Three Bays Trail

The region's emblem and one we never tire of seeing and photographing from the beach at La Roche Percée or Turtle Bay.Shaped by the waves over the years, the “Bonhomme de Bourail” is an imposing rock formation named after its resemblance to a man (“bonhomme”). It is such an integral part of the local landscape that it is the symbol for both the Bourail region and the whole of New Caledonia. Its importance also stems from the fact that the site is historically significant to the Kanak population. There used to be an arch next to the “bonhomme” that La Roche Percée beach was named after, but it collapsed a few years ago. However, there is still a tunnel that connects this beach to Turtle Bay, which can be used at low tide like a secret passage.

Surrounded by pine trees and lulled by the sound of waves, Turtle Bay is a beautiful, peaceful beach that is well worth a visit.Accessible by road, via the Three Bays Trail or through the tunnel from La Roche Percée at low tide, Turtle Bay is a must-visit if you’re in the Bourail region. The beach is named after the many loggerhead turtles that come here to lay their eggs every year between November and February. The bay’s unique feature is its many columnar pine trees, which are native to New Caledonia. Despite the beauty of this beach with its sometime spectacular waves, the rollers can be dangerous. You are therefore advised to go to La Roche Percée or Poé to swim. At low tide, you can easily visit the various caves around the bay and the rock pools at the water’s edge.

Notre-Dame-des-Flots faces the sea from a hill overlooking Gouaro Bay, watching over the boats. It was a highly strategic site during the prison era, as it allowed you to see all the boats arriving in the bay.The Notre-Dame-des-Flots statue watches over the ships from its hilltop site and offers a spectacular view of the mouth of the Néra, the surrounding valley and the whole of La Roche Percée beach. On either side of the Bourail Pass in front of La Roche Percée, you can see part of New Caledonia’s lagoon, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notre-Dame-des-Flots is not far from the ruins of Gouaro Lighthouse and is an important reminder of the importance of ships during the prison era, when they brought provisions to the Bourail penal colony. Boats are still an integral part of life in Bourail today, whether for fishing or water sports.

This bay is surrounded by greenery and a great place for people walking along the Three Bays Trail to rest and picnic in peace.Baie des Amoureux (Lovers’ Bay) is the final beach on the Three Bays Trail and is accessed via a wooden staircase. It’s a peaceful little haven surrounded by vegetation, where you can rest and enjoy some privacy. The colours at sunrise and sunset make it feel pleasant and relaxing. You can also swim here at high tide with the fish and turtles, unlike its neighbour Turtle Bay whose waves and current are too strong.

Anyone who loves surfing and beautiful scenery will be wowed by this iconic New Caledonian beach!Located just on the left of the famous Bonhomme de Bourail, Roche Percée beach is one of the region's must-see spots. It is 3 km long and is made up of volcanic sand from Vanuatu. You can swim there (beware of the swell), surf, enjoy the magnificent sunsets and even have the chance to observe the egg-laying of the big-headed turtles between November and February. Please note that this is a nature reserve and a major site for the conservation of big-headed turtles, so please follow the instructions given on site.