A sheltered beach, excellent restaurants and plenty ofshopping opportunities welcome visitors to laidback Baie des Citrons. This picturesquewaterfront resort is a district of Nouméa and sits on the city’s southwestcoast, overlooking an attractive bay.
The beating heart of Baie desCitrons is Plage de la Baie des Citrons,an attractive curve of golden sand lapped at by perfect blue water. It’s where you can enjoy safe swimming, picnics under the shade of atree and impressive sunsets.
Promenade RogerLaroque runs parallel to the beach and is a great place forstrolling and people watching atall times of the day. The long walkway stretches along the coastline from Plagede la Baie des Citrons to the beaches of nearby Baie de l’Anse Vata. Take a moment to browse the boutiques,galleries and fashion outlets lining part of its route. After sunset the promenadeis still a hiveof activity, with locals and tourists filling up the seafood restaurants,cocktail bars and nightclubs.
For some family-friendly fun, visit the Aquarium des Lagons at the southern endof the beach. Discover a fascinating array of colourful fish native to New Caledonia’sfreshwater lakes, lagoons and opensea.
Go to Port Plaisanceand observe the mixture of sea traffic, including freight ships, fishing boatsand luxury yachts. Cross the bridge to the islet of Ilot Brun for good views of the port, bay and beach.
Elsewhere in Baie des Citrons you can walk amid talltrees and well-maintained lawns at Parcdu Receiving Georges-Brunelet. Another good spot for relaxation is Parc de l’Orphelinat, a waterfront parkthat curves around Baie de l’Orphelinat.
Baie des Citrons is just a 10-minute drive south fromNouméa’s city centre. It is a French-speaking resort, although most tourismservices also speak English. Getting around the village is comfortable on footas distances are relatively short and many attractions are reachable viawaterfront pathways. Rent a car and visit other areas of Nouméa such as thehistoric Centre Ville and thearchitecturally impressive Latin Quarter.