Mont-DoreMont-Dore
©Mont-Dore|M. Dosdane

Mont-Dore

Between history and nature
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Welcome to Mont-Dore, the gateway to the southern reaches of New Caledonia! Plunge into these vestiges of history and heritage, where nature embraces the sea, and remnants of the Bagne era punctuate the landscape.

As you depart from Nouméa to Mont-Dore in the south, take a moment to witness the evolving panorama: the soil transforms into a deeper shade of red, and the mining scrub becomes more prominent. Upon passing through the heart of Mont-Dore, a scent of adventure tantalises the senses of avid explorers! The natural landscapes, characteristic of the Grand Sud, offer a perfect backdrop for a variety of activities, while forgotten villages stand as silent witnesses to times gone by. In the commune of Le Mont-Dore, specifically at Prony or Cap N’Dua, one can even catch sight of humpback whales from mid-July to mid-September…

Let's go!

Plan your stay

Top 5

Things to do in the Mont-Dore

Viewpoint on Mont-Dore SouthViewpoint on Mont-Dore South
©Viewpoint on Mont-Dore South|Marine Martinez
1. Hike to the summit of Mont-Dore

Put on your sneakers and climb to 800 metres above sea level for a breathtaking panorama of the lagoon and the Grand Sud of New Caledonia! This invigorating route (7.3 km, 3h30 hike) traverses Le Mont-Dore diagonally, ascending through the massif’s stunning southeast ridge. Set off on this walk in the early morning to bask in the vibrant, pristine light! Le Mont-Dore offers additional trails suitable for all skill levels, including the accessible Bois du Sud, located not far from the Parc de la Rivière Bleue.

Former mining village of PronyFormer mining village of Prony
©Former mining village of Prony|NCT
2. Take a trip back in time to the penal colony at the historical village of Prony

Venture through the concealed village burrowed under the sprawling banyan trees to unravel the tale of logging and mining in New Caledonia! Established in 1867 to provide timber to Nouméa, later transformed into a penitentiary in 1873, Prony evolved into a hub for labourers exploiting the iron mine until 1968. After being abandoned from 1968 to 1990, the site underwent restoration thanks to the efforts of the Association du Village de Prony. As you wander through the village, encounter remnants of old structures entwined in the roots of colossal banyans: a bread oven, powder magazine, sled for wood transportation, officers’ quarters, and more. Additionally, Prony Paradise offers the unique opportunity to stay overnight on-site.

Whale watching in the South lagoonWhale watching in the South lagoon
©Whale watching in the South lagoon|Terres de Lumière
3. Watch the whales from a catamaran

Every year, between mid-July and mid-September, set sail on a catamaran from the Baie de la Somme in Prony. This unique one-day cruise offers the incredible opportunity for humpback whale watching in the inviting waters of South Caledonia. Guided by a skilled skipper, the excursion is designed to heighten your awareness and provide in-depth insights into these majestic cetaceans. Prepare for a thrilling and educational experience!

Bathing in the hot springs of PronyBathing in the hot springs of Prony
©Bathing in the hot springs of Prony|Oneye Production
4. Relax at the Prony hot springs

Discover the secluded and tranquil hot water springs of Prony, cradled amidst lush vegetation and often untouched by crowds. Whether you choose to access them on foot or via a supervised kayak outing, these springs offer a unique opportunity for a refreshing and rejuvenating swim in the heart of nature. Take a moment to relax and escape as you enjoy the pristine surroundings.

Cap N'dua Nature Reserve, Grand SudCap N'dua Nature Reserve, Grand Sud
©Cap N'dua Nature Reserve, Grand Sud|M. Dosdane
5. Observing the horizon from the Cap N'Dua observatory

Gently unfolding through the wilderness, the trails of the Great South reveal their red-earth paths. Situated at the tip of the Grand Sud, the Cap N’Dua nature reserve spans 830 hectares, boasting abundant biodiversity. The Cap N’Dua hiking trail seamlessly connects Anse Majic (Bonne Anse) to the lighthouse overseeing navigation in the Havannah Channel. Covering an easy 4.5 km, the trail offers captivating highlights, including a panoramic view from the lighthouse that spans the entire Grand Lagon Sud. On clear days, the Isle of Pines emerges in the distance. The observatory below is renowned for whale watching, particularly humpback whales from mid-July to mid-September.

Viewpoint on Mont-Dore SouthViewpoint on Mont-Dore South
©Viewpoint on Mont-Dore South|Marine Martinez
1. Hike to the summit of Mont-Dore

Put on your sneakers and climb to 800 metres above sea level for a breathtaking panorama of the lagoon and the Grand Sud of New Caledonia! This invigorating route (7.3 km, 3h30 hike) traverses Le Mont-Dore diagonally, ascending through the massif’s stunning southeast ridge. Set off on this walk in the early morning to bask in the vibrant, pristine light! Le Mont-Dore offers additional trails suitable for all skill levels, including the accessible Bois du Sud, located not far from the Parc de la Rivière Bleue.

Former mining village of PronyFormer mining village of Prony
©Former mining village of Prony|NCT
2. Take a trip back in time to the penal colony at the historical village of Prony

Venture through the concealed village burrowed under the sprawling banyan trees to unravel the tale of logging and mining in New Caledonia! Established in 1867 to provide timber to Nouméa, later transformed into a penitentiary in 1873, Prony evolved into a hub for labourers exploiting the iron mine until 1968. After being abandoned from 1968 to 1990, the site underwent restoration thanks to the efforts of the Association du Village de Prony. As you wander through the village, encounter remnants of old structures entwined in the roots of colossal banyans: a bread oven, powder magazine, sled for wood transportation, officers’ quarters, and more. Additionally, Prony Paradise offers the unique opportunity to stay overnight on-site.

Whale watching in the South lagoonWhale watching in the South lagoon
©Whale watching in the South lagoon|Terres de Lumière
3. Watch the whales from a catamaran

Every year, between mid-July and mid-September, set sail on a catamaran from the Baie de la Somme in Prony. This unique one-day cruise offers the incredible opportunity for humpback whale watching in the inviting waters of South Caledonia. Guided by a skilled skipper, the excursion is designed to heighten your awareness and provide in-depth insights into these majestic cetaceans. Prepare for a thrilling and educational experience!

Bathing in the hot springs of PronyBathing in the hot springs of Prony
©Bathing in the hot springs of Prony|Oneye Production
4. Relax at the Prony hot springs

Discover the secluded and tranquil hot water springs of Prony, cradled amidst lush vegetation and often untouched by crowds. Whether you choose to access them on foot or via a supervised kayak outing, these springs offer a unique opportunity for a refreshing and rejuvenating swim in the heart of nature. Take a moment to relax and escape as you enjoy the pristine surroundings.

Cap N'dua Nature Reserve, Grand SudCap N'dua Nature Reserve, Grand Sud
©Cap N'dua Nature Reserve, Grand Sud|M. Dosdane
5. Observing the horizon from the Cap N'Dua observatory

Gently unfolding through the wilderness, the trails of the Great South reveal their red-earth paths. Situated at the tip of the Grand Sud, the Cap N’Dua nature reserve spans 830 hectares, boasting abundant biodiversity. The Cap N’Dua hiking trail seamlessly connects Anse Majic (Bonne Anse) to the lighthouse overseeing navigation in the Havannah Channel. Covering an easy 4.5 km, the trail offers captivating highlights, including a panoramic view from the lighthouse that spans the entire Grand Lagon Sud. On clear days, the Isle of Pines emerges in the distance. The observatory below is renowned for whale watching, particularly humpback whales from mid-July to mid-September.

Viewpoint on Mont-Dore SouthViewpoint on Mont-Dore South
©Viewpoint on Mont-Dore South|Marine Martinez
1. Hike to the summit of Mont-Dore

Put on your sneakers and climb to 800 metres above sea level for a breathtaking panorama of the lagoon and the Grand Sud of New Caledonia! This invigorating route (7.3 km, 3h30 hike) traverses Le Mont-Dore diagonally, ascending through the massif’s stunning southeast ridge. Set off on this walk in the early morning to bask in the vibrant, pristine light! Le Mont-Dore offers additional trails suitable for all skill levels, including the accessible Bois du Sud, located not far from the Parc de la Rivière Bleue.

Former mining village of PronyFormer mining village of Prony
©Former mining village of Prony|NCT
2. Take a trip back in time to the penal colony at the historical village of Prony

Venture through the concealed village burrowed under the sprawling banyan trees to unravel the tale of logging and mining in New Caledonia! Established in 1867 to provide timber to Nouméa, later transformed into a penitentiary in 1873, Prony evolved into a hub for labourers exploiting the iron mine until 1968. After being abandoned from 1968 to 1990, the site underwent restoration thanks to the efforts of the Association du Village de Prony. As you wander through the village, encounter remnants of old structures entwined in the roots of colossal banyans: a bread oven, powder magazine, sled for wood transportation, officers’ quarters, and more. Additionally, Prony Paradise offers the unique opportunity to stay overnight on-site.

Whale watching in the South lagoonWhale watching in the South lagoon
©Whale watching in the South lagoon|Terres de Lumière
3. Watch the whales from a catamaran

Every year, between mid-July and mid-September, set sail on a catamaran from the Baie de la Somme in Prony. This unique one-day cruise offers the incredible opportunity for humpback whale watching in the inviting waters of South Caledonia. Guided by a skilled skipper, the excursion is designed to heighten your awareness and provide in-depth insights into these majestic cetaceans. Prepare for a thrilling and educational experience!

Bathing in the hot springs of PronyBathing in the hot springs of Prony
©Bathing in the hot springs of Prony|Oneye Production
4. Relax at the Prony hot springs

Discover the secluded and tranquil hot water springs of Prony, cradled amidst lush vegetation and often untouched by crowds. Whether you choose to access them on foot or via a supervised kayak outing, these springs offer a unique opportunity for a refreshing and rejuvenating swim in the heart of nature. Take a moment to relax and escape as you enjoy the pristine surroundings.

Cap N'dua Nature Reserve, Grand SudCap N'dua Nature Reserve, Grand Sud
©Cap N'dua Nature Reserve, Grand Sud|M. Dosdane
5. Observing the horizon from the Cap N'Dua observatory

Gently unfolding through the wilderness, the trails of the Great South reveal their red-earth paths. Situated at the tip of the Grand Sud, the Cap N’Dua nature reserve spans 830 hectares, boasting abundant biodiversity. The Cap N’Dua hiking trail seamlessly connects Anse Majic (Bonne Anse) to the lighthouse overseeing navigation in the Havannah Channel. Covering an easy 4.5 km, the trail offers captivating highlights, including a panoramic view from the lighthouse that spans the entire Grand Lagon Sud. On clear days, the Isle of Pines emerges in the distance. The observatory below is renowned for whale watching, particularly humpback whales from mid-July to mid-September.

Read also

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©Casy Island & Prony Bay|Oneye Production
10 best things to do in Mont-Dore
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©Casy Island, Prony|Oneye Production
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Humpback whales in the lagoon of New CaledoniaHumpback whales in the lagoon of New Caledonia
©Humpback whales in the lagoon of New Caledonia|Nadia Levenets_Unsplash / NCT
Whale watching
Pic Malaoui hikePic Malaoui hike
©Pic Malaoui hike|Terres de Lumière
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Kayak on the river at BoulouparisKayak on the river at Boulouparis
©Kayak on the river at Boulouparis|Oneye Production
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Colonial house in New CaledoniaColonial house in New Caledonia
©Colonial house in New Caledonia|Oneye Production / NCT
Heritage
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View on Instagram
2 years ago
Instagram #newcaledonia

« L’ombre noie tout. Soudain, c’est l’éblouissement. La lumière déferle. La beauté même éclate devant moi. J’assiste à la naissance du monde. Je suis sidéré. Ces montagnes tracées au pinceau devant un ciel infini, ces lignes d’une pureté absolue, ce jet de lumière cristalline qui balaie l’horizon. C’est une extase, une sensation de perfection… ». Mike Horn #sunrise #leverdesoleil #montdore #nouvellecaledonie #newcaledonia #newcal #serenite #zenattitude #nature

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2 years ago
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Freediving, récif sortie de la baie de Prony #coral #coralreef #divinglife #plongee#freediving #corail#diver#plongeur#plongeebouteill#plongee#photoplongee #underwaterpictures #underwater #underwaterphotography #pacifique #pacific #newcaledonia #nouvellecaledonie #freedivingart #freedive #freediver#apnée#sport#nature #underwaterphotography#underwater #freediving #turtle #fishphotos #prony

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2 years ago
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#nouvellecaledonie #provincesud #newcaledoniatourism

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2 years ago
Instagram #newcaledonia

J'apprécie simplement le silence dans un monde qui ne s'arrête jamais de crier ... #randonnéenewcaledonia #randonnée #newcal #newcaledonia #nature #naturenewcaledonia #bienetre #surlessentierscaledoniens #bonheur #évasion #nouvellecaledonie

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2 years ago
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#oasis #prony #newcal #newcaledonia #nouvellecaledonie #islandlife #river #reddirt #waterfall

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2 years ago
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" Prendre de la hauteur permet d'avoir un autre point de vue." La Coulée #randonnéenewcaledonia #randonnée #newcal #newcaledonia #sud #terrerouge #laterite #naturenewcaledonia #contrastedescouleurs #nouvellecaledonie

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