1. Anse Vata Beach
When you cruise to Noumea, be sure to stop by Anse Vata Beach. This beach is a beautiful spot with its white sandy beach and palm fringed promenade. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants surrounding the beach to enjoy a lovely long lunch. Le Faré du Palm Beach is perfect for people watching and Le Roof will impress you with its incredible setting and classic French fare.
2. Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay)
Just around the corner from Anse Vata is the fashionable Lemon Bay. This stunning sheltered bay is a wonderful place to swim, shop and dine. The beachside boulevard is lined with ritzy upmarket restaurants, bars and shops. For a French crepe feast, you must visit Creperie Le Roche which is perched on a cliff overlooking the bay.
3. Duck Island
Take a 5 minute water taxi from Anse Vata Beach to the beautiful tiny Duck Island for the day or even just for a few hours of snorkeling and swimming.
Sunbeds, brollies and cabanas under coconut palms provide a chilled seaside ambiance. There is also a straw hut bar and restaurant serving BBQ food, salads and icy cold drinks. The underwater snorkel trail is a must do to explore the island’s colorful marine life.
4. Place des Cocotiers
In the very heart of the city is this 19th century park with a band rotunda, tropical lawns and gardens where you can just sit and relax with local Noumeans. The park is full of kids and families and old men playing “pentaque”, a French bowling game.
Grab an ice cream from Coco Place which is situated in the park or buy some French baguettes and macaroons from Le Vieille France, Noumea’s the oldest bakery which is only a few minutes walk from the park in Rue de Sebastopol.
5. Le Marche de la Moselle (Port Moselle Markets)
Enjoy the bustling French Pacific atmosphere at Noumea’s morning markets. Situated by the marina, you’ll see the fisherman offload their daily catch and locals selling an array of colourful island produce. Buy some fresh tropical fruits and delicious French pastries and be sure to stop by for an espresso at the famous La Buvette du Marche bakery.
6. Amedee Island
Just 40 minutes by boat from Noumea lies the beautiful little paradise, Amedee Island. The island is famous for its stunning antique light house which was built in 1862.
You can spend the whole day simply relaxing under the palms and swimming in the dazzling turquoise waters. There are also activities such as snorkelling, glass boat tours and stand up paddleboarding. The kids will love the beach playgrounds, coconut climbing classes and jumping off the wharf to swim with the turtles!
Everyone will enjoy the big buffet lunch by the sea where you’ll be entertained by a live band and traditional Pacific Island dancers. This is the perfect trip to take for day!
