Things to see and do Isle Of Pines

It is the jewel in the crown of the Isle of Pines and a visit is a must during a stay here. This small natural coral basin, wedged between a channel and the sea, is an impressive and marvelous spot, a place simply blessed by nature: sheltered from the ocean waves that hit the surrounding rock barrier, surrounded by majestic pines and a beach of fine white sand, it hides under its turquoise and clear shallow waters a heavenly marine fauna: corals, shells and multicolored fish. Swimming in this crystalline pool, with or without snorkel, in the middle of a multitude of multicolored fish not afraid for a penny, even curious, is an idyllic moment. However, don't forget your plastic sandals, because before reaching the sandy bottom, it is necessary to walk for a few meters on small rocks! Spending the day there to capture all the magic, discover new specimens and swim several times is a good option. But to avoid the crowds, it is advisable to come in the early morning or later in the afternoon, as families and locals tend to go there for lunch, enjoying the pool just before and/or after. To get there, you have to leave your car at the parking lot and follow for about 15 minutes a forest path that you have to pay for, at the entrance of which someone will wait for you to collect the money and explain the shortest way. This path crosses the channel, so you will have to walk in the water (more or less high depending on the tide) which does not present any particular difficulty. And for the smaller budgets, it is possible to come by your own means via the track that serves the Meridian. But it can also be pleasant to arrive on the site from Upi Bay, after an excursion in a traditional Melanesian pirogue, piloted by a piroguier from Saint-Joseph Bay. In this case, it is necessary to foresee forty-five minutes of walk on the pedestrian forest path to reach the natural swimming pool. The toll and a certain surveillance have been put in place by the customary authorities to avoid certain abuses of cruisers. Please remember to wear a bathing suit to ensure a certain modesty.

This is truly a stopover not to be missed under any circumstances, for the beauty of the place, of course, but above all to take a dip and enjoy a welcome moment of relaxation before resuming your excursion.

Connected by a narrow isthmus, the bays are masterpieces of nature. If the first one is known for being the landing place of the Betico, the second one is famous for its rock, whose access is taboo. Both beaches are the only spots on the island where you can practice windsurfing, and PMT is also a widespread activity. Take the path that runs along the peninsula from the south and go around it going north, you will be delighted by this short excursion (1h).

It is here that dugout expeditions begin, in the pretty bay of Saint-Joseph with its numerous coral islands in the shape of a mushroom. It is not uncommon to see a few of them while passing by, but they almost disappeared once upon a time. Having become obsolete, these boats were replaced by motor boats, before becoming fashionable again in the 1990s. Some fishermen perpetuate the tradition today and also offer trips in Upi Bay (to be booked through your accommodation).

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Vao, built in 1860, is a colorful building very representative of the Caledonian island style. Inside, the beautiful ceiling and the multicolored stained glass windows should be noted. The tabernacle and the pulpits are made of carved wood. Behind the building, take the path that leads to a small chapel located a little higher up, where a statue of the Virgin is leaning over the world. The Grande Chefferie is also nearby. Inaugurated in 2006, it is in fact a building from the 1850s that has been restored.

Numerous more or less accessible caves follow one another along the road towards the north. Their exploration requires an adequate equipment. The luxuriant vegetation around is magnificent, as well as the entrance of the site! It is here that Queen Hortense would have found refuge between 1855 and 1856, when the tribes were fighting for the succession. At the entrance, we can see a temple dedicated to her memory. You have to cross a small river by a slippery bridge and be careful not to fall. At the bottom, a slab would have served as a bed for the one who came to hide there. Kanedjio Vendegou was born around 1848 on the Isle of Pines. Daughter of the great chief, Kaoua Vendegou, although a woman, was able to speak out and help her father who accepted the protection of France in 1853. Kanedjio is baptized and becomes Hortense. An excellent student, she became the first Melanesian woman to read and write French. Thanks to an agreement with the administration, she obtained the protection of land for the Kuniés. Without any descendants, she joined the sisters after the death of her husband in 1872 and died in 1900. She is buried in Vao. Her portrait is still visible in many houses and cottages on the island. Her memory is still very much alive.

At 20 minutes by scooter from Kuto, the place is not difficult to find. Just go in the direction of Vao and follow the direction of Oro Bay. 9 kilometers straight ahead, you are there! Don't forget your flashlight!

Leaving Vao to the north, you will have to take the first right to discover them, all carved wood, with their expressions as fascinating as amusing. This site owes its fame to the magnificent Kanak woods (totems) erected as a palisade around the monument. This monument commemorates the arrival on the island of Fathers Goujon and Chatelut and thus the first Catholic service given on August 12, 1848 on the island. James Cook would have passed by there in his time and tourists and locals never tire of it. It is one of the most picturesque places in the area.

The island had five villages of deportees, most of whom never returned to France. 230 graves were built to accommodate the remains of victims of scurvy and deserters who drowned in the lagoon. No need to look for the graves, only a white stele was built by the convicts in homage to their companions. The cemetery of the administrators, where the former employees of the prison are buried in tombs carved in the coral, is just next door. Ask for permission before crossing.

A trip by Melanesian canoe in Upi Bay is a must to see the wonderful site and its numerous coral "potatoes" in the shape of a giant mushroom. Dolphins and turtles are often seen there. The departure is early in the morning to the bay of St. Joseph, where you embark before sailing 1h30 in a dream setting (without engine when the wind allows it). Then, you can walk 30 to 45 min under the shade of the trees until the natural swimming pool of Oro, where we spend the rest of the day before the return shuttle. Idyllic.

This information point will help you to organize your stay. Like any self-respecting tourist office, it is THE first step for any trip unless you are more the type to go on an adventure without information, which is also good. For the others, we really recommend to stop there. The team knows all the providers very well and will be able to guide you.

The bays in the north of the island are famous for their protected seabed, rich in fauna and flora. Inhabitants of Lifou, fleeing the anger of their tribe's chief, settled there in the middle of the 18th century. The first missionaries arrived in 1840, followed by sandalwood workers. The Gadji tribe is composed of only a dozen people. Compared to the rest of the island, more frequented by tourists, the place is extremely peaceful.