Noumea Travel Guide
Noumea accommodation, Noumea activities and attractions, Noumea maps, transportation to and around Noumea - the ALL NEW Jasons Noumea Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Noumea.
Noumea is
New Caledonia’s capital city, a vibrant centre occupying a 42sq km peninsula on the south-west coast of La Grande Terre (the Main Island). Back in 1854, a French naval officer, Tardy de Montravel, charmed by the natural port of Noumea, laid claim to the site. Since then Noumea has been fashioned by sailors and missionaries, governed by the French military, and turned into the headquarters of the US army during the Pacific War. Today, Noumea's chic boutiques, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs and theatres rub shoulders with its gracious colonial buildings, parks and gardens. Sample the superb French cuisine at a pavement café, shop at the designer boutiques, or just relax at one of Noumea's many lovely beaches.
At the heart of Noumea, the Place des Cocotiers (Coconut Square) is a popular local meeting place lined by huge flame trees. In the Latin Quarter, Port Moselle is home to Noumea’s colourful markets and a great place to browse for bargains. For handy sightseeing, Le Petit Train (a miniature train) makes a scenic circuit between Noumea's city centre and main tourist area of Anse Vata, stopping at
key sights along the way. Don’t forget to visit Noumea's many museums and the unique Tjibaou Cultural Centre – one of Noumea’s iconic buildings. Tontouta International Airport lies 45 minutes to the north of the city.
Beyond Noumea are the diverse attractions of the
Northern and
Southern Provinces, offering bushwalks, parks, waterfalls, historic towns and
island retreats.
Geographic Location
The south-west coast of La Grande Terre
Population
Over 100,000
Climate
Moderate and sunny with two distinct seasons:
December to March - Warm and humid with moderate rainfalls; average temperature 25.5ºC.
April to November - Cooler and drier; average temperature drops to 20ºC in July and August.
Major Attractions
City Tour, Anse Vata, Place des Cocotiers, Mount Ouen Toro, Le Petit Train, The Michel Corbasson Zoological and Forest Park, Tjibaou Cultural Centre, Noumea Aquarium, Beaches, Museum of New Caledonia, Maritime History Museum, The City of Noumea Museum, Island Excursions, Pierre Vernier Walk, Amedée Lighthouse