Destination: LA FOA
The gold mine - This is no fairy tail... At the beginning of the century, there was a gold mine at La Foa. The "Queyras" mine was no doubt named after the man who discovered the gold seam and began mining it. The gold of La Foa today is the rich variety of its beauty spots and tourist activities. Rambles on horseback, bushwalks and on quad cars, canyoning, kayak, excursions...
All these and much more are here just waiting for you. Camp sites, hotels and gites are all here to welcome you. Come and discover the southand and one faces of the region in all their contrasts and colours.
History - The history of La Foa goes back to 1871 with the building of Fort Téremba. The settlement grew with the founding of an agricultural convict colony (1872) and the arrival of Malabars settlers from Réunion island in 1880. The historical landmarks of La Foa remain the creation of a state registry office in 1882, a road link with Boulouparis in 1883, the transformation of the penal colony into a girl's school in 1892, and , of course, the presence of the American troops during WW II. La Foa is a commune which has always looked to the future.
Events - To the numerous sports competitions and all year round leisure activities, La Foa also brings the excitement of horse racing. In november, the Association Marguerite puts on a magnificent sound and light show at Fort Téremba or on the Marguerite Passerelle. In nearby communes, it is worth noting the nature festival at Sarraméa while at Farino, the smallest commune in New Caledonia, entertainment is guaranteed at the well-known Farino market in september. When you can gaze at, or participate in, the tasting of bancoule worm. while horse races take place from may to october, triathlons and other races are held from march to october.
Settings - The city council and the association Marguerite are both involved in conserving and promoting the historic heritage of La Foa. At the entrance the commune, on arriving from Nouméa the Passerelle Marguerite now stands as an emblem. Remains dating from the last century like Fort Teremba at Moindou, the Maison du Commandant (Residence of the Commander) or the Bakery of the "internat" (boarding school) of La Foa tell the story of the region. The history and way of life of the Kanak community can be discovered at the Great Hut of the Oua Tom tribe or by enjoying a meal of bougna with the Oui Poin tribe.
Activities - Nestling at the foot of the mountain range and open to the sea, La Foa offers a thousand and one sports and leisure activities for tourists. There is something to please every taste : bush walking or horse-riding, visiting the historical and cultural sites, and a wide variety of excursions and sports. Parachute jumping in the air, canyoning, sailing, surfing and diving on and under the water, and walking, riding or quad car driving on the ground provide an extensive choice. Top quality organisation for the reception and information of visitors meets the most demanding requirements.
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