new caledonia
The people
The population is approximately 231,000
and the official language is French.
There are about 30 different Melanesian
languages, but English is widely spoken,
particularly in the tourist industry.
History
In 1774 Captain James Cook arrived in
New Caledonia and eighteen years later
Frenchman Bruny d'Entrecasteaux, while
searching for the missing navigator La
Perouse, stopped at Balade and the Isle
of Pines. In 1957 New Caledonia became
a French Overseas Territory.
176 www.paradisesonline.com
Food
Whilst there are many superb French
restaurants in New Caledonia, one of the
true delights is to discover the gourmet
specialty shops where the locals frequent.
You can join a 'Taste of France' tour or if
you like to discover at your own pace—
why not start your day at the market,
where you will discover fresh produce or
perhaps experience a great breakfast.
Every Saturday morning there is a mini
market at Maison Balland where you can
taste New Caledonia oysters and other
local and French provincial fare. In the
Latin Quarter, discover Le Traiteur Hirzel,
which offers a selection of enticing precooked French dishes.
The sights
At the centre of the city in Nouméa is
the Place des Cocotiers, an attractive
gardened
square
surrounded
by
numerous streets with interesting shops.
One of the highlights of any visit is the
Tjibaou Cultural Centre. There is also the
Parc Forestier (botanical and zoological
garden) and the Nouméa Aquarium—
world renowned for its fluorescent corals
and nautilus.
