East of the Grande Terre, Iles Loyauté (the Loyalty Islands) are part of the third province of New Caledonia. The archipelago comprises three main islands Lifou (Drehu), Mare (Nengoné) and Ouvéa (Laaï) and a little sister, Tiga (Toka), home to about two hundred people.
The original geology of these islands gave birth to surprising relief, particularly on the coasts where blocks of coral reefs, raised over the years, form impressive cliffs that plunge into the roaring ocean.
Elsewhere, the calm waves of the lagoon teaming with fish break on the white sand beaches. With a 28 kilometres long beach, the atoll of Ouvéa contains landscapes of unparalleled beauty.
Emerald surrounded by blue ocean, Maré, the southernmost isle, is known for its agriculture, while Lifou, an ancient atoll, is home to a broad central plateau, set in the midst of a ring of cliffs.
The most authentic province, where the population is almost entirely Kanak, Iles Loyauté (the Loyalty Islands) live in the rhythm of Melanesian customs. The authority of chiefdoms is still highly respected, the rituals observed and traditions conserved. To the observer, these islands are the perfect place to discover the reality of Kanak people’s social organization, still very much alive. The legendary hospitality of Loyaltiens facilitates trade. Feel free to be curious, while being respectful!
