The most beautiful natural sites to discover Grande Terre

This beautiful hike makes a slightly physical but breathtaking loop. You will cross real oasis of primary forest and enjoy beautiful panoramas on the lagoon and the valley. The trail follows a part of the "time road" closed to traffic. The return journey is done by the old "time road", a beautiful route in cornice which allows to admire magnificent turquoise water holes and numerous waterfalls on the other side of the valley.

South of the Rocher à la Voile, you approach Anse Vata (stone in the local language), closed off to the south by Point Magnin. Formerly marshy, it was called the Bay of Ducks, the cove is now one of the most popular tourist spots in New Caledonia. Don't worry, the number of visitors in high season is equivalent to that of the Côte d'Azur in winter... Exposed to the prevailing winds, it is also a very famous windsurfing site. The nautical structures abound in the area, as do the hotels and restaurants.

The Bay of Lemons, or "BD" as it is known locally, is sheltered from the wind and is lined with numerous snack bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels. Some say that a boat full of lemons once ran aground here, releasing its cargo, hence the name. Others say that the bay was once lined with lemon trees. With its sea of oil, its trees and its fine sand, it is the family beach par excellence. The Cap du Rocher à la Voile in the south was the place where Nouméans would gather for a last farewell when the sailing ships left for France.

For a walk at the end of the world, stop at Nénon, one of the most beautiful beaches of Grande Terre. Located 12 km north of the Poum crossroads, at the bottom of a small pass from which you can overlook the Bouana bay, a track leads to it on the left. This site from elsewhere is absolutely magnificent, scattered with shells and desert. Its clear sand stretches for kilometers, between the houses of the tribes of the region. A picnic area has been set up on the spot, but beware the area is sometimes invaded by horseflies, the "shark flies", as they say.

Originally from Reunion Island, a settler who arrived in Moindou to plant sugar cane took with him a bag of royal palm seeds. A flood spread them in the valley and 1,200 trees were born. The Ryawa Valley in Moindou is home to the largest concentration of royal palms in New Caledonia. More than 500 of these trees, up to 50 m high, stand there. To learn about the place, plan a guided tour of about 2h30!

An original and exotic excursion at 5 minutes from Noumea in a marine reserve and a treasure island. Under a pretty "faré" in the center of the islet or directly at your deckchair, you can enjoy a snack (nice salads with shrimps, children's menu...). A good idea to have lunch with your feet in the water. Underwater path for snorkeling. Tapas evening every first Thursday of the month. Permanent open-air exhibition: corals and sculptures (more than 100 pieces). Charming paths lead you there.

The climb is very steep and not to be taken lightly, so it is better to be a seasoned and experienced walker. It will take about six hours to complete the 10 kilometers round trip and the 1,050 meters of elevation gain. After three kilometers, you will see three different paths: take the one on the right. Once you reach the top, the view of the surrounding area is spectacular. Be sure to take precautions, including checking the weather beforehand (make sure it hasn't rained). Also take plenty of water and food with you.