La Foa
La Foa and its region, which includes Farino, Moindou and Sarramea, is renowned for its eco-tourism – its vast open natural spaces with their endemic flora and fauna give great pleasure to visitors. Its immense Great Fern Park, its preserved mangrove and its lagoon, which is classified as a UNESCO World heritage site, are examples of this area’s rich biodiversity. Its history, which is closely linked to the prison colonies, is also very rich and colourful – Fort Teremba gives a good insight into New Caledonia’s history.
Tourism is an important aspect of the local economy and the local population have managed to create a varied offer of accommodation, restaurants, and leisure activities. So if you wish to visit the area by air, sea or land you will surely find what you need!
Must do:
Ouano Beach
This beach is very popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts alike. It has free access but if you wish to use the surfing equipment you need to contact the Ouano surf camp.
Marguerite Bridge
The first bridge to cross the river Foa was built by prisoners. In 1909 a second bridge – 48m long, 3m wide and therefore stronger – replaced the initial construction. It was named the Marguerite Bridge after the wife of the New Caledonian governor, who cut the inauguration ribbon. Today it is only accessible on foot and is classed as a historical monument.
Farino Markets
Note down the second Sunday in each month in your diary for this charming market selling various local products. It also offers the opportunity to take part in various events, games and competitions. Local dishes are available on the food stalls.
Candlenut Tree Worm Tasting
This large white worm is part of the Cerambyciedae family and can mesure up to 8cm! It feeds on the candlenut tree wood. Each year it has its own festival where you can taste it in all sorts of ways – raw, grilled, cooked in butter or ‘flambeed’ in pastis …!
Great Fern Park (closed on Tuesdays)
This fascinating nature park spreads across three districts – Sarramea, Moindou and Farino. You can visit it on foot or by bike and discover many endemic plant species. You will be given a map at the entrance. There is an entry fee.
Dogny Plateau
This plateau was designated on 1st January 1958 to celebrate a mass bringing together of tribes from the east and west coasts. A path winds up the hill through the beautiful local landscapes with their specific flora and fauna. When you reach the top you will be greeted by a superb view. The path starts from the Evasion hotel. You can do the 5 hour hike on foot or a shortened version on horseback.
Teremba Fort
The Teremba Fort is open every day from 9am-4pm and offers a fun opportunity to learn all about the history of the New Caledonian prisoners, and in particular their uprising in 1878. The visit is a recreational experience where you can see their prison conditions and what their daily lives as convicts were like.
The Feuillet Hole
The Feuillet Hole is an ideal spot for a dip. When New Caledonia was under French colonial rule a governor called Monsieur Feuillet used to like swimming here. This spot was named after him. To get there take the path opposite the Evasion hotel and walk up 300 m.