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Place des Cocotiers

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Place des Cocotiers (New Caledonia)

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Place des Cocotiers is the social and cultural centerpiece of Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia. Since the mid-19th century, this expansive four-hectare square has functioned as the primary gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. The area is divided into four distinct sections, including Place Courbet and Place de la Marne, each maintaining its own unique atmosphere. The square's most iconic landmark is the ornate bandstand (Kiosque à Musique), dating back to 1879, which continues to host musical performances and public celebrations. Another significant feature is the Fontaine Céleste in the western section, serving as 'point zero' for all road distance measurements on the island. Surrounded by historic architecture and shaded by bustling flamboyant trees, the square gives a tranquil environment in the city center. Regular markets, community events, and festivals make it a living testament to the New Caledonian way of life and its colonial history.

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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Getting there
Located in the heart of Nouméa, this historic square is easily accessible on foot. Public transport drops visitors nearby for easy city navigation.
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Best season
The square is a pleasant spot year-round, offering shaded areas under the trees. The cooler dry season from May to October provides the best weather.
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Terrain & paths
The area features entirely flat, paved walkways that are very easy to navigate. It is fully accessible for wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable stroll.
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What to bring
No specialized gear is needed, but comfortable walking shoes are highly appropriate. A hat and sunscreen are advisable during the warm daytime hours.
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Parking
Street parking is typically available in the downtown area, though it can get busy. Paid parking lots are also located within a short walking distance.
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Safety
Standard urban safety precautions apply, such as keeping an eye on your personal belongings. The area is generally well-lit and considered very safe.
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Time needed
A typical visit ranges from a brief stroll to a couple of hours relaxing on the benches. It is a great short break between visiting local city shops.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.27140, 166.44170

Facts

  • Landscaping began under Governor Guillain in 1860.
  • Consists of four sections: Feillet, Courbet, Marne, and Olry.
  • The Celeste Fountain was installed in the center in 1893.
  • Formerly the primary site for public announcements and parades.
  • The namesake coconut palms were first planted in 1867.
  • Served as a major social hub during the US WWII presence.

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 Place des Cocotiers (10)

Fontaine Céleste

Fountain on Place des Cocotiers, central water feature in Nouméa.

Musée de la Ville🏛 museum

City museum of Nouméa, showcasing the history and culture of the city.

Gouverneur Jean-Baptiste Olry

Statue of former governor of New Caledonia on the square.

Maison Higginson🏛 museum

Historic house, now a museum, built in colonial style.

Cathédrale Saint-Joseph

Cathedral in New Caledonia, France, seat of the diocese.

Temple protestant de Nouméa

Protestant church in Nouméa, New Caledonia, France.

Fédération de Œuvres Laiques FOL

Theatre and cultural center of the secular organization FOL.

Le Rex

Cultural center in Nouméa, venue for concerts and events.

Cyber-base de la Fédération des Oeuvres Laïques

Public internet access and media education in Nouméa.

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

Museum of World War II in New Caledonia, military history.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Place des Cocotiers?
It is the green, historical heart of Nouméa.
How long does a walk through the square take?
About 30 to 60 minutes for a leisurely visit.
Are there restrooms there?
Public restrooms are located nearby.
Is the park family-friendly?
Yes, there is plenty of shade and space for play.
What is the best time of day?
Early evening when it gets cooler.
Place des Cocotiers: where is it located?
Place des Cocotiers is located in New Caledonia.
Place des Cocotiers: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fontaine Céleste, Musée de la Ville, Gouverneur Jean-Baptiste Olry.
Place des Cocotiers: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Place des Cocotiers: why is it worth visiting?
Place des Cocotiers is the social and cultural centerpiece of Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Nouméa City Hall — Place des Cocotiers (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 — Place des Cocotiers (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 — Place des Cocotiers (New Caledonia)
Doniambo
Doniambo is the industrial heart of Nouméa, home to the massive SLN nickel smelter.
Ducos — Place des Cocotiers (New Caledonia)
Ducos
Ducos is the primary industrial and commercial zone of Nouméa, located on its own peninsula.
Noumea Bandstand — Place des Cocotiers (New Caledonia)
Noumea Bandstand
An iconic wrought-iron bandstand on the Place des Cocotiers, built by convicts in 1879.
Celeste Fountain — Place des Cocotiers (New Caledonia)
Celeste Fountain
Erected in 1893, the Celeste Fountain marks the zero point for distances in New Caledonia.
Point Zero of Noumea — Place des Cocotiers (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.
Bernheim Library — Place des Cocotiers (New Caledonia)
Bernheim Library
A magnificent colonial-style building in Nouméa, inaugurated in 1901.
Olry Statue — Place des Cocotiers (New Caledonia)
Olry Statue
The statue commemorates Admiral Olry, who was governor of the island during the 1878 Kanak revolt.
St. Joseph&#39;s Cathedral — Place des Cocotiers (New Caledonia)
St. Joseph's Cathedral
The Roman Catholic cathedral in Nouméa was constructed between 1887 and 1897.