Maré

Maré, Nengone in the local language, is the southernmost and highest of the Iles Loyauté (Loyalty Islands). The island has a wild beauty, with its deep cut seashore cliffs, sombre forests and coves of white sand. The central plain, an old lagoon, is pierced by numerous caves and natural pools. Renowned for her « fête de l’avocat » ( i.e.” The Avocado Festival “), Maré is the gardener ofNew Caledonia. Due to the influence of the British sailors and missionaries, there are very strong English accents in the Nengone language. The Mareans have always easily incorporated the newcomers; this explains why they are a mix population and their open minded and well-tempered personality.