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If you’re dreaming of a small, warm and sunny tropical island with stunning white sand beaches, sheltered clear blue turquoise lagoons and a range of restaurants all within walking distance then look no further.
A blend of French and Melanesian cultures intertwined offering contrast, splendour and excitement.
Comprising the Northern, Southern and Loyalty Island provinces, New Caledonia offers islands, rich in beauty and history. Enjoy the diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna, mountains and lush forests.
Glen Armstrong headed off there recently to practice his French as he enjoys the culture, restaurants and nightlife of the bustling city of Noumea….
A natural harbour, inner city beaches, numerous seaside restaurants and an abundance of offshore islands and reefs. Could be anywhere, but it’s the French influence that gives away the fact that we are holidaying in Noumea.
We are very relaxed as we shelter from the afternoon sea breeze on the beach at Baie des Citrons. Must be time to hop over the road for a waffle and a coffee! The wind is dropping so we decide to take a stroll along the beach back to our hotel to catch some late afternoon sun. We can’t help stopping at Anse Vata Bay to watch the kite surfers skim across the ocean, they go so fast and are fascinating to watch. Continuing on with our stroll we decide to stop for a beer at one of the beachfront cafes.
Time to head back to the hotel to relax then it’s out for dinner. Dining in Noumea is fantastic with a good selection of restaurants, many offering French influenced cuisine. Tonight it seems that most of Noumea are dining at Baie des Citrons, so we decided on ‘Saladisimo’ a well priced restaurant offering a variety of salad dishes, hence its name!
My French is not as good as I thought, but it gets us through. Knowing the local language is certainly not essential but helps us get on the correct bus the next day for our visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. This architectural wonder of the South Pacific really is a must see.
A visit to Noumea isn’t complete without spending some time out on the magnificent lagoon. We joined a day trip out to the Amedee Lighthouse, an hour from downtown Noumea by fast cat. The water was as blue and clear as you would imagine and the coral was better than I expected. During lunch we were entertained with some local dancing and then went further up the reef to feed the reef sharks - a fantastic experience, though the photos don’t do it justice!
We really enjoyed our “French” experience and look forward to the next time!
Noumea is a bustling cosmopolitan city so you’ll never be at a loss for entertainment options with shopping, restaurants and numerous sightseeing options on offer.
The city centre itself is picturesque and features a large main square, shaded by beautiful flame trees. After you’ve orientated yourself with the city head out to the beaches for the afternoon to relax.
Choose from either Anse Vata or Baie des Citrons - both offer great swimming and with so many waterfront cafés and restaurants in the area indulge yourself – you deserve it!
Whether you’re looking for a five star hotel with every comfort or simply a bed to call your own, Noumea offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Night time in Noumea is vibrant and with over 130 restaurants available you’ll be spoilt for choice. Savour world renowned French cuisine and wine flown in directly from Paris or experience any one of the other international restaurants. For those looking for some after dinner entertainment try your luck at one of the casinos.
Whilst Noumea is not known as a “cheap” destination it must be pointed out that it can certainly be an affordable holiday destination. Offering something for everybody from gourmet cuisine to the largest lagoon in the world! Vive la difference!
Escape to Isle of Pines known as the “Jewel of the Pacific”!
This tropical paradise is only 18 kilometres long and 14 kilometres wide.
Known for its pristine beauty, aqua marine lagoons, powder white sand beaches and pine tree skyline, the island offers the perfect place to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Choose to laze on the beach and take the time to discover the island by hiring a car or scooter.
Established as a convict settlement back in 1872, be sure to visit the old stone ruins and historic cemetery. Gain an insight into the Melanesian lifestyle at the village of Vao with its typical architecture and picturesque church. The ‘Rein Hortense Caves’ are also well worth a visit
Deserted beaches, dramatic scenery, fantastic fishing and diving, Kanak people and their customs await you!
Combine cosmopolitan Noumea with the peacefulness and beauty of the Loyalty Islands for an unforgettable holiday experience
The largest of the Loyalty Islands, Lifou has a dramatic coastline with deep bays, lagoons, cliffs and white sand beaches. There is plenty to explore and we highly recommend you hire a car for a couple of days to fully appreciate all that the island offers. During the months of June to September you can often see whales close to the coast – a truly spectacular sight
Possessing a wild beauty, Mare is the most southern of the Loyalty Islands. Steep cliffs dominate one coast while on the other side white sand beaches are nestled between rocky headlands. The central area contains numerous caves and natural pools just waiting for you to explore
Known as ‘the island nearest Paradise’, Ouvea is the most exotic of the islands. With impressive cliffs dominating the south and an unbroken 25 kilometre white sand beach fringed with coconut palms and transparent lagoon waters on the west, this island is simply stunning!
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Anderson Vacations
Northern Alberta Office
PO Box 82117
Yellowbird RPO
Edmonton, AB
T6J 7E6
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Anderson Vacations
Southern Alberta Office
301, 1117, 1 Street SW
Calgary, AB, Canada T2R 0T9
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