Noumea, New Caledonia

There's much to see and do in New Caledonia's cosmopolitan capital, Noumea, where the French Riviera meets the South Pacific. The Place des Cocotiers is an attractive garden square in the center of town shaded by magnificent flame trees. The Territorial Museum houses some superb examples of Melanesian architecture while the Parc Forestier nature reserve offers both botanical and zoological treats. The beaches at Anse Vata, Baie des Citrons and Pointe Magnin are also focal points for a lot of water-related activities. One of the best views of the city, and the Pacific Ocean, can be seen from St Joseph's gothic cathedral, which was built in 1887. Diners have the choice of eating out at upscale French restaurants or humble establishments in Chinatown, while shoppers can hunt down the latest Paris fashions or bargain for imported Asian textiles.