One of the largest barrier reefs in the world shines emerald and and turquoise through the crystal-clear waters of New Caledonia. The town of Noumea clusters around a central square and a few tall palms give the Place des Cocotiers restaurants, bistros and chic French boutiques line the streets. And Indonesian, Tahitian and Chinese shops sell everything from shell necklaces to incense burners. Bustling with life, this small, thriving town is the French Riviera of the South Pacific.
Shopping
Best buys in Noumea are imported goods from France, with duty-free shops offering savings of 20 to 30%.
Currency
The local currency is CPF (Central Pacific Francs) and this is the only currency used.