Travel France - by Melinda

New Caledonia - Travel France

Vive in a Different France: New Caledonia Part 12

August 25th 2006 01:29

Bonjour tout le monde.

Today we say “Au Revoir” to New Caledonia, but before we do I promised to give you some special dates on the New Caledonian calendar. If you’re over there on these days, you might be treated to something special.

Because New Caledonia is sort of part of France (read my explanation of a TOM here), Bastille Day is day which cannot be missed! The main attractions are a military parade and aerial show in Nouméa.

New Caledonia's official emblem. (this picture is licensed under the Creative Commons 1.0 Agreement and has been released for public use. The original picture can be found at www.cyberflags.com)

August is actually a busy month in New Caledonia. For all you jazz fans, it is a month filled with jazz festivals in Nouméa. The Agricultural Fair also takes place in August and has some great events like rodeo comps. (I just love the rodeo!) If you do like the rodeo, then there is another one in April in Koné.

September 24 is New Caledonia Day. It was on this day that France took over their country. Now to me, that seems something very strange to celebrate, but it is their national day.

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this series on New Caledonia. If you have any questions on New Caledonia, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message and hopefully I can try and answer your question. = )

The best information on the net on New Caledonia can be found on New Caledonia’s official tourist site which has info about accommodation, food, practical stuff and much more. The only problem is it’s in French so it’ll be good to get some practice!!!

Next, I’ll be heading back to France to take you around another fantastic city.
À demain
Melinda

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Vive in a Different France: New Caledonia Part 11

August 24th 2006 08:27

Bonjour tout le monde!

Well, today will be the second last post on New Caledonia and they will both focus on practical information which will help any traveller heading there.

The first tip is a health warning: according to LonelyPlanet.com and New Caledonia’s official tourist site, Dengue Fever is one of the main health risks in New Caledonia. The virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is most active during the day, especially in February and March. The best defence against it: lots of mozzie repellent!!! If you do contract the fever, avoid aspirin because it could cause haemorrhaging. Get a doctor to check you over and make sure. It can be diagnosed by a blood test. Another tip from New Caledonia’s official site: avoid drinking tap water on Ouvéa (one of the Loyalty Islands).

Now, don’t think that was supposed to be a scare tactic. Quite frankly, information like this is important, so you can take preventative measures.

Now onto something more important: prices. The most expensive hotels cost above 90 euros, average ones cost from 55 to 70 euros and a small double room costs 40-55 euros per night.

Most banks in NC actually charge a commission of 5 euros to exchange money or traveller’s cheques. The American Express agency in Nouméa is the only one which doesn’t. So be careful…

Most places in Nouméa accept credit cards.

That’s it for today. Look this site up tomorrow for the last New Caledonia post = (

À demain
Melinda

P.S - the local currency is the CFP franc
P.P.S – if you can read French, this is the most comprehensive tourist site: http://www.kanaky-nouvelle-caledonie.com/

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Vive in a Different France: New Caledonia Part 10

August 22nd 2006 11:35

Bonjour tout le monde!

After a short break, I’m back to give you more information on New Caledonia. Today, it’s how to get there and home again. So the most obvious way: by plane. There are several major airline companies which conduct flights to and from New Caledonia on a regular basis. These include Air New Zealand, Air France, AOM, Air Vanuatu and the New Caledonian companies Corsair, Aircalin and Air Calédonie International.

An AIr New Zealand plane taking off (picture is licensed under the GNU agreement and can be found at wikipedia.org)

The best air fares to New Caledonia can be found departing from France, the east coast of Australia and some cities in America. For the best deals from Europe, it is probably easier (cheaper too) to fly to the east coast of Australia and then get another flight over to New Caledonia.

The other way to get to the island is via yachts or cruise ships. Private yachts are only allowed to dock in Nouméa harbour. Cruise ships often drop anchor in several harbours so passengers can spend a day on beach.

To get around the country, you can charter private jets, helicopters or hop on a domestic flight. The road network is really good and there are bus services all the time.

Ok. That’s it for today. See you tomorrow
À demain
Melinda

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Vive in a Different France: New Caledonia Part 9

August 18th 2006 07:20

Bonjour tout le monde!

So after, last post's visa information, I thought I'd give you some more information on some fantastic attractions to check out while in New Caledonia.

The following places appear on LonelyPlanet.com as the list of must see attractions in New Caledonia.

A beautiful palm tree (picture is from public domain and can be found at wikipedia.org)

Grotte de la Reine Hortense - this basically translates as Queen Hortense's Cave. It is apparently the place where the wife of a local tribal chief Queen Hortense hid for several months during a tribal battle on the island in 1855. It is one of New Caledonia's most popular and most spectacular caves. The entrance to the cave is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. The cave can be found to the north of the airport. Don't forget a torch!!

Lindéralique Rocks - These imposing black limestone rocks can be found along the coast of New Caledonia, starting south of Hienghène and continuing up to Hienghène bay. Some of the rocks are up to 60 metres tall and at Lindéralique (which is 4 kilometres south of Hienghène), you can sail in, around and underneath the rocks. Can you imagine that??!! It would be incredible!!! You can also explore the Grotte de Lindéralique, which is found nearby. (If you ask me, this attraction sounds a little like the 12 Apostles in Victoria.)

Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue - This "parc" (or park in English) is a recreational area found at the western end of the hydroelectric dam Lac de Yaté. It is a fantastic nature reserve, which contains many of New Caledonia's natural treasures. There is a visitor's information centre with maps in both French and English, which outline walks through the reserve.

So, these are just some of the wonderful attractions which can be found in New Caledonia. If you know of any more, please feel free to post a comment.

That's it for today.
À demain
Melinda

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