16 Home to the Broussards — New Caledonia’s farmers, cattlemen and French cowboys — the West Coast keeps the pioneering spirit of the Caillou alive. Wide open landscapes, working cattle stations and generations-old traditions shape a way of life built around farming, hunting and fishing. From the golden coastal plains to the rainforests of the Central Range, traces of its colonial and mining past can still be seen all the way to the Great North. From Boulouparis to La Foa, step into the heart of the Brousse. Stay on a working farm or share a traditional table d’hôtes beneath the niaouli trees, where venison, local beef, cured sausages, achards and homegrown produce are often shared around a relaxed barbecue. Just 15 minutes away, wander beneath the towering tree ferns of Grandes Fougères Provincial Park. Spot endemic wildlife, discover lush rainforest and spend the night in a cosy lodge beneath the forest canopy. Further north, discover another side of New Caledonia’s history at Fort Teremba before reaching Bourail, where Poé Beach, the Roche Percée trails and the Domaine de Déva invite you to slow down. Surf, ride, hike, play a round of golf or simply soak up the relaxed rhythm of the Brousse. From Koné to Poum, the journey continues into the Great North, where spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures await. Fly over the Heart of Voh, explore the Koumac caves and the former mining village of Tiébaghi, paddle the Diahot River, then follow the road to Poingam’s pink mountains, salt marshes, clay baths and the pristine islets of Boat Pass. MEET THE STOCKMEN Never far from their Stetsons, the Stockmen — New Caledonia’s French cowboys — keep the pioneering spirit alive on their farms and at the agricultural fairs that mark the local calendar. Don’t miss the famous rodeos at the Bourail Fair in mid-August, or in Boulouparis and Koumac. DISCOVER THE REGION WEST COAST French Cowboy Country GETTING THERE From Nouméa to the Great North, the West Coast of Grande Terre is easy to explore via the RT1 by car, bus or guided tour. Allow around 2 hours to reach Bourail and 5 hours to reach Poum at the northern tip.
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