Gay and lesbian travellers looking for a bit of French glamour with a tropical twist would do well to consider a visit to Nouvelle-Calédonie. Noumea – the capital of New Caledonia – is an emerging gay destination, with a community resource centre, gay owned nightclubs, and waterfront restaurants flying the colours and welcoming visitors to their events.
Gay and lesbian travellers looking for a bit of French glamour with a tropical twist would do well to consider a visit to Nouvelle-Calédonie. Noumea - the capital of New Caledonia - is an emerging gay destination, with a community resource centre, gay owned nightclubs, and waterfront restaurants flying the colours and welcoming visitors to their events.
In Noumea, the fine French restaurants, designer boutiques, and cosmopolitan crowds all proclaim that this is the Paris of the Pacific. It is a small but busy city, a place where chic European decor and sophistication embrace elements of tropical island ambience and gourmet joi de vivre.
If your dream stay is more of a tropical resort, the islands of New Caledonia will not disappoint, as many Asian and European lesbians and gay have already discovered.
One of the biggest attractions is the Isle of Pines, an easy day trip from the main island of Grande Terre. Whether you want 5-star lodging or to camp out under 5000 stars, this is the place to snorkel in a natural aquarium and take a short walk in the rainforest to eat fresh-caught lobster on the beach.
The jewel of the Pacific might just be the collection of Loyalty Islands. Travel by air or sea to the charming outer islands named Mare, Lifou and Ouvea. Each is picture postcard perfect in its own right, each with its own Kanak Villages and traditions, each open to gay travellers who want a chance to interact with the people and culture.
