DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Celeste Fountain

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
—°10
Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)

Weather…

The Celeste Fountain stands as a graceful historic landmark in the center of Nouméa, occupying a prominent position in the Place des Cocotiers. Erected in 1893, this white stone fountain is much more than a decorative piece; it serves as the 'Kilometer Zero' for all roads and distances throughout New Caledonia. The fountain was named after Céleste, a young woman who was chosen to turn on the water during its grand inauguration ceremony. Featuring classic architectural lines and delicate carvings, the fountain has been a preferred meeting spot for generations of Nouméans. It is surrounded by lush gardens and the iconic coconut palms that give the square its name, offering a serene atmosphere in the midst of the urban bustle. As a centerpiece of the city's heritage, the fountain area frequently hosts public markets, festivals, and concerts, maintaining its status as the social and geographical heart of the territory's capital for over a century.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262726252422212121232425
Rain mm109991611049480685842416578

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Celeste Fountain is a public monument located in a square in Nouméa, fully accessible to pedestrians at all times. You can walk around it and read the commemorative plaque that marks the distance zero point.
🕒
Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, the fountain is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without any admission fee. There is no staff or gate, so you can visit at any time that suits you.
📷
Photography
Photography is unrestricted; you can capture the fountain from any angle, especially with the surrounding colonial buildings in the background. The fountain is beautifully lit at night, making for atmospheric evening shots.
⏱️
Time needed
A quick stop of 5 to 10 minutes is enough to view the fountain and take photos. If you want to read the informative panels or enjoy the square's ambience, allow up to 20 minutes.
➕
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby St. Joseph's Cathedral and the Bernheim Library, all within a few minutes' walk. The fountain is also close to the Nouméa central market, excellent for local produce shopping.
🧭
Getting there
The fountain is situated in the heart of Nouméa, easily accessible on foot from the cruise terminal or city centre. It is located at the intersection of major streets, so you can also arrive by taxi or bus.
💡
Insider tip
Look for the small bronze plaque at the base that indicates the exact zero kilometre point for New Caledonia. This fountain is a popular meeting spot, so it's a convenient rendezvous point when exploring the city.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.27110, 166.44190

Facts

  • The fountain was inaugurated on July 2, 1893.
  • It was designed by sculptor Jean-Baptiste-Victor-Léonard Mahuet.
  • The monument celebrates the completion of the water pipe from Yahoué.
  • The sculpture is made of white marble.
  • The fountain is situated in Square Feillet.
  • It is named after the daughter of the mayor at the time.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Point Zero of NoumeaPoint Zero of Noumea<1 km · SExplore →
Lapérouse MonumentLapérouse Monument2 km · SEExplore →
Doniambo SmelterDoniambo Smelter2 km · SWExplore →
Vallée des ColonsVallée des Colons2 km · NExplore →
Lemon BayLemon Bay2 km · EExplore →
Immaculate Conception ChurchImmaculate Conception Church3 km · NWExplore →
Ducos Industrial ZoneDucos Industrial Zone3 km · SWExplore →
Ile Nou PrisonIle Nou Prison3 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Celeste Fountain (10)

Fontaine Céleste

Decorative fountain at Place des Cocotiers. A notable landmark in the city center.

Musée de la Ville🏛 museum

City museum in Nouméa. Exhibits on the history and culture of the town.

Gouverneur Jean-Baptiste Olry

Monument to Governor Jean-Baptiste Olry. Commemorates his role in New Caledonia.

Maison Higginson🏛 museum

Historic house in Nouméa. Now operates as a museum with exhibition rooms.

Temple protestant de Nouméa

Protestant church in Nouméa. Place of worship for the Reformed congregation.

Cathédrale Saint-Joseph

Cathedral in Nouméa, New Caledonia. Seat of the city's Catholic diocese.

Fédération de Œuvres Laiques FOL

Theatre of the Federation of Secular Works. Hosts performances and cultural events.

Cyber-base de la Fédération des Oeuvres Laïques

Arts and culture center with computer labs. Promotes digital education and creativity.

Musée de la seconde guerre mondiale en Nouvelle-Calédonie🏛 museum

World War II museum in New Caledonia. Documents the region's wartime history.

Le Rex

Cultural center in Nouméa. Venue for concerts, films, and events.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Fontaine Céleste?
A magnificent historical fountain, considered a landmark of the city.
Can one visit the fountain?
Yes, it is open to the public and stands in a busy square.
Is it suitable for photos?
Absolutely, especially illuminated in the evening it is very beautiful.
How do I get there?
It is located in the center of Nouméa and is easily accessible on foot.
Is it accessible?
Yes, the surrounding square is easily walkable.
Celeste Fountain: where is it located?
Celeste Fountain is located in New Caledonia.
Celeste Fountain: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fontaine Céleste, Musée de la Ville, Gouverneur Jean-Baptiste Olry.
Celeste Fountain: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Celeste Fountain: why is it worth visiting?
The Celeste Fountain stands as a graceful historic landmark in the center of Nouméa, occupying a prominent position in the Place des Cocotiers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Oceania
More places in New Caledonia →

Nearby cities

Nouméa — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Nouméa
Nouméa is the capital and largest city of New Caledonia, situated on a peninsula in the southwest of the main island.
Vallée du Tir — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Vallée du Tir
Vallée du Tir is a popular and historical district of Nouméa, located near the harbor.
Vallée des Colons — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Vallée des Colons
Vallée des Colons is a historical residential district in Nouméa with many traditional colonial-style houses.
Lemon Bay — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Lemon Bay
Baie des Citrons is a popular neighborhood in Nouméa featuring a sheltered bay ideal for swimming.
East Vallée des Colons — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
East Vallée des Colons
East Vallée des Colons is the extension of the historical district towards the hills of Nouméa.
Anse Vata — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Anse Vata
Anse Vata is the tourist heart of Nouméa, characterized by hotels, restaurants, and a long beach.
Dumbéa — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Dumbéa
Dumbéa is a rapidly growing suburb of Nouméa and part of the Great Nouméa metropolitan area.
La Conception — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
La Conception
La Conception is a mission village in Mont-Dore with a significant religious history.
Boulari — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Boulari
Boulari is the administrative center of the Mont-Dore commune, situated on a picturesque bay.
Thio — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Thio
Thio is considered the cradle of nickel mining in New Caledonia, located on the southeast coast.
Païta — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Païta
Païta is located west of Nouméa and hosts the territory's primary international airport.
Païta Pioneer District — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Païta Pioneer District
Païta is known for its history as the first major settlement outside Nouméa.
Magenta — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Magenta
Magenta is a district of Nouméa that hosts the territory's domestic airport.
Rivière-Salée — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Rivière-Salée
Rivière-Salée is a large residential district in northern Nouméa, named after the local 'salty river'.
La Foa — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
La Foa
La Foa is an agricultural center located in the central-western part of Grande Terre.

History & landmarks

Nouméa City Hall — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Nouméa City Hall
The city hall of Nouméa is housed in a prominent building located at the edge of the Place des Cocotiers.
Bandstand of Place des Cocotiers — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Bandstand of Place des Cocotiers
This bandstand built in 1879 is the icon of the Place des Cocotiers in the heart of Nouméa.

More places

Doniambo — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Doniambo
Doniambo is the industrial heart of Nouméa, home to the massive SLN nickel smelter.
Ducos — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Ducos
Ducos is the primary industrial and commercial zone of Nouméa, located on its own peninsula.
Noumea Bandstand — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Noumea Bandstand
An iconic wrought-iron bandstand on the Place des Cocotiers, built by convicts in 1879.
Place des Cocotiers — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Place des Cocotiers
The historic main square in the center of Nouméa, which has been the city's social hub since the 19th century.
Point Zero of Noumea — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Point Zero of Noumea
The marker on the Place des Cocotiers from which all distances on the island of New Caledonia are measured.
Olry Statue — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Olry Statue
The statue commemorates Admiral Olry, who was governor of the island during the 1878 Kanak revolt.
Bernheim Library — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
Bernheim Library
A magnificent colonial-style building in Nouméa, inaugurated in 1901.
St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — Celeste Fountain (New Caledonia)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
The Roman Catholic cathedral in Nouméa was constructed between 1887 and 1897.