Only just two hours flight time from Brisbane, less than three hours from Sydney and now, with a new Aircalin flight, under four hours from Melbourne, New Caledonia offers French flair and food with traditional Melanesian island history.
It's a world of French champagne, cheese made from pasteurised milk, sweet local prawns, huge Isle of Pines escargot cooked in garlic and french butter, crisp baguettes and perfect croissants. In fact, everything French from the macarons to the butter, tastes better here.
What else do you need to know?
- They drive on the opposite side of the road
- French is spoken everywhere
- It's a double kiss hello
- The shops shut at 12 on Saturday and all day Sunday
- A day trip boat ride on the Bettico ferry to the Isle of Pines costs AUD$130 return
- Check out the huge cheese and charcuterie sections in the local supermarket and consider self-catering for some meals.
- There's plenty of French champagne.
- Isle of Pines escargot is a must try for snail lovers, but they are only available on the Isle of Pines.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK travelled as the guest of Aircalin and New Caledonia Tourism.
Kerry Heaney