Historical traces of the penal colony, hiking trails and seasonal whale-watching opportunities shape what there is to discover in Le Mont-Dore. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether history, scenery or a visit during whale-watching season will shape your trip.
Hiking Trails and Viewpoints
The Sentier de la PĂ©nitentiaire leads to the Village de Prony, where you can explore historic remains from the penal-colony era in the early 20th century. The GR NC 1, a long-distance hiking trail with seven stages, also begins in the Village de Prony. The two trails offer different hiking experiences: one leads to a historic site, while the other is designed as a multi-stage long-distance hike. Conditions on the GR NC 1 can change, so check them when planning your trip.
At Cap N'Dua, the trail of the same name connects the car park with Anse Majic; the route passes over the summit of Cap N'Dua and by the lighthouse. The lighthouse guides navigation in Havannah Channel. From the viewpoint at the lighthouse, you can see across the southern lagoon. On clear days, Île des Pins is also visible in the distance. The Sentiers du Mont-Dore offer different views, overlooking the Grand Sud and Nouméa. The Crève-Coeur viewpoint at Col de Prony offers panoramic views of the Champ de bataille and Baie de la Somme.
The Sentiers des Bois du Sud run through a former forestry site with humid forest. Tree species found there include ChĂŞne-gomme, Houp and Kaori. There is a practical point to note at higher elevations: there are no water sources, so bring water. Creek Pernod is also associated with mountain biking and the Boucles de Netcha.
History and Places in Prony
The Village de Prony bears witness to the history of New Caledonia’s penal colony. Surviving features include the former bread oven, the powder magazine, the timber-transport sledge and the officers’ quarters of the former Camp Sébert. Guided tours of the Village de Prony, led by a cultural heritage guide, are offered regularly. Check the current schedule and conditions before your trip.
The Sentier de l’îlot Casy also passes by remains of the penal colony, including a former cultivation area and a cemetery with a few graves. At the Prony hot springs on Baie des Kaoris, there is a deck, a jetty and picnic tables. Check the condition of the facilities before visiting.
Plan for Seasonal Whale Watching
In the commune of Le Mont-Dore, humpback whales can be seen near Prony or Cap N'Dua from mid-July to mid-September; dates may vary from year to year. During this period, the jetty at Baie de la Somme serves as a departure point for whale-watching trips and boat trips to ĂŽlot Casy. If whale watching is important to your trip, check the current schedule and conditions at the jetty in advance.
Decide which focus matters for your trip and factor it into your choice of travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Mont-Dore, L'île-Des-Pins, Paita
Return to the main travel overview: South Province.
