Nouméa is the largest city in and capital of New Caledonia, lying on the main island of Grande Terre. One of the most westernised cities in the Pacific Islands, it features beautiful beaches and colonial mansions and is not yet a heavily touristed destination.

Where metropolitan French will hear a bad French accent, wince and say that they speak English, the Francophones of New Caledonia are either less willing or less able to accommodate Anglophones. It is probably a matter of capability, since they are marvellously willing to persevere in determining what it is that a foreigner needs. Without tourist-level French, you may find yourself lost — but it's a lovely place to be lost!  

- Wikivoyage