Pack your joie de vivre and come on over to explore
A holiday in Noumea allows you to be classy and casual; indulge in fine French wine and cheese by hibiscus-flanked bays; explore Oceanic cultures and lap one of the largest lagoons on the planet.
There's a remarkable collection of Pacific artifacts at the city's Museum of New Caledonia and the region's iconic wooden roundhouses can be appreciated (along with traditional dancing and music on occasion) at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, just outside town.
Wind and kite surfers take advantage of the afternoon breezes at Anse Vata and snorkelling is a treat at Bai des Citrons (Lemon Bay). Mixing fresh seafood, tropical fruits and French cuisine can produce fine gastronomic results, whether served on white linen tablecloths, or emerging from a picnic basket. As the only city of reasonable size on New Caledonia, Noumea is an ideal base for further exploration of the region. Shoestring and 5-star budgets are catered for – and the locals are equally hospitable regardless of what your back pocket provides – but you might find a few more accommodation options at the upper end of the market.