dancing and drinks.
• Nouville Kuendu Beach – A gay-friendly beach that is 10 minutes from the city centre.

Noumea Events

Celebrating the beginning of the annual sweet potato harvest, the Festival of the Yam rings in March with celebratory dancing and overindulging.

If you thought those massive chocolate eggs were as good as Easter got, check out the Giant Omelette Festival in April. Dating back to Napoleon’s era, over 7,000 eggs will be used!

Celebrate the greasy and the green at April/May’s Avocado Festival, with events organised by local tribes.

The tropical islands come to life with the beat of Latin America at the Noumea Salsa and Latin Dance Festival. Held in May, you can learn the moves or just stand by and watch.

The world-class yachting event Sail Noumea sees the islands of New Caledonia as waypoints on a cruising rally in June.

When To Go

Winter (June to August) sees pleasant daytime average temperatures of around 23ºC (73ºF).

November to April is ideal for those wishing to enjoy the spoils of the warm water.

September to December are the nicest times to visit (due to the low humidity but warm temperatures), but everyone else has the same idea.

Getting Around

The famous ‘Little Train’ runs several times a day around Noumea. You can hop on and off at will.

Eight bus routes service the city, but the drivers only speak French.

The Noumea Explorer bus runs on an hourly loop linking all the main tourist sites.