French Immersion in Nouméa New Caledonia – July 2027
French, Island Life and Pacific Culture
Sunday 4 – Sunday 11 July 2027
7 nights at Le Domaine Nouméa • Minimum level B1+
A week of French — with a Pacific twist. Escape Sydney winter and spend eight days living in French beside one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons. This small-group immersion combines four immersive French lessons, carefully chosen cultural experiences, island flavours and the relaxed rhythm of life in Nouméa.
From French classes overlooking the lagoon to the colourful Marché de Moselle, Kanak culture at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, the history of Nouville and a full-day escape into New Caledonia’s extraordinary natural landscape, every day offers new opportunities to listen, speak and connect in French.
You’ll share the experience with like-minded French learners and a French à la Carte teacher, with plenty of support, conversation and convivial moments from morning to night. The programme also leaves space to enjoy the beach, explore Nouméa at your own pace or simply relax.
$6,985 per person — private room included
Secure your place with a $1,800 deposit.
Dates and French level
Sunday 4 to Sunday 11 July 2027 • 8 days / 7 nights
This immersion is conducted in French. A minimum B1+ level (high intermediate) is required so that every participant can take part comfortably in lessons, activities, meals and conversations.
You do not need perfect French, but you should be able to follow a conversation, express your ideas and be ready to use French throughout the week. If you are not currently enrolled in a French à la Carte class, please contact us for a friendly level assessment before booking.
Nouméa and New Caledonia
New Caledonia offers something wonderfully distinctive: a French-speaking Pacific destination where European, Kanak and island cultures meet. Nouméa combines the ease of a seaside city with beaches, markets, restaurants and a rich history — all just a short direct flight from Sydney.
July brings mild, pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the city, discovering the cultural heritage of Grande Terre and enjoying the lagoon. It is the perfect setting to practise French naturally while experiencing a place that feels both familiar and completely different.
Our home in Noumea
Le Domaine Nouméa, Series by Marriott
Set on beautiful Anse Vata Bay, overlooking New Caledonia’s UNESCO-listed lagoon, Le Domaine Nouméa combines refined French style with the relaxed warmth of Pacific island life.
Between classes and excursions, the hotel offers plenty of opportunities to unwind. Take a swim in the resort pool, relax on the beach, explore the coral reef, book a treatment at the Deep Nature Spa or simply find a quiet spot overlooking the water with a good book.
The hotel’s restaurants and bars celebrate the flavours of New Caledonia, including Le Fare, its relaxed beachfront restaurant and lounge. Several of our group lunches and dinners will take place at the hotel, allowing conversations to continue naturally in French while we enjoy this exceptional setting together.
With our classes, accommodation and many of our shared meals all in one place, Le Domaine Nouméa provides the perfect base for the immersion — comfortable, peaceful and surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific.
Your room
Each participant will enjoy seven nights in a private room with a double bed and daily breakfast included.
French classes
The immersion includes four French classes — 12 hours in total — delivered by CREIPAC, New Caledonia’s specialist centre for French as a foreign language. Classes will take place at the hotel, with a dedicated room and morning coffee breaks, except for one session held at CREIPAC in Nouville.
Lessons will be practical, engaging and connected to the week’s discoveries, helping you build vocabulary, confidence and ease before putting your French into action during excursions, meals and everyday conversations.
Programme
The following programme is indicative. Some visits and activities are subject to partner schedules, weather and local availability. Any adjustments will preserve the quality and spirit of the immersion.
Day 1 - Sunday 4 July: Welcome to Nouméa
Recommended direct flight: Aircalin SB149, Sydney 8.45am – Nouméa 12.35pm. (Flight numbers and times are indicative and subject to change by the airline. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights.)
Group transfer from La Tontouta Airport to the hotel, followed by time to settle in, enjoy the pool or take a walk along the bay.
Welcome drinks with a one-hour open bar, then dinner together at the hotel.
Day 2 - Monday 5 July: French class and central Nouméa
Morning: French class at the hotel, followed by lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon: Guided discovery of central Nouméa — an introduction to the city, its stories and its distinctive French-Pacific character.
Dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel.
Day 3 - Tuesday 6 July: French class and Kanak culture
Morning: French class at the hotel, followed by lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon: Guided visit of the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, designed by Renzo Piano and dedicated to Kanak culture, art and identity.
Dinner together at the hotel.
Day 4 - Wednesday 7 July: A full day of natural discovery
A full-day excursion beyond Nouméa, with the final destination to be confirmed according to local operating schedules. The excursion will include transport, guided activities, entry fees and lunch.
Evening and dinner at leisure.
Day 5 - Thursday 8 July: French class and a relaxed French afternoon
Morning: French class at the hotel, followed by lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon: A relaxed French à la Carte session with pétanque, cards, conversation, games and time to enjoy the hotel surroundings.
Dinner at one of Nouméa’s acclaimed restaurants.
Day 6 - Friday 9 July: CREIPAC and the history of Nouville
Morning: French class at CREIPAC, followed by a light lunch in its beautiful garden beside the lagoon.
Afternoon: Guided walking visit of Nouville and the former penal colony, discovering an important chapter of New Caledonia’s history.
Dinner together at the hotel.
Day 7 - Saturday 10 July: Market morning and free afternoon
Morning: Visit to the colourful Marché de Moselle, with time to browse local produce, crafts and specialities. Depending on the final exhibition programme, an optional visit to Maison Higginson may also be offered.
Lunch at leisure, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy the beach, explore Nouméa, visit the shops or simply relax.
Farewell dinner at Le Roof restaurant.
Day 8 - Sunday 11 July: Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and group transfer to La Tontouta Airport at approximately 9.30am.
Recommended direct flight: Aircalin SB148, Nouméa 1.50pm – Sydney 4.10pm.
À bientôt !
Price
$6,985 per person — Private room for 7 nights
All prices are in Australian dollars.
Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and your place is reserved once the full deposit has been received.
What’s included
Your immersion package includes:
Pre-departure get-together in Sydney to meet your French à la Carte teacher and fellow participants
Return group transfers between La Tontouta Airport and the hotel at the scheduled group times
Seven nights in a private room at Le Domaine Nouméa
Daily breakfast
Welcome drinks on arrival
Four French classes with CREIPAC — 12 hours in total
Three morning coffee breaks during hotel-based classes
Four organised lunches: three at the hotel and one at CREIPAC
Six organised dinners: three at the hotel and three at local restaurants
Selected soft drinks with organised dinners, as specified by the venues
Guided visit of central Nouméa
Guided visit of the Tjibaou Cultural Centre
One full-day excursion to Amédée Lighthouse or the Grand South, including transport, guide, entry fees and lunch
French à la Carte afternoon activities
Guided visit of Nouville and its former penal colony
Visit to the Marché de Moselle
All scheduled group transport for included activities and excursions
A French à la Carte teacher accompanying the group and supporting the French immersion throughout the week
What’s not included
The following are not included in the package:
Return flights between Sydney and Nouméa
Travel insurance
Lunch on Saturday 10 July
Dinner on Wednesday 7 July
Any meals, drinks or purchases not specifically listed as included
Optional activities and personal expenses
Transfers or transport outside the scheduled group programme
Payment schedule
AUD $1,800 deposit at the time of booking
AUD $2,500 second payment due by 1 February 2027
AUD $2,685 final payment due by 19 June 2027
Bookings will only be confirmed once the full deposit has been received. If a payment is not received by its due date, French à la Carte may release the place to another participant.
Minimum number
A minimum of 12 participants is required for this immersion to proceed. If the minimum number has not been reached, French à la Carte reserves the right to cancel the immersion and will refund all payments made to French à la Carte.
We recommend waiting until the immersion has been confirmed before making non-refundable flight or travel arrangements.
Terms and conditions
Participation is subject to French à la Carte’s General Terms and Conditions for Immersions. All cancellations must be made in writing. As accommodation and group services are reserved in advance, the following cancellation conditions apply:
- More than 90 days before the start of the immersion: refund of payments made, less a $250 administration fee and any non-refundable costs already incurred on your behalf
- Between 90 and 60 days before the start of the immersion: 25% of the total immersion price is retained
- Between 59 and 30 days before the start of the immersion: 50% of the total immersion price is retained
- Less than 30 days before the start of the immersion, or in case of non-attendance: no refund is available
Any refund is also subject to deduction of non-recoverable costs already committed specifically for the participant. You may transfer your booking to another suitable participant, subject to approval by French à la Carte and any supplier name-change fees.
The programme is indicative and may be adjusted because of weather, safety, supplier availability or other circumstances. French à la Carte will aim to provide an experience of equivalent quality and value wherever possible.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses, travel disruption and personal belongings from the time of booking.
Ready to live in French in the Pacific?
Join us for a week of French, culture, discovery and connection in beautiful Nouméa.
4–11 July 2027 • Nouméa • B1+ • $6,985