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Lapérouse Monument

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Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)

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This historic monument in Nouméa is dedicated to the French naval officer and explorer Jean-François de Lapérouse, who led an ambitious scientific circumnavigation under the orders of King Louis XVI. The expedition set sail from Brest in 1785 with the frigates Astrolabe and Boussole, aiming to explore and map the vast stretches of the Pacific Ocean. However, the entire mission vanished in 1788 after leaving Botany Bay, and their fate remained a mystery for decades until the wrecks were located near Vanikoro in the Solomon Islands. The monument stands as a key site of remembrance for French maritime heritage in the South Pacific. Located near the Maritime Museum of New Caledonia, it provides context to the tragic end of one of the Enlightenment's most significant naval ventures. Visitors can reflect on the historical ties between France and the Pacific while learning about the scientific contributions made by the crew in fields such as botany and cartography before their disappearance.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262726252422212121232425
Rain mm109991611049480685842416578

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Lapérouse Monument is a public monument set on a small square in Nouméa. It is freely accessible at any time and can be viewed from all sides.
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Typical hours
Being outdoors, the monument is accessible around the clock. The best time to visit is late afternoon when the sun illuminates the inscriptions well.
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Photography
Photography is possible at any time without restrictions. For a particularly good shot, frame the monument with the surrounding trees.
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Time needed
Visiting the monument typically takes just 5 to 10 minutes. Allow a little extra time to enjoy the surrounding green area.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby bandstand on Place des Cocotiers. Maison Célières is also just a short walk away.
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Getting there
The monument is located on Rue du Général Mangin in central Nouméa. It is easily accessible on foot from the city center and nearby hotels.
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Insider tip
Read the short explanatory panel at the monument to learn more about Lapérouse's fate. An evening visit when the lamps are lit is especially atmospheric.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.28000, 166.43000

Facts

  • Lapérouse left Brest in 1785 with two ships.
  • The expedition disappeared after leaving Botany Bay in 1788.
  • The wreck of his ships was only discovered in 1826 near Vanikoro.
  • The monument in Nouméa was erected in the 19th century.
  • It is located near the Maritime History Museum.
  • Lapérouse was considered one of the most capable navigators of his time.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Artillerie BridgeArtillerie Bridge<1 km · NExplore →
Theatre de l'IleTheatre de l'Ile1 km · SEExplore →
Lemon BayLemon Bay2 km · NEExplore →
World War II MuseumWorld War II Museum2 km · NWExplore →
Ile Nou PrisonIle Nou Prison2 km · SWExplore →
Maison CelieresMaison Celieres3 km · NExplore →
DucosDucos3 km · WExplore →
Îlot CanardÎlot Canard4 km · EExplore →

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 Lapérouse Monument (10)

chapelle militaire St Martin⛪ church

St. Martin military chapel, a historic religious building in New Caledonia. Served as a place of worship for soldiers.

Stèle aux Disparus de la Monique

Memorial stele for the missing of the ship Monique. Commemorates a shipwreck with casualties.

Enjoy Diving

Dive school and equipment rental for exploring the lagoons. Features courses and guided diving trips.

Odyssey Diving

Diving center with rental and courses for beginners and advanced. Organizes dives to coral reefs and wrecks.

Manege

Carousel or small amusement park with rides for children. Provides entertainment and games.

Mwa Ka

Kanak cultural monument, a traditional house or sculpture. Symbolizes the indigenous identity of New Caledonia.

Musée de l'Histoire Maritime🏛 museum

Museum of maritime history in New Caledonia. Displays ship models, navigation tools, and seafaring documents.

Musée de la Nouvelle-Calédonie🏛 museum

French overseas public institution. Museum about the culture and history of New Caledonia.

Balise rouge

Red beacon, a maritime navigation mark near the island. Warns of hazards or marks a channel.

Fontaine Céleste

Fountain or water feature named Céleste. A decorative element in the public space.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Lapérouse?
A famous French navigator who explored the region in the 18th century.
What does the view offer?
There is a beautiful panoramic view of the bay.
Is the place hard to find?
No, it is well signposted near Nouméa.
Is the path steep?
Access requires a short but moderately strenuous climb.
Should I bring sunscreen?
Yes, there is little shade, so sun protection is very important.
Lapérouse Monument: where is it located?
Lapérouse Monument is located in New Caledonia.
Lapérouse Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include chapelle militaire St Martin, Stèle aux Disparus de la Monique, Enjoy Diving.
Lapérouse Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Lapérouse Monument: why is it worth visiting?
This historic monument in Nouméa is dedicated to the French naval officer and explorer Jean-François de Lapérouse, who led an ambitious scientific circumnavigation under the orders of King Louis XVI.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Lemon Bay — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Nouméa — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Anse Vata — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Vallée du Tir — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Vallée du Tir is a popular and historical district of Nouméa, located near the harbor.
Vallée des Colons — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Vallée des Colons is a historical residential district in Nouméa with many traditional colonial-style houses.
East Vallée des Colons — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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East Vallée des Colons is the extension of the historical district towards the hills of Nouméa.
Dumbéa — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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La Conception — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Boulari — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Thio — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Païta — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Païta Pioneer District — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Païta is known for its history as the first major settlement outside Nouméa.
Magenta — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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Rivière-Salée — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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La Foa — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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History & landmarks

Nouméa City Hall — Lapérouse Monument (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.
Old Gaston-Bourret Hospital — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
Old Gaston-Bourret Hospital
The original hospital building in central Nouméa is a significant example of colonial public architecture.
Old Nouméa Market — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
Old Nouméa Market
The old market building near Port Moselle is a colorful place where local products are sold.

More places

Doniambo — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
Doniambo
Doniambo is the industrial heart of Nouméa, home to the massive SLN nickel smelter.
Ducos — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
Ducos
Ducos is the primary industrial and commercial zone of Nouméa, located on its own peninsula.
Artillerie Bridge — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
Artillerie Bridge
This bridge in Nouméa connects the city center with the Artillerie peninsula, crossing the harbor arm.
Centenary Monument — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
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This monument was erected in 1953 to celebrate the centenary of French presence in New Caledonia.
Historic Noumea Wharf — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
Historic Noumea Wharf
The spot where the first settlers and goods arrived, marking the beginning of Nouméa's modern urban development.
Museum of New Caledonia — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
Museum of New Caledonia
The museum houses the world's most significant collection of Kanak art and Oceanic ethnography.
Nouméa Old City Hall — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
Nouméa Old City Hall
A beautiful colonial building on the edge of Place des Cocotiers, which formerly housed the City Hall and is now the City Museum.
Free France Monument — Lapérouse Monument (New Caledonia)
Free France Monument
The monument commemorates New Caledonia's 1940 rallying to Free France under General de Gaulle.