Bourail: The Heart of New Caledonia's Natural Beauty

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-koo-zay mwa/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-new, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
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• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
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• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
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• Half past (10)Dix et demie
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• MorningMatin
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• AfternoonAprès-midi
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• EveningSoir
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• YesterdayHier
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• TodayAujourd'hui
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• TomorrowDemain
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• 1Un
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• 2Deux
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• 3Trois
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• 4Quatre
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• 5Cinq
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• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
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• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
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• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kohnd ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Long before European contact, the region now known as Bourail was inhabited by the Kanak people, the indigenous Melanesian inhabitants of New Caledonia. They lived in harmony with the land and sea, practicing traditional agriculture, fishing, and hunting. Their rich culture included complex social structures, intricate art, and oral traditions passed down through generations.

In the 19th century, European explorers and missionaries arrived in the region. The French established a penal colony in New Caledonia in 1864, and Bourail became a significant site for the settlement of convicts. The construction of infrastructure such as roads and buildings began, laying the foundation for the modern town.

Bourail's history is closely tied to its role as a penal colony. Between 1867 and 1924, thousands of French convicts were sent to Bourail. They were put to work on various projects, including the construction of the town's roads, bridges, and buildings. The remains of these structures, such as the old prison and the convict cemetery, can still be seen today, serving as a stark reminder of this period.

Following the closure of the penal colony, Bourail transitioned into an agricultural hub. The fertile plains and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming. Cattle ranching, coffee, and coconut plantations thrived, contributing to the economic growth of the region. The annual Bourail Fair, which began in the early 20th century, celebrates this agricultural heritage and remains a major event to this day.

During World War II, New Caledonia, including Bourail, played a strategic role as a base for Allied forces in the Pacific theater. The town hosted American and New Zealand troops, who built military installations and infrastructure. The presence of these forces left a lasting impact on the local community and contributed to the cultural exchange between the residents and the soldiers.

Bourail is known for its vibrant cultural festivals and traditions that reflect its diverse heritage. The Bourail Fair, held every August, showcases local agriculture, crafts, and Kanak culture. The town also celebrates traditional Kanak ceremonies, where visitors can experience traditional dances, music, and rituals. These events highlight the strong cultural identity and community spirit of Bourail.

Today, Bourail is a thriving town that blends its rich history with modern amenities. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore its historical sites, stunning beaches, and lush landscapes. The town continues to honor its past while embracing development, making it a unique and captivating place to visit.

Bourail is located on the west coast of New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre. The nearest international airport is La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) in Nouméa, approximately 160 kilometers south of Bourail. From Nouméa, you can rent a car or take a bus to reach Bourail. The drive typically takes around 2 to 3 hours via the RT1 route. Bus services operated by Carsud also connect Nouméa to Bourail, though schedules may vary.

Bourail is a small town, and many attractions are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. For longer distances, rental cars are the most convenient option, offering flexibility to explore the surrounding areas. Local taxis are available but can be limited. Public transport options include bus services operated by Carsud, which connect Bourail to other towns and villages. It is advisable to check bus schedules in advance.

The official currency of New Caledonia is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Bourail, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Bourail where you can withdraw cash. Ensure you have enough local currency, especially if you plan to visit rural areas.

Bourail is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for police, 15 for medical emergencies, and 18 for fire services. Bourail has a local police station, medical facilities, and pharmacies where you can seek assistance. It is essential to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies in Bourail offer a range of over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting places of worship, dress conservatively and act respectfully. Public Transport: Do be respectful to other passengers. Don’t be loud or disruptive on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Bonjour.' It is polite to greet shopkeepers and service staff when entering establishments. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bourail like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional New Caledonian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting La Roche Percée Beach, the Turtle Bay for turtle watching, and the nearby ancient Kanak sites. For a unique experience, participate in a traditional Melanesian feast called ‘Bougna’ and explore the beautiful hiking trails in the region.