Things to see and do Noumea

The Higginson House is an architectural witness of the beginning of the ^20th century. It was built by Gabriel Laroque on a piece of land bought from John Higginson, founder of the Nickel company. Throughout the year, this municipal cultural space offers historical and heritage exhibitions as well as art and contemporary creation exhibitions. Mediations, conferences, meetings with artists, tea-chats, theater evenings, workshops, shows and screenings are regularly presented. Don't miss a visit!

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.

In the axis of Pointe Magnin, just south of the city, Ouen Toro is a hill of 128 m altitude. The slopes are classified as a botanical reserve with nearly 50 hectares of chlorophyll.

If you have a car, turn left at the first intersection after Le Méridien. On foot, take the Ouen Toro road for 350 m after the Vernier Drive intersection (the road that runs along Anse Vata). Then take the footpath on your right.

Good to know: there is only one water point on site. Therefore, plan to bring a drink. The walk lasts about an hour. You will cover 3 km of trail under the dry forest.

Leave in the morning or in the evening, knowing that in the late afternoon the sunset is superb. On the first two hundred meters, the vegetation is essentially made up of guaiac trees, some sandalwoods and false pepper trees. From there, you can take nice pictures of the "île aux Canards" and the columnar pines. At the crossroads, the left track leads to an old silica quarry. Prefer the right track which crosses sections of forest. Continue for 300 m. At the next crossroads, the path on the left joins the quarry; the one on the right goes down in the middle of the guaiac trees. Continue for about 200 m on the right track. You will then reach a new junction. On the right, you go back down to the Pierre-Vernier promenade. Choose the left track which goes straight into the forest. After 200 m, you leave the forest and follow the path that winds up the hillside. You will have a beautiful view on the lagoon, the islets of Sainte-Marie and the bay of the same name. Continue for 400 m. You have two options: go out on the Vernier promenade or take the very steep slope that accesses a dome covered with grass. Take your camera, the panorama is superb. You are on the launching pad for hang gliders and paragliders. The path continues to the northwest. After a hundred meters, a track starts on the left. It allows to access the quarry and to come back to the starting point. Keep going! On your right, the path leads after 200 m to another old quarry; 150 m further on, you arrive at the paved road of a housing estate, then at the road to Ouen Toro. Continue walking 500 m downhill and you will find your car. It is a superb walk, you will meet nature lovers who, organized in association, replant the original species.

The Loyalty Islands Province has a website entirely dedicated to the three islands. You will find general and practical information on the climate, customs and tourism, as well as information on restaurants and accommodation. The Province also offers good deals from July to August with the IBozu packages (package on the Loyalty Islands including flight and accommodation at low prices). A very good plan! And if you still have questions, don't hesitate to contact them, the team is adorable!