Point Zero of Noumea

The Point Zero of Nouméa is a significant geographical marker embedded in the pavement of the Place des Cocotiers, the central square of New Caledonia's capital. This small bronze stone has served since the 19th century as the official reference point from which all distances on the main island of Grande Terre are calculated. Its location in the heart of the city underscores the historical importance of the Place des Cocotiers as the social and administrative nucleus of the French territory. The square itself is a lush urban park, famous for its namesake coconut palms and historical bandstands, making it a favorite spot for both locals and travelers. While primarily a functional tool for surveyors and cartographers, Point Zero has become a symbolic landmark for visitors, representing the starting point of any journey across the island. Finding the marker is a popular activity for those exploring Nouméa, offering a tangible link to the early days of colonial city planning and the organized mapping of the archipelago, all within the serene and leafy environment of the city's most beloved gathering place.

Nearby cities

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

Vallée du Tir is a popular and historical district of Nouméa, located near the harbor.

Vallée des Colons

Vallée des Colons is a historical residential district in Nouméa with many traditional colonial-style houses.

Lemon Bay

Baie des Citrons is a popular neighborhood in Nouméa featuring a sheltered bay ideal for swimming.

East Vallée des Colons

East Vallée des Colons is the extension of the historical district towards the hills of Nouméa.

Anse Vata

Anse Vata is the tourist heart of Nouméa, characterized by hotels, restaurants, and a long beach.

Dumbéa

Dumbéa is a rapidly growing suburb of Nouméa and part of the Great Nouméa metropolitan area.

La Conception

La Conception is a mission village in Mont-Dore with a significant religious history.

Boulari

Boulari is the administrative center of the Mont-Dore commune, situated on a picturesque bay.

Thio

Thio is considered the cradle of nickel mining in New Caledonia, located on the southeast coast.

Païta

Païta is located west of Nouméa and hosts the territory's primary international airport.

Païta Pioneer District

Païta is known for its history as the first major settlement outside Nouméa.

Magenta

Magenta is a district of Nouméa that hosts the territory's domestic airport.

Rivière-Salée

Rivière-Salée is a large residential district in northern Nouméa, named after the local 'salty river'.

La Foa

La Foa is an agricultural center located in the central-western part of Grande Terre.

History & landmarks

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

This bandstand built in 1879 is the icon of the Place des Cocotiers in the heart of Nouméa.

More places

Doniambo

Doniambo is the industrial heart of Nouméa, home to the massive SLN nickel smelter.

Ducos

Ducos is the primary industrial and commercial zone of Nouméa, located on its own peninsula.

Place des Cocotiers

The historic main square in the center of Nouméa, which has been the city's social hub since the 19th century.

Noumea Bandstand

An iconic wrought-iron bandstand on the Place des Cocotiers, built by convicts in 1879.

Celeste Fountain

Erected in 1893, the Celeste Fountain marks the zero point for distances in New Caledonia.

Bernheim Library

A magnificent colonial-style building in Nouméa, inaugurated in 1901.

Olry Statue

The statue commemorates Admiral Olry, who was governor of the island during the 1878 Kanak revolt.

Museum of New Caledonia

The museum houses the world's most significant collection of Kanak art and Oceanic ethnography.