Things to do in New Caledonia
Shop up a storm in Noumea!
The bustling hub of Noumea might have its feet in the Pacific, but its heart is in Paris. Where else can you find French sophistication alongside fresh tropical produce, or luxury goods and designer brands next to beautiful local art? Shopping in Noumea is a truly unique experience, so it pays to know where to go for that one-of-a-kind memento or bottle of exquisite French wine.
LUXURY GOODS
Going straight to the top? Find French luxury on Rue de l’Alma, Rue Georges Clemenceau, and Rue Jean Jaures. For everything from fragrance to lingerie and leather head to Marlene, one of the largest duty-free stores in Noumea.
Shop for sparkles on Rue de Sebastopol, where Maison de la Pearl is an unmissable experience. Rue de Sebastopol is also the place to go for big-name designer brands such as Hermés, Chanel, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, and Guess. There’s even an Apple store!
La Promenade at Anse Vata is known for its chic boutiques. Linger over a coffee at Malongo before you stroll around, inspecting the latest fashions and haute couture direct from Paris.
FRESH PRODUCE & LOCAL ARTEFACTS
Shop like a local at Noumea’s markets to pick up a bargain. Visit the Port Moselle Market by the marina on a weekend if you want to snap up the freshest produce, and be serenaded by ukulele musicians as you browse. Wander at leisure through the lively stalls full of tropical flowers, colourful spices and fresh fruit.
Every Thursday at Place des Cocotiers there’s the Jeudi du Centre Ville—a colourful street market which changes theme every week. Stalls are filled with locally-made arts and crafts, fresh produce and cakes. The square itself sums up the spirit of Noumea: typically French in design, fringed with breezy coconut palms and bracketed by impressive Kanak totems.
FRENCH FARE
You can’t fully experience Noumea without sampling at least some of the French culinary delights. La Maison Ballande, at the seafront on Rue Jules Garnier, is brimming with gourmet food and wine (local and French) and conducts regular tastings.
Speaking of wine, the best French drop is available almost everywhere (even in the supermarkets) but to refine the search try Pavillion des Vins or Vinotheque in the city centre. Just don’t forget the corkscrew!
The highlight in the Latin Quarter is Chocolats Morand, with decadent handmade chocolates and truly tempting cakes. Tonton Jules is another to try for deluxe French chocolate and tea.
Ready to shop up a storm in Noumea? Just remember the rule of siesta—stores generally close between 11:30am-2:30pm, so plan your day around it. Contact our New Caledonia Holiday Experts to book today, or click around for more incredible things to do in New Caledonia!
Post by Alana Eising
Alana is a writer and a wanderer who almost always wishes she were somewhere else. That’s why she writes about the fabulous places she’s been, and all the destinations left on her bucket list.
