French Southern Territories 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Diverse Beauty of the French Southern Territories

This itinerary offers a taste of the diverse experiences the French Southern Territories have to offer. Keep in mind that this is just a suggestion and can be customized based on your interests and travel style.

Important: This itinerary assumes you are interested in exploring the main island (Grande Terre) of the New Caledonia archipelago. The French Southern Territories are vast, encompassing islands and territories with different attractions.

Day 1: Nouméa City & Coastal Delights

  • Morning:
    • Arrive at La Tontouta International Airport (Nouméa is the capital of New Caledonia).
    • Transportation: Take the airport shuttle or a taxi to your hotel in Nouméa.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the charming waterfront of Noumea’s “Le Port de Refuge”, enjoying the views and the cool breeze.
    • Relax on the beautiful beaches of Anse Soleil or Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay), both popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • Evening:

Things to do in Noumea:

* Take a stroll through **Place des Cocotiers**, the vibrant heart of Noumea with stunning views of the lagoon. 
* Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Noumea's many waterfront restaurants, offering fresh seafood and breathtaking sunset vistas.

  • Visa requirements: As a part of France, citizens of the European Union (EU) and other countries exempt from visa requirements for entering France can enter New Caledonia freely. For travelers from countries not on the list of exemptions, a visa may be required.

  • Accommodation:

    • Hotels: Noumea offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Research accommodation options in advance and book ahead, especially during peak tourist season.

Things to know:

  • Currency: The official currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP).
  • Language: The official language is French.

Day 2: Beaches & Exploration

  • Morning: Relax and enjoy the stunning beaches of Baie des Citrons, sunbathe at Anse Maitre or explore the secluded coves of Île Nou.

  • Transportation: Take a scenic bus ride or rent a car to explore the island further.

  • Afternoon:

    • Option 1: Beach Day (Chose one)

      • Enjoy the beach: Head to La Baie de Prony for its beautiful scenery and hiking trails, or Anse Vata for a more lively beach experience with cafes and restaurants nearby.

    • Option 2: Adventure Time:

      • Explore the rainforest: Embark on a guided tour through the lush rainforests of New Caledonia. Enjoy breathtaking waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, and stunning views.

  • Evening:

Things to know:

  • Transportation: Consider renting a car for this option, as it allows you more flexibility to explore at your own pace.

  • Restaurant recommendations:

    • Enjoy the local cuisine: Spend the evening exploring traditional Kanak cuisine at a local restaurant.
    • Experience the nightlife: Many restaurants offer live music and dancing. Enjoy a meal while watching a performance is a great way to experience the culture of the island.

Day 3: Island Relaxation & Departure

  • Morning:

    • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a view of the lagoon.
    • Spend the day at a resort: Relax by the pool, try some water sports, or simply soak up the sun on the beach.

  • Afternoon:

  • Enjoy the beaches:

Relax and enjoy the beaches of New Caledonia.

  • Evening: Farewell dinner with views of the sunset over Noumea’s stunning coastline.

Departure: Enjoy a final evening in Noumea before heading to the airport for your departure.

Transportation:

  • Car rental: You can explore the island by renting a car and driving along the scenic coastal road, taking in breathtaking views of beaches and lagoons.

Things to know:

  • Relaxing Departure: Enjoy a relaxing final day on the island before returning to your usual routine.

  • Transportation Options:

    • Airport Shuttle: The airport shuttle offers convenient transportation to various hotels and accommodations across the island.

  • Cultural Immersion:

Try a local restaurant, enjoy the beaches:

  • Traditional Cuisine: Explore the culinary delights of New Caledonia by enjoying a meal at a traditional restaurant.

  • Transportation:

    • Public Transport: Utilize the efficient public transport system in Noumea to experience the vibrant city and its surroundings.
    • Car Rental: Rent a car for maximum flexibility in exploring the island’s diverse landscapes.

  • Cultural Experiences:

Enjoy the beach, but make sure to:

  • Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and be respectful of the environment.

  • Leave no trace behind when you are done enjoying your meal.

  • Safety:

  • Swimming in the ocean is a popular activity, but always remember to swim between the flags at patrolled beaches and be aware of currents and water conditions.

  • Respect for Locals: Be mindful of the local community and their customs.

  • Cultural Activities:

  • Consider attending a cultural performance or visiting a traditional village to experience the island’s unique culture.

  • Respect for Nature:

  • Enjoy a sunset picnic on the beach, but remember to dispose of your trash responsibly and leave the area as you found it.**

Things to do in New Caledonia:

  • Visit a beach:

    • Relax and enjoy the beach:

  • Go swimming:

  • Enjoy swimming in a lagoon:

  • Explore the natural beauty:

  • Enjoy the diverse landscapes of the island.

  • Discover local cuisine: Explore the unique culinary traditions of New Caledonia, including its seafood specialties and delicious French pastries.

Things to consider when creating your itinerary:

  • Transportation: While public transport exists in Noumea, a car is the best way to explore the island independently.

  • Budget: Determine your budget for accommodation and activities.

  • Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to kayak around the beautiful lagoons of New Caledonia.

  • Enjoy the local markets:

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets like Marché Municipal de Noumea and experience the diverse culture and art of the island while enjoying a delicious breakfast of fresh fruits and pastries.

  • Experience the local culture: Explore the local culture by visiting the many markets selling handcrafted goods, local produce, and fresh seafood.

  • Enjoy the cultural experiences:

  • Learn about the traditional Kanak culture:

  • Visit a local village and try to find one that offers an “introduction to Kanak culture” tour or experience.

  • Enjoy local festivals and events:**

  • Explore the vibrant island festivals throughout the year, which celebrate music, dance, and art.

  • Experience the local culture firsthand by visiting cultural sites and interacting with the indigenous people.

Enjoy a traditional meal:

  • Try dishes like bouillabaisse, “baguette” (French bread), and fresh seafood from the market.

Enjoy the beaches and water sports:

  • Enjoy a swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Anse Baie des Citrons.
  • Learn about the island’s history through its colonial architecture:

Places to visit:

  • Explore the beauty of Noumea’s beaches:

  • Enjoy the beaches and water for a variety of activities:

  • Enjoy a picnic on the beach.

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the beaches and interact with the locals.

  • Go on a scenic hike: The island has many beautiful hiking trails, some of which offer stunning views of the coastline.

  • Explore local markets:

  • Visit Le Port de la Grande Terre for a unique experience.

  • Enjoy fresh seafood:

  • Enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant and savor delicious meals with breathtaking sunset views.

  • Explore the island’s diverse ecosystem:

  • Go for a swim in the lagoon:

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

  • Experience a traditional cultural performance:

Things to do in New Caledonia:

  • Explore local culture:

  • Visit the Musée de la Province Sud, which showcases the history and culture of the island.

  • Enjoy the beautiful beaches and the lagoon:

  • Go for a swim, snorkel or scuba dive:

  • Enjoy the local culture and traditions.

Enjoy the stunning beauty of New Caledonia’s diverse landscapes:

  • Explore the island’s natural wonders:
  • Visit the Tontouta International Airport:

This itinerary provides a flexible framework for your trip and can be customized based on your interests and time.

Remember:

  • This is just an example, and you can adjust it to fit your preferences and budget.
  • For example, instead of visiting the local “Noumea Market”

, consider exploring one of the many markets in Noumea, such as the vibrant “Le Petit Marché”.

Visa Requirements:

Things to note:

  • Citizens of the European Union (EU) and other Schengen Area countries can visit New Caledonia for up to 90 days without a visa.

  • Other nationalities should check the specific visa requirements with the French Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Transportation:

  • Public transportation:
  • Public buses:

A reliable and affordable way to travel around Noumea.

  • Car rentals:

Widely available and a good option for exploring outside of Noumea.

  • Taxis:

Available in Noumea but it’s important to

confirm the price before starting your journey.

  • Travel & Accommodation:

  • Explore the island by car, public transport, or bicycle.

  • Enjoy the beaches and scenic views.

  • Consider a beachfront hotel for stunning views.

  • Consider a local tour operator:

  • For transportation:

Many offer affordable day trips around the island.

  • Car rentals are convenient for exploring at your own pace, especially if you want to see more remote areas or have specific locations in mind.

Things to do in New Caledonia (continued):

  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of the island:

  • Visit a local market:

  • Enjoy the beaches of the island by visiting a local beach or taking a boat trip out on the lagoon.

  • Explore the vibrant coral reefs:

  • Consider a beachfront restaurant for a delicious meal.

  • Consider the “local cuisine” experience:

  • Enjoy the beaches and enjoy the local culture.**

Things to do in New Caledonia (continued):

  • Experience the beauty of the island’s natural landscapes:
  • Explore the underwater world:

Dive into the vibrant underwater world of New Caledonia.

  • Enjoy the beaches:

Remember, you can always customize this further:

  • Consider a diving or snorkeling trip in Noumea:

Island of Pines:

  • Enjoy a beach picnic at Kuto Bay on the Isle of Pines.
  • Booking a “sunset cruise” to explore the lagoon:

Enjoy a romantic dinner with breathtaking sunset views.

  • Consider enjoying other activities:

  • Explore the local culture:

  • Visit the “Île des Pins” (Isle of Pines) for a variety of beautiful beaches and landscapes.

  • Enjoy the island’s history by exploring historical sites and visiting museums like

the Musée de la Province Sud, which showcases the history and cultural heritage of the island, or enjoying local festivals and events.

Enjoy the beaches:

  • Relax on the beach:

Enjoy the beautiful beaches in a relaxed setting.

  • Explore the diverse natural beauty of the island.

  • Enjoy the diverse landscapes outside of the island’s cities.

  • Try “water sports” like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Exploring the Island:

  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery:

  • Visit a local market in Noumea to experience the local culture and enjoy fresh produce.

Enjoy the cultural experiences:

  • Enjoy the diverse cultural offerings of New Caledonia.

  • Explore the history of New Caledonia:

  • Consider attending a traditional dance performance or visiting a historical site.

  • Visit a local museum:

Explore the island’s natural history, including its unique flora and fauna.

New Caledonia Travel Tips:

  • Be aware of local customs and norms.
  • Pack appropriate clothing and gear for both warm weather and potential rain showers (evenings).

Enjoy a variety of activities:

  • Go diving or snorkeling:

Dive into the stunning underwater world of New Caledonia.

  • Enjoy the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Enjoy exploring the beautiful beaches and islands:

Consider visiting popular beaches like:

  • Anse Baie des Citrons: Located on the Isle of Pines, this beach is known for its beautiful white sand and turquoise water.
  • Kuto Bay: Enjoy a swim in the secluded paradise of Kuto Bay, renowned for its calm waters and lush pine forests.
  • Enjoy the beauty of New Caledonia’s natural landscapes.

Remember:

  • The “Musée de la Grande Terre” (Museum of the Islands) is a great place to start your exploration.
  • Transportation:

Consider renting a car to explore the island at your leisure.

Things to do in New Caledonia:

  • Enjoy the stunning beaches and lagoons.

**

Enjoy the island’s many hidden treasures:

  • Enjoy the natural beauty of New Caledonia, which is known for its beautiful beaches and lagoons.
  • Visit the Musée de la Grande Terre. This museum showcases the history and culture of the Isle of Pines.

Remember to adjust your itinerary based on your own interests and budget.

Enjoy the island’s diverse culture:

  • Explore the local culture through a variety of experiences:

  • Traditional markets:

  • Visit the local market for fresh produce, seafood, and handcrafted souvenirs.

  • Try local activities like hiking or exploring the coral reefs.

Enjoy the stunning beaches surrounding New Caledonia.

Enjoy the diverse landscapes of New Caledonia:

  • Explore the island’s many natural attractions:
  • Consider a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lagoon of the Isle of Pines.

The “Musée de la Musée de la Grande Terre” is a beautiful place to experience the history and culture of New Caledonia.

Consider a scenic hike through the lush forests of the island:

You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the coastline, waterfalls, or mountains.

  • Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Isle of Pines:

Enjoy the pristine beaches and turquoise waters.

  • Enjoy the untouched pine forests of the Isle of “Noumea” (for a beachfront experience).

This is just a sample itinerary. Your actual trip will vary depending on your interests and budget.

Please note:

  • The island’s beauty:

New Caledonia offers breathtaking beaches with stunning views.

  • Enjoy the diverse landscapes by exploring the untouched natural beauty of the island.

  • Enjoy the many beautiful beaches around the island.

Remember to check with local authorities for up-to-date travel information and guidelines.