Maré, New Caledonia
Museums
If you are in Maré, New Caledonia and want to visit museums, a great place to visit is the Tjibaou Cultural Center. It is located in Nouméa, about 120 kilometers away from Maré, but it's worth the trip if you're interested in learning about the Kanak culture and art. Additionally, you can also visit the Museum of New Caledonia, which is also located in Nouméa. If you're looking for other museums in the area, you might consider checking out the Maritime Museum or the City Museum of Nouméa as well.
Food
One of the most popular dishes in Maré, New Caledonia is Bougna. It's a traditional dish made with chicken, fish or lobster, yams, sweet potatoes, taro, banana, coconut milk, and sometimes wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven. Another popular dish is called "iguana broth," which is a soup made with iguana meat, vegetables, and coconut milk.
Other local delicacies include:
- Roussette: A type of local fish that is usually baked or grilled.
- Taro roots: Boiled or mashed taro roots are a common side dish.
- Kaneka cake: A sweet cake made with coconut milk and grated cassava.
- Coconut crab: A large land crab that is boiled or roasted with coconut milk.
- Sea grapes: A type of seaweed that is eaten as a salad or side dish.
Please note that some of these dishes may not be available year-round or may require advance notice to prepare.
Activities
Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Maré, New Caledonia include:
1. Snorkeling: Maré has some beautiful coral reefs with crystal-clear waters, which make for a great snorkeling experience.
2. Cultural tours: You can take a tour of the island to learn about the Kanak culture and way of life.
3. Beach hopping: Maré is known for its picturesque beaches, so locals love spending time swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking on the beach.
4. Hiking: There are several hiking trails on the island that offer stunning views of the landscape and sea.
5. Shopping at local markets: The village of Tadine has a weekly market where you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and handicrafts made by local artisans.
6. Trying local cuisine: Maré has a unique culinary scene with dishes like bougna (a traditional Kanak dish made from yams, taro, and coconut milk) and lobsters caught off the coast.
