the lagoon has a new home!

N°118
FREE
13 - 26 MAY 2011
BROTHERS IN ARMS
An exhibition of photographs will be on show
in New Caledonia until 19 May to celebrate
100 years of brotherhood of arms between
Australia and France.
THE LAGOON
HAS A NEW HOME!
The exhibition is entitled “Bleuets et Coquelicots”
(Cornflowers and Poppies), the symbolic flowers
of remembrance honouring Australian and French
soldiers who gave their lives for their countries on
wartime battlefields. The 44 little-known photographs
included in the exhibition offer a unique insight into a
century of military cooperation between two nations.
All information boards and captions accompanying
each photo are in both French and English. The three
New Caledonian towns which hold an annual ANZAC
Day remembrance ceremony will take turns to host
the exhibition: Noumea, Bourail and Pouembout.
Admission to the exhibition is free.
Gally-Passebosc barracks, Noumea, 22 April to
19 May Le Colisée, Bourail, 24 May to 17 June
Château Grimini, Pouembout, 23 June to 8 July.
Tel 27 24 14
AWESOME!
Tûranor PlanetSolar is a 31 m catamaran powered
exclusively by solar energy. Built in Germany and
sailing under the Swiss flag, she is designed to prove
the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy
technologies by completing the first round-the-world
voyage by a solar-powered vessel.
Tûranor and her crew are currently visiting Noumea. At
each of the boat’s ports-of-call, a mini village is set up
offering visitors a variety of attractions and a program of
conferences, exhibitions and film screenings.
May 17th, Tûranor and her crew will set off for Australia,
the next stop on her round-the-world itinerary.
CONTENTS
Clubbing
Denise Perrier…
Move It
p. 2
Shopping
Happy Mother’s Day!
p. 4
The Nature Spot
p. 2
Art & Culture
Museums for free
Up and Running!
Quite simply idyllic
p. 4
NC Pacific Games
p. 4
Welcome to the 14th… p. 6
New Caledonia is the
proud possessor of
the world’s largest
enclosed lagoon.
And local marine
transport, water sports
and leisure activities
professionals are
inaugurating Lagoon
House to help us all
make the most of
our aquatic treasure.
Welcome!
Following the inclusion of
part of New Caledonia’s
lagoon in the UNESCO World
Heritage List, Noumea can
finally boast its own Lagoon
House (Maison du Lagon),
a new chalet at Port Moselle
just a stone’s throw from
Le Bout du Monde restaurant
and near the market.
A sweeping frieze of
eye-catching photos
encircles the chalet, making
it unmissable.
Whether you’re interested
in renting a boat (yacht/
motorboat), chartering a
catamaran complete with
crew, booking a day or
half day trip (to the coral
reefs, the islets...), taking
a kitesurf lesson, going on
a fishing trip, a snorkelling
trail or zooming off on a
jet ski, hiring water sports
equipment or trying your
hand at scuba diving... from
now on the Maison du Lagon
is your one-stop shop for
info and bookings.
Fun activities for all
There are dozens of water
sports and leisure activities
on offer, so whether you’re
into high energy or zero
energy, you’re in for a treat!
The team at Lagoon House
is there to help, advise and
put you in touch with local
professionals. Most lagoon
trips and activities leave from
Noumea but a number of
service providers have set up
bases in Mont-Dore, Bourail
and Voh (fishing, taxi-boats
and excursions).
As from July this year, for
the very first time, you’ll
be able to book ahead for
whale-watching trips in the
southern lagoon. Catamaran
trips leaving from Prony (in
the Deep South of the Main
Island) and from Noumea
will also be on offer from
mid-July to mid-September.
The website, www.maison
dulagon.nc, will be online
any day now and will
feature a range of great last
minute deals: still-vacant
places available on cabin
cruises, special bargains
on boat rentals, sales of
second-hand equipment
(kitesurfing gear, etc.) and
much more!
Maison du Lagon,
Quai Riquet Goiran,
Port Moselle, Noumea
Tel 27 29 29
[email protected]
This week
Pacific Jewel - Pacific Dawn - Dawn
Princess - Pacific Sun
13 - 26 MAY 2011 - PAGE 2
HOT PICKS
Wining & Dining
ALL-ROUND
EXCELLENCE!
Where to Stay
“Le Lagon”, ideally
located on Anse Vata
Bay in Noumea, is an
attractive, modern
and friendly hotel,
offering top quality
accommodation and
excellent service.
BREAKFAST AT 360°
Start your day on
top of the world with
a delicious buffet
breakfast in the unique
revolving panoramic
restaurant ‘360’ located
in the hotel Ramada
Plaza Noumea on Anse
Vata.
The 360 restaurant is
situated on the 19 th floor
of the hotel and offers an
unforget table view over
the lagoon and the city of
Noumea. The restaurant is
open for breakfast every
morning from 6.30 a.m.
Begin your morning with
a choice of tropical juices,
followed by a selection of
cereals, yoghurts and fresh
fruit. An assor tment of
cold meats, tuna sashimi,
cheeses, gherkins and
condiments is also available.
The hot buffet selection
includes a choice of
pancakes with golden syrup,
rice and sautéed potatoes,
sausages, chicken or
bacon, as well as scrambled
eggs. The bread and cake
stand is a delight with a
tempting range of crepes,
cakes, muffins, pastries,
a selection of breads and
toast and a variety of jams
and spreads. Coffee or a
choice of teas completes
this gourmet experience.
The Ramada Plaza breakfast
experience is orchestrated
by executive chef, Pascal
Bionaz.
Advance booking required.
Tel 23 90 00 or 23 90 90
Shopping
The hotel was fully
renovated in 2009 and
now boasts a heated
swimming pool, a
spa pool, a luxurious
beauty care centre (the
shell massage is to
die for!) and, new this
year, regular aquagym
lessons in the hotel
swimming pool.
Le Lagon offers a wide
choice of rooms and
suites, with top - ofthe-range 3 star hotel
facilities and services.
Le Lagon’s well-earned
reputation for excellence
has earned the hotel
Come on ladies...
it’s our special
day so let’s make
the most of it! Our
husbands and kids
are duty-bound to
spoil us and there’s a
huge choice of gifts
out there.
Tr a di ti o n a l M oth e r’s
Day offerings in New
Caledonia include flowers,
jewellery and perfume but
there are also plenty of
more unusual gift ideas
guaranteed to give Mum a
thrill: a scuba dive outing,
a horseback trail over the
mountains, a sky dive...
Flashback
Celebrating motherhood
i s a we ll - e s t a b li s h e d
French tradition. The
French government first
introduced an official
Mother’s Day in the late
1930s, in the aftermath of
the Great War. Mothers
were feted in the hope of
boosting the birth rate in
a country which had lost
so many of its young men.
Finally, in the 1950s, the
official “Day” became a
nationwide festival written
into the calendar and
celebrated on the last
Sunday in May or the 1st
Sunday in June. To mark
Mother’s Day, most shops
and stores offer a wealth
of special gift ideas
at prices to suit ever y
pocket.
Our hot tips in Noumea:
Jewellery: La Maison
de la Perle, 29 rue de
Sébastopol,
Flowers: Angarek,
29 route du Vélodrome
Cosmetics and
perfumes: Marlène,
40 rue de l’Alma
platter of fresh fruit and
a box of chocolates...
Irresistible!
Le Lagon also holds a
buffet brunch from 7 a.m.
to midday every weekend
(pastries, hot beverages,
jams, fresh fruit salad and
chef’s specials...).
D o n’t m is s the s p e ci a l
brunch to celebrate
Mother’s Day on 29 May.
So check out Le Lagon...
you won’t regret it!
Hôtel Le Lagon,
149 route de l’Anse Vata
Tel 26 12 55
[email protected]
DENISE PERRIER:
THE VOICE OF JAZZ
Internationally
acclaimed American
jazz singer Denise
Perrier will making
her first visit to New
Caledonia for a series
of concerts from
13 to 28 May.
Denise Perrier has spent
most of her thirty-year career
performing in San Francisco
and touring in Europe, Asia
and Australia, delighting
audiences with her sultry
contralto voice and ability to
sing ballads and blues with
equal artistry. Early in her
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
a top rating on the Trip
Advisor website (a
worldwide reference for
traveller reviews). The hotel
regularly offers new all-in
p r o motio na l de a ls a n d
the latest is the tempting
“Romance” package:
overnight stay including
break fast for two, an
h o u r- l o n g m a s s a g e , a
career, she was scouted by
legendary jazz trumpeter
Louis Armstrong: her group,
“The Intervals,” was included
in Armstrong’s entourage
and taken to Las Vegas.
And now New Caledonia is
honoured to welcome this
great lady of jazz for a series
of unmissable concerts!
Her New Caledonian tour
starts on 13 & 14 May at the
Mont-Dore Cultural Centre
and continues with concerts
on 19 & 20 at the Noumea
Méridien Hotel, on 21 at the
Isle of Pines Méridien Hotel,
on 26 at La Néa Hotel in
Clubbing
Koné and on 27 at the Tiéti
Tera Hotel in Poindimié…
She will be accompanied
throughout by New
Caledonia’s premier jazz
musician Michel Bénébig,
with New Zealand, Australian
and French drummers and
guitarists joining her for
some gigs.
Catch her while she’s here!
place on 24 May at Port
Vila and the round Vanuatu
rally via the Erromango,
Tanna and Anatom islands
starts the following day.
Breathtaking visions of
volcanoes and white sand
beaches guaranteed! The
program also includes
a visit to a local village,
a customar y welcome
ceremony and a trip to the
hot springs. The return
voyage to Noumea is
scheduled for Friday
3 M a y, a r r i v i n g t h e
f o l l ow i n g d ay a t t h e
CNC.
And on Thursday
16 J u n e , t h e C e n t r e
Nautique Calédonien will
also host the celebratory
evening marking the end
of the 2011 regatta.
www.deniseperrier.com
Tel 76 69 34 or 41 73 99
Focus On
LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE!
The Noumea Port Vila
Regatta, organised
every two years by
the Cercle Nautique
Calédonien, is due to
hit the high seas in a
few days time.
This race, which links
the two Melanesian
island groups, is a
g r e at oppor tunit y to
experience the thrills
of life at sea and also
to learn about the people,
scenery and cultural
heritage of Vanuatu. The
regatta will depar t from
Noumea on 21 May to
reach the finishing line at
Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital
o n 2 4 M a y. T h e e v e n t
is accessible to all and
combines sport, fun and
the challenge of managing
a crew in a friendly and
h u m a n a d ve n t u r e. T h e
award ceremony will take
CNC, Tel 26 27 27
[email protected]
13 - 26 MAY 2011 - PAGE 3
WHAT’S UP?
Walkabout show
TILL 11 JUNE
Explore the myth of human
creation, accompanied by
the drums and songs of the
We Ce Ca dance company,
in the unique plant world
of the Kanak Path.
Tjibaou Cultural Centre*,
Tues. & Thurs. 2.30 to 4 p.m.
Advance booking required.
Exhibition
Exhibition of old photographs
of New Caledonian gardens
on show in the gardens of the
Literature Centre.
Maison Célières*
TILL 15 JUNE
Exhibition
Heritage
ADDRESS BOOK
Aquarium
61 promenade Roger Laroque,
Anse Vata. Tues. to Sun.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel 26 27 31
Guided tours of historic
penitentiary buildings
at Nouville. Weds. & Sat.
at 2 p.m. Tel 26 48 13
6 Boulevard extérieur,
Downtown. Tel 25 06 50
Best Western
La Promenade****
TILL 14 MAY
Art Centre
109 promenade Roger Laroque,
Anse Vata. Tel 24 46 00
Bernheim Library
41 avenue du Maréchal Foch,
Downtown.
Tues. Thurs. & Fri. 1 to 5.30 p.m.
Wed. 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
& Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tel 24 20 90
Botanical and Wildlife Park
Route T. de Laubarède, Portes
de Fer. Tues. to Sun. 10.15 a.m.
to 5.45 p.m. Tel 27 89 51
Le Surf***
55 promenade Roger Laroque,
Anse Vata. Tel 28 66 88
Exhibition
“Les Oubliés” (the Forgotten
Ones), exhibition combining
sculptures, engravings,
drawings and writings.
Bernheim Library*
TILL 19 JUNE
TILL 15 MAY
La Compagnie du Caméléon
presents “Le secret du temps
plié” a play about the passage
of time. Funny, touching and
perceptive.
Sisia Room, Tjibaou Cultural
Centre*
Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. and Sun.
6 p.m.
TILL 17 MAY
“Regarde-moi” (Look at me),
exhibition of photographs
from the Kanak and Oceanian
Contemporary Arts Fund
highlighting the key role of
image and images in modern
society.
Central walkway,
Tjibaou Cultural Centre*
TILL JULY
Exhibition
TILL 28 AUGUST
Noumea City Museum
TILL APRIL 2012
Works by 6 photographers
focusing on work and office
relations in New Caledonia.
Galerie Dancel, 10 rue d’Ypres,
Downtown.
Mon. to Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tel 27 50 11
140 promenade Roger Laroque,
Anse Vata. Tel 29 64 00
TILL 30 MAY
Théâtre de l’Île
Avenue James Cook, Nouville.
Tel 25 50 50
Explore the rich cultural
heritage of Uvéa and Futuna...
Museum of New Caledonia*
Tjibaou Cultural Centre
TILL 31 MAY
Exhibition
Rue des Accords de Matignon,
Tina. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays. Tel 41 45 45
Melanesian Culture
“Nos milieux naturels” (Our
natural environments). Explore
New Caledonia’s dry forest,
mangrove and mining
scrubland ecosystems.
Botanical and Wildlife Park*
Exhibition
The Oceanian & Kanak
Contemporary Art Fund
presents an exhibition inspired
by the theme of an
ever-changing world.
Bérétara Room, Tjibaou
Cultural Centre*
A musical tribute marking
the 30th anniversary of
Bob Marley’s death.
Le Bohème, 35 promenade
Roger Laroque,
from 8 p.m.
Exhibition
Show of paintings by Patrick
Duffieux focusing on New
Caledonia’s islands.
Galerie Naturami, 81 rue
Charleroi between Baie SainteMarie and Vallée des Colons.
Tues to Fri 8.30 to 11.30 a.m. &
2.30 to 5.30 p.m. & Sat 8.30 to
11.30 a.m.
Tel 28 25 42
Bumper sale on Place des
Cocotiers. 8 a.m. to midday.
Tel 28 02 07
Bus tour with commentary
exploring the sites where New
Caledonia’s law courts were
built. Noumea City Museum*,
9 to 11 a.m.
Musical evening featuring
Kanak music ensemble
We Ce Ca.
Le Colonaire, Le Surf*,
from 7 p.m.
Music
Cello and piano recital given
by Henri Demarquette and
Jérôme Ducros. The program
includes music by Bach,
Beethoven, Schubert and
Brahms.
New Caledonia Conservatory
Cocktail world tour
Art Café*, from 6.30 p.m.
THURS. 19 MAY
Downtown Thursday
Music
Evening of songs performed by
Elodie and David (rock, Latin
and French and international
pop) Le Lobby-Bar, Le
Méridien*, from 6.30 p.m.
“Les
Enfants
Migrateurs”
theatre
company
in a play
about a
meeting
between
a man
b words
o ds and a
fascinated by
woman fascinated by signs.
Together they weave Oceanian
tales of lizards and snakes.
“Sous le signe du Serpent”,
Art Centre*, from 4 p.m.
SUN. 15 & 22 MAY
Lunch
Snack lunch menu and Tahitian
dance at Kuendu Beach.
Kuendu Beach Resort, Nouville,
from midday, Tel 24 30 01
Dining
Seafood buffet and musical
entertainment. Le Colonnaire,
Le Surf*, from 7 p.m.
MON. 16 & 23 MAY
Aperitif evening
Spend a fun aperitif and
Pictionary evening at Art Café.
Art Café, 30 rue Paul
Dusquesnes, Quartier Latin,
from 7 p.m.
TUES. 17 MAY
Artperitif
Screening of short
documentaries with the theme
“Paroles de vieux” (old people’s
Melanesian buffet and live
entertainment featuring
We Ce Ca. Le Sextant,
Le Méridien*, from 8 p.m.
SAT. 21 MAY
Music
An evening of songs from
around the world featuring
Vanuella Watt. Le Lobby-Bar,
Le Méridien*, from 6.30 p.m.
SAT. 21 MAY TO SUN.
28 MAY
Arts & Crafts
Special arts & crafts show
in honour of Mother’s Day,
featuring fifty or so stalls
(ornaments, jewellery,
household linen...)
Maison des artisans,
12 avenue James Cook.
Mon. to Fri. 8.30 to 11 .30 a.m.
& 2.30 to 5 p.m. and Sat. 8.30
to 11.30 a.m. Tel 27 56 85
TUES. 24 MAY
Culture
Exhibition
Photographer David Becker
presents an exhibition focusing
on the traditional lifestyle of the
Vanuatu archipelago.
Nouville Library, Nouville
university campus.
Mon to Fri 7.30 a.m. to 7.30
p.m. & Sat 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tel 29 02 90
WEDS. 18 & 25 MAY
Aperitif evening
FRI. 13 MAY
Music
ALL YEAR ROUND
Exhibition
Music
Theatre
Ko Névâ exhibition (Spirit of the
Land) promoting contemporary
artworks by emerging young
New Caledonian artists.
Komwi Room, Tjibaou Cultural
Centre*
Guided tours in French
and English. Tues. to Sun.
9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Tjibaou Cultural Centre*
Nature Fair with events
scheduled at Ouen-Toro
and Fort Téréka (Nouville).
Tel 77 34 36
SUN. 15 MAY
Exhibition
Royal Tera***
Fair
Thirty paintings exploring
New Caledonia’s outback, the
streets of Noumea and the
vivid colours of the flame trees.
“Couleurs d’ici”, Galerie Arte
Bello, 30 Auguste Brun,
Quartier Latin
Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
& Sat. 9 a.m. to midday
Tel 25 31 00
Exhibition modelled on a police
investigation into “parasites”
at the aquarium*. Come and
join in the investigation to track
down the guilty party!
123 promenade Roger
Laroque, Anse Vata.
Tel 26 22 00
7 rue Louis Blériot, Anse Vata.
Tel 23 90 00
SAT. 21 & SUN. 22 MAY
Exhibition
Sea food buffet and live
entertainment with New
Orleans jazz band Night & Day
Le Sextant, Le Méridien*,
from 8 p.m.
Exhibition
Nouvata Park***
Ramada Plaza
Noumea****
TUES. 17 TO SAT. 28
MAY
Car boot sale
21 Route du Port-Despointes,
Faubourg-Blanchot. Tues.
to Sat. 11 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Tel 28 65 10
Place des Cocotiers, corner
of avenue Foch and rue Jean
Jaurès. Mon. to Sat. 9 a.m.
to midday & 1 to 5 p.m.
Tel 27 60 62
FRI. 13 & 20 MAY
SAT. 14 MAY
Theatre
45 av. Foch, Quartier Latin
9 to 11.30 a.m.
& 12.15 to 4.30 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays.
Tel 27 23 42 or 27 06 47
www.museenouvellecaledonie.nc
Buffet dinner and show of
magic and conjuring tricks
performed by Pierre-Lou,
with piano accompaniment
throughout the evening.
Le Sextant, Le Méridien*,
from 8 p.m.
Sculptor Jean-Philippe Tjibaou
focuses on traditional outrigger
canoes and finial totems.
Kavitara Room,
Tjibaou Cultural Centre*
Maison Célières
Museum of New
Caledonia
Dining
Play entitled “La petite rumeur”
a lively potpourri in music,
songs and words highlighting
New Caledonian gossip, urban
legends and short news items.
Art Centre*, Fri. 8 p.m. and
Sat. & Sun. 6 p.m.
Show of paintings by Julien
Berg: vividly colourful and
evocative canvases peopled
by complex patterns of
intertwined forms.
“Prosopopée sur canapé”,
Galerie Arte Bello,
30 Auguste Brun, Quartier Latin.
Mon. to Fri. 8.30 a.m. to
midday & 1.30 to 6 p.m.
Tel 25 31 00
Exhibition
Dining
Theatre
Exhibition
TILL 26 JUNE
La Terrasse, Best Western
La Promenade*, from 7 p.m.
TUES. 17 & 24 MAY
Exhibition
Le Méridien*****
Pointe Magnin. Tel 26 50 00
Jean-Marie Ganeval presents
his exhibition of sculptures
entitled “Grandeur nature
et petits hommes” (Life-size
and little men). His work plays
on and explores differences
in scale between various
elements and the relationship
between mankind and nature.
Art Centre* & Maison Célières*
tales). A series of 3-minute
films featuring anecdotes,
memories and songs.
Art Centre*, 6 to 8 p.m.
FRI. 13 TO SUN. 15
MAY
Dining
Books & papers in English
The Bernheim library* offers
visitors a selection of Englishlanguage papers, reviews and
works of literature.
of Music, 17 avenue des Frères
Carcopino, from 8 p.m.
Tel 24 63 15
Special Downtown Thursday
event in the Quartier Latin...
Meet the storekeepers and
enjoy the attractions scheduled
all over Noumea’s Quartier
Latin. Quartier Latin, from
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Downtown Noumea,
Tel 28 02 07
THURS. 19 TO SAT.
21 MAY
Theatre
“La Lune des pauvres”. Two
social outcasts helping each
other to survive come face to
face with love when they meet
a young English woman who
gives them hope and a reason
to live. A compelling play of
comical pathos.
Théâtre de l’Île*, Thurs. & Fri.
8 p.m. and Sat. 6 p.m.
Artpéritif
Inventive theatre company
Tandem presents a surprise
program of excerpts from
shows, folk tales and conjuring.
Art Centre*, 6 to 8 p.m.
THURS. 26 MAY
Downtown Thursday
This week, bush towns Thio
and Yaté take pride of place
at the popular Thursday event
in Place des Cocotiers.
Downtown Noumea,
Tel 28 02 07
Music
Talented singer-songwriter
and acoustic guitarist Tyssia
with a selection of her haunting
ballads. Le Lobby-Bar,
Le Méridien*, from 6.30 p.m.
*See above “address book”
Noumea
THURS. 19 & 26 MAY
Dining
“Eat your fill” prawns evening
Free promotional space
13 - 26 MAY 2011 - PAGE 4
HOT PICKS AND LIFE STYLE
Art & Culture
MUSEUMS FOR FREE!
The 2011 Museum
Night is scheduled
for 20 and 21 May,
with a number of
cultural venues
joining in the fun.
This year’s theme is “l’arbre
qui cache la forêt” (you can’t
see the wood for the trees).
S i x of N ew Ca l e d o ni a’s
key cultural and tourism
showplaces will be taking
part. The exciting program
includes exhibitions and
conferences on New
Caledonia’s forests at
the Bourail Museum,
a “backstage” tour and
musical attractions
in the garden of the
Noumea City Museum, a
nocturnal discovery tour
full of surprises at Maison
Célières, a walkabout tour
featuring dance, slam and
poetry at the Museum of
New Caledonia, tours of
temporary exhibitions led
by Doctor of Arts Florence
Ror tais at the Tjibaou
Cultural Centre and, last
but not least, a screening
of the film Microcosmos
and a nocturnal tour of
the Botanical and Wildlife
Park.
Admission to all the above
venues is free so come
along and join this unique
culture fest for night owls!
Museum Night
Fri. 6 to 9 p.m. & Sat.
6 to 10 p.m.
The Nature
Spot
Cocoteraie d’Amos campsite
is a hidden paradise nestling
in the hear t of a superb
coconut grove. This little
campsite may be remote but
it certainly rates a mention in
the “Petit Futé” guidebook.
Hardly surprising since it
is spacious, well-kept and
pure magic. Just follow
the directions in the guide:
“C o m i n g f r o m O u é g o a ,
before you reach Pouébo
lagoon, you’ll see a notice
board on your left indicating
the campsite entrance after
you reach the bottom of the
steep descent from Amos
pass. Turn off the road and,
about a hundred metres
further on, you’ll see a small
house on the lef t where
the owner lives”. So stop
off there to announce your
arrival before driving on into
Feel Good
UP AND RUNNING!
The Kaala Gomen
adventure race, the
second event in
the North Province
Championship, is just
around the corner.
Kaala Gomen, a little
communit y on the West
Coast, is hosting the big
race, run in teams of two,
and the mini race for
individual competitors. By
offering runners a choice
of distance, this adventure
race ensures an appeal
to a range of competitors:
dedicated cross-country
fans can tackle the
challenge of the full 20 km
route climbing to 1000 m,
while le s s ha rdy spir its
can settle for the 10 km
mini-race. So it’s under
starters’ orders for 7.30 a.m.
on Saturday 14 May, leaving
from the little mining village
of Ouaco. Like the other
events included in the North
Province Adventure Race
Championship, the Kaala
Gomen race is designed not
just as a sporting event but
also to provide competitors
with an unbeatable
opportunity to get to know
the local scenery and the
lo c a l p e op le. W hile the
event certainly attracts top
adventure race champs
who run in events all year
round, it is also a magnet for
amateurs who maybe only
tackle one race a year. Don’t
miss the Kaala Gomen
adventure race... it’s a whole
new way of experiencing
New Caledonia!
Tel 92 31 97 or 78 56 60
History
THE BERNHEIM LIBRARY
QUITE SIMPLY IDYLLIC
Of course, if you’re
starting from Noumea,
you need to head way
up north and the drive
can seem a long one...
But the bewitching
beauty of the view
makes it all worthwhile!
Move it
the coconut grove on your
right. Your own beach, a
cooking facility, toilet and
shower blocks and oodles
of space, just pick your
very own coconut palm and
pitch your tent in its shade!
The cost is F800 per night
per tent or F500 per car if
you’re just there for the day.
There are plenty of roomy
tables perfect for meals and
picnics...
Advance booking required.
Cocoteraie d’Amos Campsite
Tel 42 42 11
“When I was about to
leave New Caledonia, never
to return, I conceived the
idea of bequeathing to
this country, which I have
grown to love and leave
with regret, a token of my
affection and an enduring
memento of my time here
(…) After a great deal of
thought, I decided on the
foundation of a public
library, which will bear my
name.” Lucien Bernheim
was born in Mulhouse
o n 2 7 J u n e 18 5 6 . H e
arrived in New Caledonia
in 1884, acquired a mine in
Népoui and rapidly built up
a fortune as a mine owner.
I n 19 0 1, t h e c o l o n i a l
authorities received from
him a generous donation
to fund the construction of
a library, which was first
installed in the colonial
pavilion of the Universal
E xhibition in Paris. The
metal framework, which is
still visible, is the work of
Gustave Eiffel.
The Bernheim Library has
become one of Noumea’s
key cul tu r a l c e ntr e s ,
organising and hosting
a wide range of cultural
events throughout the
year. Don’t miss a visit!
Bernheim Library,
41 av. Foch, Downtown
Noumea.
Tues. Thurs. & Fri. 1 to
5.30 p.m.
Wed. 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
& Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tel 24 20 90
www.bernheim.nc
THE THAI ART OF BEAUTY AND WELL-BEING
Harnn spas have
already conquered
the States, Australia
and Japan... and now
it’s New Caledonia’s
turn. Over the last 10
years, luxurious Thai
beauty and spa brand
Harnn has earned a
worldwide reputation
for excellence.
“ P hy s i c a l h e a l t h a n d
natural radiance can be
achieved when a balance
exists between Body, Mind
and Environment. Harnn’s
unique holistic approach
utilises natural active
ingredients from botanical
extracts and plant essential
oils together with traditional
massage techniques to
help to restore the natural
balance, strengthen the
immune system and
protect against harmful
pollutants.” Face and body
care products, sea salt or
jasmine scrubs, traditional
Thai massage... just a few of
the beauty care treatments
offered by the two skilled
therapists from Bangkok
who have come over here
specially to share their art,
tradition and experience.
The spa boasts three
treatment rooms, including
a double room where you
can enjoy this uniquely
relaxing experience with
someone special.
Brochures explaining
the Harnn approach
to beauty care and
well-being are also
available in English and
Japanese.
Harnn, Port Plaisance
shopping mall, Noumea
Mon. to Sat.
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tel 23 60 60
13 - 26 MAY 2011 - PAGE 5
WHAT’S UP?
Move It
Show
Horseback trail along
the beaches at Karikaté.
Terraventure*
Fresh air
ADDRESS BOOK
Aventure Pulsion
Guided farm tours.
Home-cooked
lunch and dinner.
Overnight accommodation.
Pocquereux Farm, La Foa.
Advance booking required.
Tel 44 34 05
Advance booking required.
Tel 26 27 48
TILL 21 MAY
Auberge Historique
de Moindou
Exhibition of photographs
dedicated to Polynesian dance,
celebrating the 20th anniversary
of the twinning of Dumbea with
Punaauia.
Dumbea Media Library.
Tel 41 43 10
Village de Moindou
Tel 35 43 28
Fort Teremba
Open daily from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
Tel 44 32 71 or 79 29 90
Kanua Tera Ecolodge***
Port-Boisé Bay, route
Kaa nua, Yaté. Tel 46 90 00
Madeleine Waterfall
Netcha camping and leisure
area. Open daily from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel 46 98 00
Exhibition
TILL 22 MAY
Exhibition
Exhibition focussing on
disability; creation of paintings
and sculptures.
Mont-Dore Cultural Centre*
Tues. to Fri. 1 to 5 p.m.
Le Méridien IDP*****
FRI.13 & SAT. 14 MAY
Baie d’Oro, Isle of Pines
Tel 26 50 00
Move It
Mont-Dore Cultural
Centre
Tel 41 01 73
Oure Tera**
Isle of Pines
Tel 43 77 15
Parc de la Rivière Bleue
nature reserve
Open Tues. to Sun. 7 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Tel 43 61 24
Terraventure
Advance booking required.
Tel 77 88 19,
[email protected]
Vertikalédonie
Advance booking required.
Tel 47 14 85
“Passionnément Strass” cabaret
show: a sparkling evocation of
glitzy Parisian nightlife from the
50s to the 70s.
Colisée de Bourail, from 8 p.m.
Tel 44 75 00
SAT. 14 & SUN. 15 MAY
Fete
15th Venison and Prawn Fair
(Fête du cerf et de la crevette).
Prawn shelling and cast net
throwing competitions and
beauty queen contest.
Boulouparis, Sat. 10 a.m.
to 8 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tel 35 17 06
SUN. 15 MAY
Move It
Horseback trail on Uitoé
peninsula. Terraventure*
Kayaking trips in the drowned
forest every full moon weekend
Aventure Pulsion*
FRI. 13 TO SUN.
15 MAY
MON. 16 TO FRI. 20
MAY
Dining
Exhibition
“ Floralies” show featuring
a wealth of house plants.
La Foa Socio-cultural Centre,
Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tel 44 33 01
SAT. 14 MAY
WEDS. 18 MAY
Move It
Theatre
Adventure day at the Parc des
Grandes Fougères, Farino.
The program includes
mountain biking and aerial
climbing in the treetops.
Terraventure*
ALL YEAR ROUND
Move It
Horseback trail along the
northern arm of the Dumbea
River up to the “Marmites de
Géant” plunge pools.
Yala Ranch, Sarah,
Tel 77 46 23
ALL YEAR ROUND
Dining
Culture
Gourmet menu for May:
Peppered sirloin steak with
pan-sautéed potatoes and
mushrooms.
Auberge historique
de Moindou*
Guided tour of old Tiebaghi
village near Koumac.
Tues. Thurs. & Sat. from 8 a.m.
Tel 42 78 42
SAT. 21 MAY
Move It
Mountain biking along the
challenging La Madeleine
nature reserve “black” trail.
Terraventure*
SUN. 22 MAY
Move It
Kayaking trail to the Tontouta
river estuary (Païta).
Terraventure*
“Le Kiwi et le Cagou”: a play
intertwining Maori and Kanak
myths and legends showing
how, by joining forces, they can
win the fight for survival in a
hostile world.
Mont-Dore Cultural Centre*,
from 6 p.m.
Loyalty
Islands
TILL 15 MAY
Culture
Arts & Crafts Week organised
by the Nouvelle-Calédonie
Chambre des Métiers
et de l’Artisanat.
Koné 47 30 14
Koumac 47 68 56
La Foa 46 52 86
Nouméa 28 23 37
Poindimié 42 74 82
www.semaine-artisanat.nc
SAT. 14 MAY
LIFOU
Arts & Crafts
Exhibition and sale of hand
crafted items at the Women’s
Space, Wé townhall courtyard
Mon. to Thurs. 7.30 to
11.30 a.m. & 1 to 3.30 p.m.
Tel 45 00 32
Move It
Move It
Canyoning at Dogny waterfall
(La Foa). Terraventure*
3 hour foot trail along the
Canala hilltops.
Terraventure*
Dining
North
Province
Special paella buffet and live
music featuring gypsy guitar
duo Fuego Gitano.
Tieti Tera*, from 8 p.m.
Dining
Melanesian buffet and live
entertainment featuring
We Ce Ca.
Kanua Tera Ecolodge*,
from midday
Gourmet menu for May:
Knuckle of lamb North African
style served with couscous.
Auberge historique de
Moindou*
FRI. 20 TO SUN. 22 MAY
MARE
Arts & Crafts
Workshops and sale of handcrafted items Maré Women’s
Space, Yeiwéné Yeiwéné
Cultural Centre, La Roche.
Mon. to Fri. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tel 45 44 79
OUVEA
ADDRESS BOOK
Hienghène Cultural
Centre
Tel 42 80 74
Koné Cultural Centre
Tel 47 72 16
Koulnoué Village
RPN3, Hienghène
Tel 42 81 66
Le Koniambo***
Route provinciale 1, Koné
Tel 47 39 40
SUN. 15 MAY
Coconut oil distillery
Move It
Kayaking in the Négropo valley
at Canala.
Terraventure*
Free guided tours from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Weds. & Thurs.
Advance booking required.
Tel 45 10 60
FRI. 20 & SAT. 21 MAY
Ouvea Soap Factory
Lagoon buffet: tapas and
a giant paella and live music
by guitar duo Fuego Gitano.
Malabou Beach*, from 7 p.m.
Free tours of the Ouvea
coconut-based soap factory
Wadrilla Tribe. Tues. & Thurs.
8 to 11.30 a.m. Advance
booking required. Tel 45 10 60
SAT. 21 MAY
LATER
Dining
Dining
Sea food buffet and live
entertainment: Breton and
Celtic dances
Le Koniambo*, from 7 p.m.
La Néa***
Music
RT1, Lot 218, Koné
Tel 47 30 40
Live music in the bar with local
band A genoux sur les coudes.
Le Tibarama, Tiéti Tera*,
from 8 p.m.
Malabou Beach**
THURS. 19 & 26 MAY
Néhoué Bay, Poum
Tel 47 60 60
Aperitif evening
Tieti Tera***
THURS. 26 MAY
Tapas & cocktails followed
by a grilled buffet.
Kanua Tera Ecolodge*,
from 7 p.m.
16 voie urbaine n°1,
Poindimié Tel 42 64 00
Music
27 TO 29 MAY
Lagoons Fair in Ouvea.
9 TO 13 JUNE
The first ever New Caledonia
Great Lagoon Regatta will be
held from 9 to 13 June 2011
in the magnificent setting of
the south lagoon. Full program
details at http://www.antipodeproductions.com/regatta/Programme_a4.html
Musical evening featuring jazz
musician Michel Bénébig.
La Néa, from 7 p.m.
The editor clearly cannot accept
any responsibility for any
subsequent changes of program.
and crafts... La Coulée
Shopping Centre,
from 7 a.m. Tel 46 06 25
fish and flowers.
Town Centre, from 7 a.m.
Tel 42 31 09 or 42 60 61
POINDIMIE
SAT. 14 MAY
HIENGHENE
COUNTRY/FARMERS MARKETS
South
Province
BOURAIL
EVERY SAT.
All market stallholders
are local producers
and fishermen/women
selling their own produce.
Items on offer include
fruit, vegetables, plants,
flower arrangements,
home-cooked dishes and
handmade jewellery.
Early birds get the best
choice of items on display,
so aim to get there before
9.30 a.m.
Noumea
EVERY SAT.
Fresh meat, fruit &
vegetables. Ducos indoor
market, Saturday, from 6 a.m.
ISLE OF PINES
EVERY SAT.
Root vegetables, fruit and
vegetables, freshly caught
fish. Vao, from 6 a.m.
Tel 46 10 27
Scents and savours
market: 25 stallholders
and tempting displays of
freshwater prawns, vanilla
beans, venison charcuterie,
cheeses, Melanesian coffees,
Vietnamese teas and spices,
flowers and Moroccan
specialities. La Maison
Ballande, from 7.30 a.m.
EVERY DAY
Papaya, soursop,
passionfruit, green
coconuts, vegetables, fish,
flowers, clothing
Baie de la Moselle,
Downtown, from 5 a.m.
Twenty or so stalls
selling seasonal fruit and
vegetables, honey, syrups,
jams, cakes, cooked dishes,
cut flowers & plants. Main
square, from 7.30 a.m.
Tel 44 13 36
WEDS. & SAT.
LA FOA
EVERY SAT.
Twenty or so stalls selling
plants, fresh fruit and
vegetables, fish and
shellfish. Place Georges
Guermet, from 7.30 a.m.
Tel 44 31 13 or 41 69 11
SUN. 15 MAY
Organic Market in the
Botanical and Wildlife Park:
fruits, vegetables, cakes &
pastries, from 8.30 a.m.
to midday. Tel 27 89 51
MONT-DORE
Twenty or so stalls selling
home-grown produce,
fruit and vegetables, jams,
arts and crafts. Place des
Accords, from 6 a.m.
Tel 74 27 50
EVERY SUN.
Flea market with fifty or so
stalls. Pont des Français
Market, Drive-In carpark,
from 6 a.m. Tel 46 06 25
SARRAMEA
SUN. 22 MAY
At the foot of the central
mountain range, 30 stalls
selling plants, fresh farm
produce, freshly caught fish
and shellfish, jams and local
specialities. Tel 41 69 11
North
Province
EVERY SAT.
CANALA
Twenty or so stalls selling
home-grown produce, fruit
and vegetables, jams, arts
EVERY FRI.
Around fifteen stalls selling
fresh fruit and vegetables,
TUES. & FRI.
Twenty or so stallholders from
neighbouring tribes offering
shoppers home-grown fruit
and vegetables and fresh
meat and fish. Town centre,
from 6.30 a.m. Tel 42 43 57
EVERY SAT.
Town centre (except 2nd
Sunday of each month:
held at La Tchamba),
from 7 a.m.
Tel 47 89 00 or 42 60 10
Loyalty
Islands
LIFOU
KONE
FRI. & WEDS.
EVERY SAT.
15 stalls selling seasonal
fruit and vegetables, plants,
flowers, fish and cakes.
Cut flower bouquets, fresh
vegetables and tropical fruit.
In Wé, from 6 a.m.
Tel 45 50 00
WEDS.25 MAY
MARE
Mother’s Day market with stalls
dotted round the swimming
pool and bar: pearls, Tahitian
sarongs, frocks, jewellery
& handcrafted ceramics.
Le Koniambo*, from 1 p.m.
KOUMAC
EVERY SAT.
15 stalls selling seasonal
fruit and vegetables, flowers,
crabs, local pickles, jams and
arts and crafts items. Beside
the townhall (North entrance),
from 7 a.m. Tel 42 78 42
FRI. & TUES.
In Tadine, opposite the Town
Hall Shelter, from 7 a.m.
Tel 45 49 08
OUVEA
VEA
EVERY
ERY
DS.
WEDS.
Hnyimëhë
mëhë
et by the
market
etween
sea (between
tr and
Banoutr
a),
Wadrilla),
from 7 a.m.
1 11
Tel 45 71
*See above “address book”
South
Province
LIFE STYLE
✁
Cultural
Passport
THE
CUSTOMARY
WELCOME
The traditional
welcome or
“coutume” is a
cornerstone of
Kanak culture.
In its broadest sense
the term “coutume” refers
to all the social rules
that govern ever yday
l i f e b u t i n t h e a b ove
instance it refers to the
traditional welcome
ceremony, which is a
mark of respect (at the
beginning of a meeting,
on arrival on tribal land,
etc).
A simple gift is
offered
Originally this took the
form of “Kanak” money,
which was made from
✁
Fresh air
ON YOUR BIKES!
shells, flying fox fur, etc.
Today a gift of tobacco
and money (around F
1,000) is laid upon a piece
of material (known as
“le manou”).
The person who is
giving the gift
explains his/
her reasons
(to give
thanks, make
a request for
authorisation
to enter tribal
lands, etc).
The person,
who receives
the gift,
replies and
touches the gift
as a sign
of acceptance.
“Boucles de Netcha”
is a brand new
mountain bike
trail site in New
Caledonia’s Deep
South. The trails
range over the Yaté
and Mont-Dore areas.
T h e s eve n n e w t r a i l s
opened to the public on
Sunday 2 May and stretch
over a total distance of
120 km. Whether you’re
looking for adrenalinpumping thrills or a quiet
family outing, you’ll find
a trail to suit your taste.
Two “green” trails roam
through the superb
plantation of pines and
kauris... Two slightly more
difficult “blue” trails take
you upland with views
over magnificent Prony
Bay and two challenging
“red” trails follow routes
around the Rivière des
Lacs and the Plaine des
Lacs. And for the hardiest
spirits, there is a really
tough “black” trail leading
from Col de la Laverie to
Baie du Carénage. Just
go for what suits you and
enjoy!
Whichever route you
choose, you’ll be plunged
into the awe-inspiring
beauty
of
New
Caledonia’s Deep South,
w i t h i t s r i c h l y va r i e d
scener y, magnificent
views and amazing
biodiversity.
Boucles de Netcha t h e u l t i m a te n a t u r e
experience!
South Province Sports
Department,
Tel 26 91 32
13 - 26 MAY 2011 - PAGE 6
✁
Caledonian taste
LINE CAUGHT RED MULLET
AND EGGPLANT CANNELLONI
By Michael Boussemart, chef at Le Méridien
Restaurant
Ingredients (serves 4):
240 g of line-caught red mullet fillets, 10 ml olive oil,
10 ml sunflower oil, 100 g eggplant, 2 g thyme, 2 g dill,
bay leaf, ½ fresh lemon, preserved lemon quarters, 10 g
garlic, 1 tomato, 2 g coriander, 50 g plain yoghurt, 50 g
mayonnaise, 4 wonton wrappers, 5 g roasted pine nuts,
1 slice sandwich loaf, salt, pepper, 5 ml white vinegar
and 5 g cocoa powder.
Preparation:
Marinate fish in a mixture of salt, pepper, olive oil, thyme,
bay leaf, dill and lemon juice.
Eggplant caviar
Cut eggplants in half, add olive oil and garlic and bake
in oven at 140°C. Remove from oven and peel off skins.
Dice preserved lemon quarters. Mix eggplant with diced
tomatoes, herbs, diced preserved lemon, fresh lemon,
mayonnaise, yoghurt, salt, pepper and olive oil.
Place portions of red mullet and eggplant caviar on each
wonton wrapper and roll tightly to form cannelloni. Cook
in boiling water.
Cocoa vinaigrette:
Blend olive and sunflower oil, add cocoa powder and
white vinegar then season with salt and pepper.
Le Méridien, Pointe Magnin
NC 2011 PACIFIC GAMES (27 AUG. 10 SEPT. 2011)
EDITORIAL
WELCOME TO THE 14TH PACIFIC GAMES
Dear Readers,
Greetings from
the Pacific Games
Council’s office in
Noumea, where
preparations are in
full swing for the 14th
Pacific Games, to be
held from 27 August
until 10 September.
We and all our friends
in New Caledonia
eagerly look forward
to welcoming all
athletes, coaches,
technical officials,
VIPs, and spectators
and hop e that
meanwhile you will
enjoy this new feature
in The New Caledonia
Weekly.
In forthcoming editions,
we will provide further
information, including
how to get involved!
Yours in Sport
Andrew Minogue
Executive Director,
Pacific Games
Council.
As a r efr esher for fa ns
of the Pacific Games
or for those who are just
discovering the rich and
eve n t f u l h i s to r y o f t h e
Pacific Games movement,
the fir st Pacific Games
were held in Fiji in 1963 and
this year New Caledonia will
host the event for the third
time, having previously
organised the Games in
1966 and 1987. Indeed, New
Caledonia has a special
relationship with the Pacific
Games since it was here
in Noumea in 1961 that the
Pacific Games Council was
formed.
The Pacific Games Council
ha s 22 member Pacific
Games Associations
representing the following
countries and territories
who will take part in these
Games.
In 2005, the honour of
hosting the 14th edition of
the Pacific Games wa s
awarded to New Caledonia.
Under the leadership of
New Caledonian Pacific
Games
Association
President Charles Cali
and with the suppor t
of the New Caledonian
Government and Provinces,
a 2011 Pacific Games
Organising Committee
(“NC 2011”) was established
under the Presidency
of Pascale Bastien-Thiry
A s a r efr e s he r for fa ns
of the Pacific Games
or for those who are just
discovering the rich and
eve n t f u l h i s to r y o f t h e
Pacific Games movement,
the first Pacific Games were
held in Fiji in 1963 and this
year New Caledonia will
host the event for the third
time,
previously
to
planhaving
for, organise
and
organised
the of
Games
in
ensure
delivery
the 2011
1966 and
1987. Indeed, New
Pacific
Games.
Caledonia has a special
relationship with the Pacific
22 participants
American Samoa
Cook Islands
Federated States
of Micronesia
Fiji Islands
Guam
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Nauru
New Caledonia
Niue
Norfolk Island
Northern Mariana
Islands
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tahiti
Tokelau
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Wallis & Futuna
JUST FOR A DAY
13 - 26 MAY 2011 - PAGE 7
MARITIME TERMINAL MARKET
A colourful arts and crafts market
is held right on the spot inside the
Maritime Terminal every time a
cruise ship docks. Wander round
the stalls spread out on both levels
of the building and choose your
own special souvenirs of New
Caledonia. Postcards, sarongs,
local costumes, T-shirts, fashion
jewellery, traditional sculptures... Your only problem will be
making up your mind! So set off on a tour of the displays
and meet the friendly stallholders who are all delighted to
show off their wares and chat to visitors.
Just so you know: all items sold at the Maritime Terminal
have been approved by the Plant Health Authorities for
import into Australia.
USEFUL TIPS
SHOPS & STORES: OPENING HOURS
Shops are generally open from 9.30 a.m. to midday and
2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Only food stores stay open non-stop
from 7.30 a.m. to around 7 p.m.
EXCHANGE
Very few of Noumea's shops, stores and tourism leisure
activities accept foreign currency. You'll find a "money
changer" on the ground floor of the Maritime Terminal
next to the Tourism Office branch.
POST OFFICE (OPT)
There is a branch at the maritime terminal. You can
purchase postcards, stamps and phone cards. The
post office accepts payment in US, NZ and Australian
dollars. The OPT outlet is located next to the Tourism
Office desk.
EXPLORE NEW CALEDONIA
Philo Tours travel agency, located in Port
Plaisance shopping mall, offers visitors a great
range of tours and package deals to all New
Caledonia’s loveliest locations.
Philo Tours travel agency organises day trips exploring
New Caledonia’s inland beauty spots and day boat trips
in the lagoon. The agency also offers a number of special
package deals to the Loyalty Islands and arranges
shuttles to Tontouta Airport and Magenta domestic
airport; you can also book guided tours of Noumea or an
excursion exploring the Deep South.
Philo Tours, Baie de l’Orphelinat, Port Plaisance
shopping mall. Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to midday
& 2 to 5 p.m. Tel 28 99 57
NEW CALEDONIA
NIA
Useful numbers
New Caledonia lies in the
S
South
Pacific, 2,000 km east
of Australia and 1,800 km
north-east of New Zealand.
The official language is
French. The country has a
Nouméa
land area of 18,000 square
kilometres and comprises the
M
Main Island (Grande Terre) and
sev
several smaller islands, with the
Isle of P
Pines to the south, the Loyalty
Islands to the north-east (Ouvea, Lifou, Tiga and Maré)
and the Belem Islands to the north of the Main Island. The
capital and largest city of the country is Noumea. Around
130,000 people, half of the country’s total population, live in
Noumea and its surrounding areas.
NC country code: +687
JAPON
CORÉE
Séoul
Tokyo
Osaka
VANUATU
Port Vila
AUTRALIE
Brisbane
Papeete
NOUVELLE-CALÉDONIE
Sydney
TAHITI
Auckland
NC TOURIST OFFICE:
05 75 80 (toll-free phone)
28 75 80
AUSTRALIAN
CONSULATE - GENERAL:
27 24 14
NOUVELLE-ZÉLANDE
NEW ZEALAND
CONSULATE - GENERAL:
27 25 43
AGENCE KENUA:
P&O representatives,
28 45 45 / 26 00 55
Please.
S’il vous plait.
What’s your name?
Comment vous appelez-vous ?
POLICE: 17
FIRE BRIGADE: 18
EMERGENCIES /
SOS MEDICAL SERVICE: 15
My family and I have been
living in New Caledonia for
two years since spending
the previous two years in
Samoa; host country of
the last Pacific Games.
We find that New Caledonia is an exceptionally
interesting mix of modern, developed world lifestyles
and the traditional Pacific ways of life and cultures.
My favourite experiences in New Caledonia have
been visiting the beaches and gîtes of places like
Lifou, Thio and Poindimié, and learning about the long
histories of the people there. Coming from Australia
myself, another country mixing the old and the new.
I find many reminders of home in the New Caledonian
landscapes, beaches, cultures and histories.
I am delighted that the 2011 Pacific Games will
see athletes competing at venues throughout New
Caledonia, so that they too can see all of what this
beautiful country has to offer. Let the “Pacific Attitude”
shine this August and September.
Andrew Minogue
Executive Director, Pacific Games Council
More info : see P6 NC 2011 feature
TRAVEL KIT
Information and Urban stewards
Visitors may ask Noumea’s red-uniformed information
stewards for help and directions. Their brief is to
welcome boats and tourists and provide assistance,
advice and information. There are also six urban
stewards in Noumea, who speak reasonable English
and are trained to help and assist members of the
public. In their beige uniforms, they work in teams,
patrolling the streets on foot or on bikes.
MONEY
(exchange rates
on 11 May 2011)
1 AUD
=
89.00
XPF
1 NZD
=
65.64
XPF
1 USD
=
83.02
XPF
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are available
throughout the territory. Have your pin code handy.
Banks are generally open 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.,
Monday to Friday.
TAKE A BUS
Karuia buses (red buses): the Blue Line goes to
the Tjibaou Cultural Centre from the Place des
Cocotiers in the centre of town. The Green Line
follows the beach roads. Fares: adults, F210 one way.
26 54 54 or www.gietcn.nc
TAKE A TAXI
Taxis, Central rank - Place des Cocotiers, fare from
city centre to beaches, F1,200. Tel 28 35 12.
I feel sick.
Je ne me sens pas bien.
Where can I take a bus?
Où est ce que je peux prendre
un bus ?
I would like to go to…
Je voudrais aller à...
Thank you.
Merci.
QANTAS: 28 65 46
DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES: 1012
Where can I take a taxi?
Où est ce que je peux prendre
un taxi ?
Goodbye.
Au revoir.
AIRCALIN: 26 55 00
AIR NEW ZEALAND: 28 66 77
Little lexicon
Hello.
Bonjour.
AIR CALEDONIE
(domestic flights):
25 21 77
Inside
story
I would like a drink.
Je voudrais boire.
Could you show me
the way to downtown?
Pourriez-vous me montrer
le chemin du centre ville ?
I would like to eat.
Je voudrais manger.
I would like to buy a…
Je voudrais acheter…
I need a doctor.
J’ai besoin d’un docteur.
I don’t understand.
Je ne comprends pas.
Please take me to this
adress.
S’il vous plait emmenez-moi
à cette adresse.
Sorry to bother you.
Désolé de vous déranger.
I’d like to make a
reservation.
Je voudrais faire une réservation.
Where is the bathroom?
Où sont les toilettes ?
Noumea Weather
FRIDAY 13
Partly Rainy 25°
SUNDAY 15
Partly Rainy 24°
TUESDAY 17
Sunny 24°
THURSDAY 19
Partly Rainy 26°
SATURDAY 14
Partly Rainy 26°
MONDAY 16
Partly Sunny 24°
WEDNESDAY 18
Partly Rainy 25°
TENDENCIES
20 TO 26 MAY
Partly Sunny 26°
TAXI BOATS (LEAVING FROM ANSE VATA)
Every day 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Île aux Canards
return fare F1,000, Ilot Maître return fare F2,400.
Last departure 4 p.m. Tel 26 90 00.
NATURE & CULTURE PASS
Get a 40% reduction on entry fees to
5 major tourist attractions (the Maritime
History Museum is closed for renovation work until
July 2011. Residents can wait until the museum
re-opens to visit and non-residents can revisit one
of the other sites) ‘Le Pass’ costs just F1,700 and
includes entry to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, the
Museum of New Caledonia, the Noumea Municipal
Museum, the Noumea Aquarium and the Botanical
and Wildlife Park. On sale at all of the above (except
the Museum of New Caledonia) and at tourism
outlets displaying a ‘Le Pass’ sign.
RÉSEAU ÂMICAL
The ‘Réseau Âmical’ (Friendly Network)
is the perfect way to experience the
real spirit of New Caledonia. It includes
members from all the country’s ethnic
communities, committed to the principles
of responsible tourism, quality and authenticity.
www.office-tourisme.nc or call 05 75 80 (toll-free phone).
EDITOR:
Tel (687) 23 23 80 - [email protected]
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Tourism office. PHOTOS: Ville de Nouméa, Tourism office,
NC Tourism Point Sud, Musée de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, GIE Tourisme
Province Nord, GIE Destination Îles Loyauté, Musée de la Ville de Nouméa,
Théâtre de l’Île, ADCK - Centre Culturel Tjibaou, Éric Dell’Erba, Patrice Morin,
Marc Le Chelard
TRANSLATIONS: Elaine Sutton. PRINTED BY Le Gratuit
Despite the attention given to the accuracy
of the information printed
in The New Caledonia Weekly,
We protect
we cannot be held responsible for last minute
our Island.
changes in program or prices.
13 - 26 MAY 2011 - PAGE 8
WAY TO GO!
DOWNTOWN
Rue Gouass
em
Ballande
Rue de l’Alma - André
Ballande
Rue de l’Alma - André
City
Museum
Dou
arre
Brosset
Rue Orly
C. Porcheron
Rte
Olr
y
es
int
po
es
rt D
Po
du
Rte
Porcheron
C. G
ave
au
Rue D
ange
A. Bour
gine
lioz
A. Ber
Amiral Hasley
Impressive colonial style mansion
now the NC Literature Centre.
Open Tuesday to Saturday,
11 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Tel 28 65 10
6
e
qu
aro
.L
10
0
11 ue G
R
7
R. Laroque
Promenade
e
qu
aro
.L
9
G
10 Rue
8
11
12
Pointe
Magnin
Ent
rec
aste
aux
. G e r volin o
Rue
R
dégagement
Est
V oie de
Îlot
Song
Prom Prome e P. Ve
e nadenPa.dVernirenire r
G. Lod
s
VAL
PLAISANCE
12
Ouen Toro
Pool
ANSE VATA AND BAIE
DES CITRONS BEACHES
14
ACCOMMODATION
1
Côte
tee
Blanc
che
ch
Blanche
Pointe
Magnin
Île aux
Canards
Île aux
Canards
13
VAL
PLAISANCE
7 Anse Vata
15
G. Lod
s
Pro
me
enade P. V omenade P.
na
ernPr
Ver
Prom
de
nie
ie r
r
P. V
ern
ier
13
ANSE VATA
2
3
4
5
P
o
Pointe
du
O
u
Ouen-Toro
6
7
8
9
10
11
Pro
me
na
de
P. V
ern
ier
que
enade R. Laro
P ro m
Route de l’A
nse
Vat
a
Millard
H.. Milla
course
Racecourse
Anse Vata
Noumea’s most magnificent beaches.
Take a peep under the surface and
discover brightly coloured fish and
richly varied corals.
Bre
tag
ne
Vata
nse
e d e l’A
Ro u t
Amiri Hasley
Amiral
Route de l’A
nse
Vat
a
Garn
ier
Rue
J.
Garn
ier
Rue
J.
que
enade R. Laro
P ro m
MOTOR POOL
POOL
H. Millard8
Racecourse9
Rocher
à la voile
aly
BAIE
DES
CITRONS
P
o
Pointe
aux
LLo
o
Longs
Cous
N’GÉAN’GÉA
otanical
Botanical
B
gardensMOTOR
ade R. Laroque
Promen6
ANSE VATA
e A. D
Rocher
à la voile
roi
5
Mar. Juin
Aquarium
arium
m
Rue du 1 8 j u
5
DES
CITRONS
e fer
sd
Aquarium 4
Baie
des
BAIE
Citrons
rt e
Baie
des
Citrons
1
3 2
ed
Ru
Pointe
Chaleix
RECEIVING
Botanical
1
gardens
3 2
Pointe
Chaleix
y
. Dal
Rue A
Ba
aie dde
Baie
Saint
te-M
te
Sainte-Marie
Port
Despointe
es
es
Despointes
Rte du Vélodro m e
Plaisanc
isance
nce
Port Plaisance
RECEIVING
OUÉMO
dégagemen
t Est
FAUBOU
URG
G
FAUBOURG
BLANCHOT
BLANCH
HOT
O
TRIANON
ert
LAGOON AQUARIUM
Discover the splendor of the coral
reefs and its inhabitants. Guided
tours and audio guides are
available. Open Tuesday to Sunday,
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel 26 27 31
Baie de
l’Orphelinat
Rte du Vélodrom e
Pointe
Port Plaisance
Brunelet
in
ORPHELINAT
OR
ORPHELINAT
Port du Sud
Baie de
l’Orphelinat
Ru
TRIANON
a
G. F l
Pointe
de l’Artillerie
Pointe Îlot
Brun
Brunelet
ie de
Vo
ORPHELINATub
Port du Sud
Denouel
VALLÉE
DES COLONS midt erteuil
V
ch
H. S
eC
a
L Seine
ha
rle
lle
nvi
gai
Bou
Baie de
Magenta
Rue R. Gervolino
ai
5m
ARTILLERIE
roi
rle
ha
eC
at
ed
gn
Ru
ara
eT
Ru
Port Moselle
Pointe
de l’ArtilleriePointe
VALLÉE
DU GÉNIE
PORTES
DE FER
MAGENTA
big
éné
A. B
Rue
s
inte
spo
t De
Por
du
ute
Ro
The park features the rare endemic
Cagou, the emblem of New Caledonia. Open Tuesday to Sunday
10.15 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. Tel 27 89 51
Ru
eA
. Bé
néb
ig
Ru
fleur
Av. Victoire - H. La
QUARTIER
LATIN
Baie de
la Moselle
Anse
aux Bœufs
ha
Rue de la République
CENTRE-VILLE
Place
des
cocotiers
Mar. Foch
G. Clémenceau
ZOOLOGICAL AND
BOTANICAL GARDENS
R ue du
e
aill
Bat ougy
Rue Cdt R
du
Rue Olry
e
Petite
Rade
HAUT-MAGENTA
Rue G. C
p ui
s
Rue Austerlitz
Rue du Gal Galliéni
Rue J. Ferry
Av. J. Cook
VALLÉE
DU TIR
P. de
la B
Rue P arrière
asteu
r
Rue e
giqu
Straté
Rte des Po
Anse
du Tir
Voi
ed
ed
Ru
éga
eE
gem
.U
nge
ent
r
O
o
ug
.H
eV
Ru
Gal De Gaulle
Bro
che
MAISON CÉLIÈRES
n
sto
hn
Jo
V. Roffey
u
A. Barra
roche
Rue F. B
er
leti
Pel
audoux
Rue G. B
ARTILLERIE
Rue
F.
Gave
au
lerc
Rue du Mar. Lec
ein
lam
lA
eE
Ru
Flize
Rue L.
ixhans
Rue Pa
ino
r. Carcop
Av. des F
y
e Tassin
Lattre d
yon
ur Gu
verne
u Gou
Rue d
Mar. Foch
Rue de Sébastopol
Rue du Gal Sarrail
Rue G. Clémenceau
Beaches
Gal De Gaulle
auval
Av. Gribe
Rue de M
etz
Rue
C.
até
se-V
l’An
Suffren
NOUMEA CITY MARKET
Rue
Bich
at
Pl. de l’Île
de Lumière
rc
ecle
r. L
Ma
Dunkerquoise
s
ée
vill
ain
ug
Bo
Rue A. Brun
de
Rte
Rue Duquesne
Open every day except Tuesday,
9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
and 12.15 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Tel 27 23 42
L. Coursin
A. B
ourg
ine
Rue Austerlitz
Rue Tourville
Rob
inea
u
Hotel de la
ose province Sud
Niv
ate
rég
s
la F
fice
e
Arti
ed
des
Ru
Rte
Don’t miss a visit to the lively city
market at Baie de Moselle.
Open every day 5 a.m. to midday.
Tel 27 35 51
Dr Guegan
Hotel
New
Caledonia
G. G
uyn
em
er
Rue A. Brun
Harbourmaster
Office
Dr Lescour
QUARTIER
LATIN
MUSEUM OF
NEW CALEDONIA
Magenta
Rue de la Valbonne
Museum
of New
Caledonia
nne
Soe
Rue
Rue Jenner
C. de Verneilh
Gal Mangin
Gal Galliéni
Place
Bir Hakeim
Girofano
Rue E. Porcheron
Port Moselle
BEACHES
Rue
F. Su
rleau
Police
Central
Post Office
Place
Tual
Duty Free
Cathedral
Dr Lescour
Hotel
Best Western
“Le Paris”
Bibliothèque
Bernheim
City
Market
Place des Cocotiers, a 400m long
rectangular square right in the very
heart of Noumea, is a spacious
haven of peace and lush greenery.
Rue M. Lang
ur
Av. Victoire - H. Lafle
PLACE DES COCOTIERS
Supermarket
Youth
Hostel
Dr Guegan
Rue G. Clémenceau
Rue Austerlitz
Rue de la Somme
Internet Café
Surcouf
Complexe
“Le Village”
Rue de la Somme
Taxi boat
Rue Orly
Rue de Verdun
Rue Orly
Ypres
A Gothic cathedral in the tropics.
Rue Monseigneur-Douarre du
Temple, Downtown.
Taxi rank
ier
art
.C
eJ
Ru
Rue J. Ferry
Ru
eS
au
tot
Rue de Verdun
A. France
che
Leri
nnin
Jea
Av. du Mar. Foch
Rue A. France
Salonique
F.
Rue
P.
Rue
Kiosque
à musique
J. Jaures
SAINT JOSEPH’S
CATHEDRAL
Bus terminal
ner
Jen
Rue
Place des Cocotiers
Square
Olry
Mairie
Swimming
Barleux
Rue de Sébastopol
Rue J. Jaures
Shipping
Terminal
Beach
r
enne
Rue J
Boulevard Vauban
Downtown: 14 rue Jean Jaurès or at
Anse Vata, Tel 28 75 80 / 05 75 80
(toll-free phone). Anse Vata:
117 promenade Roger Laroque,
Tel 27 73 59 / 28 93 60
exchange
View point
Boulevard
Extérieur
Conde
Currency
nt
ince
L. V
Rue
Deux
vallé
es
Rte du S
émapho
re
Rue de la République
Information centre
gy
Rou
Cdt
du
Rue
TOURISM OFFICE
CENTRE
VILLE
riège
Rue Past. M. A
Nouville
Av. du Mar. Foch
Rue du Gal Mangin
Rue de la République
KEYS
Av. P. Doumer
Rue Austerlitz
Av. P. Doumer
Rue du Gal Galliéni
Islands
Maritime Terminal
1er
ert
Alb
Rue
A. Desmazure
Rue J.B. De
zarnaulds
gy
Rou
Cdt
x
du
hou
Rue
Ma
Rue
ok
Co
Rue J. Ferry
M
Musée
de
l’Histoire
Histo maritime
J.
Av.
CHT
G. Bourret
aille
Bat
Rue
Rue F
. Russ
eil
Rue G. Clémenceau
NOUVILLE
12
13
14
15
Hôtel Mocambo**
Résidence Marina Beach
Hôtel Beaurivage**
Résidence Casa del Sole**
Le Surf***
Hôtel Le Lagon**
Hôtel Best Western Premier
La Promenade****
Nouvata Parc Complex***
Ramada Plaza Nouméa****
Motel Anse Vata
Royal Tera***
Le Méridien Nouméa*****
Motel Le Bambou
Résidôtel Le Stanley***
La galerie Palm Beach
Anse
du Fort