(TAN): Paris, the “city of love” and the home of the Eiffel Tower, is a well-known tourist destination. But do you want to go off the beaten path and go somewhere that is still French but a little more unusual and exotic? Check out New Caledonia.
New Caledonia is part of the French overseas territory. It encompasses a large number of South Pacific islands east of Australia. It is a place with distinct scenery and culture. New Caledonia, which bills itself as the “Paris of the Pacific,” can really give the European tourist cities tough competition.
In 1774, James Cook, the British navigator, made the discovery of New Caledonia. Grande Terre was the original name of New Caledonia, but James Cook gave it the name New Caledonia because the hilly terrain reminded him of his native Scotland.
New Caledonia is surrounded by a lagoon, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The lagoon spans over 9,000 square miles. The adjacent barrier reef is one of the biggest in the world and has an astounding amount of marine species.
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You can check out the following place when travelling through this gorgeous region:
1. Amedee Island: For a bit of history, visit Amedee Island. This island is home to the 19th-century Amedee Lighthouse. This is France’s first metal lighthouse.
2. Lifou Island: The largest and most populated of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia, this island will give the Bahamas a run for their money owing to its stunning beauty and the range of fascinating things that can be done there.
3. Ile aux Canards Island: Visit this tiny island that is close to the mainland if you wish to go on an underwater adventure. On this island, snorkelling is extremely popular.
4. Kanumera Bay: Visit Kanumera Bay and relax close to the serene blue water on the lovely white sand beach. The photos you snap here will serve as a lasting reminder of your good times.
5. Oro Bay: Oro Bay is bordered by steep rocks and has a white sand beach and clean water. It is breathtakingly beautiful and the ideal setting for a peaceful family vacation.
6. Anse Vata Beach: Hard-core travellers and explorers belong here. Anse Vata has markets and restaurants in addition to the beach. Also, there are wonderful walking routes.
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One of the most well-known hotels on this island is Le Méridien Ile des Pins. It is a favourite among tourists because of its location, which allows them to admire the white beaches of Ora Bay and is only 15 minutes from the airport. Other hotels and resorts in New Caledonia include DoubleTree by Hilton Nouméa Ilot Maitre Resort, Hotel Tieti Poindimie, Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort, Paradis d’Ouvea, and Chateau Royal Beach Resort and Spa.
Food destination
Try the delectable treats at Le Faré du Palm Beach, a beachside restaurant. Then, if you’re still in the mood for some fine dining around dinnertime, go to the elegant restaurant La Table des Gourmets. Book a table at the Tipico Latino Restaurant Méxicain if you want to experience some unusual Mexican cuisine on French soil. Not to mention, make sure to stop by Malongo Cafe Store for a hearty and delectable breakfast.
When to visit
The ideal months to visit New Caledonia are from September through November, since the weather is perfect for swimming and there is little danger of rain. Travel is also recommended between May and October.
How to reach New Caledonia
Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to go to New Caledonia. Travellers from Europe can reach New Caledonia through Australia or Japan, with Japan frequently having faster and shorter flight durations.
Following that, you can travel within the islands by using domestic aircraft and ferries. If you want to use the ferries to commute, you can organize your timetable accordingly since you need roughly 5 days to see New Caledonia, and the ferries make a return journey every 3 days.
In this occasional series, we feature relatively unknown travel destinations.
