Nouméa

Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, is a cosmopolitan and distinctly French city set on a peninsula of the main island, Grande Terre, blending Parisian chic with South Pacific island life. Along its palm-lined beaches at Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons, and around its lively squares and marina, sidewalk cafes, patisseries, boutiques and a vibrant morning market give it a Mediterranean-tropical flavour. The city also holds an excellent aquarium showcasing the lagoon's marine life and, most strikingly, the architecturally acclaimed Tjibaou Cultural Centre, a soaring modern celebration of the indigenous Kanak culture, making Nouméa a fascinating cultural crossroads.

What you actually see

• The beaches - the palm-lined Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons.
• The Tjibaou Cultural Centre - the striking Kanak cultural centre.
• The market - the lively morning produce and fish market.
• The aquarium - the showcase of the lagoon's marine life.

When to go

April to November, the cooler, drier season, for the most pleasant weather to enjoy the beaches, cafes and outdoor life; the city is lively year-round. The morning market is at its best early, and the beaches and waterfront are especially enjoyable in the mild, sunny months of the dry season.

Honest expectations

Nouméa is a comparatively expensive, distinctly French city, so it feels less like a traditional Pacific island town and more like a slice of France abroad, which is either a charm or a disappointment depending on what you seek; it has also seen periods of political tension around the question of independence. As a cosmopolitan, café-filled capital with lovely beaches, a fine aquarium and the superb Tjibaou Centre celebrating Kanak culture, though, Nouméa is an appealing and cultured base.

Nearby

The lagoon, the Isle of Pines and the interior of Grande Terre are within reach.