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Historical Site of Nouville



Discover the french penal colony at Isle Nou

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Welcome to “La Nouvelle”

There are so many things to see and find out along this discovery trail focussing on the daily life of convicts from 150 years ago:

- the penitentiary buildings including the Governor’s house, the prisoners’ bakery, the chapel, the workshops...

- problems involved in housing, feeding and caring for around 1,000 men on a daily basis.

- the early days of European settlement in New Caledonia with roads and buildings developed using convict labour.

- the partial destruction of the camp as evidenced by ruins brought to light by archaeologists.

Stroll along the streets of the old penitentiary, picture them peopled by convicts, warders, civilian officials and native police... and take time to read the information boards.

Welcome to “La Nouvelle” There are so many things to see and find out along this discovery trail focussing on the daily life of convicts from 150 years ago: - the penitentiary buildings including the Governor’s house, the prisoners’ bakery, the chapel, the workshops... - problems involved in housing, feeding and caring for around 1,000 men on a daily basis. - the early days of European settlement in New Caledonia with roads and buildings developed using convict labour. - the partial destruction of the camp as evidenced by ruins brought to light by archaeologists. Stroll along the streets of the old penitentiary, picture them peopled by convicts, warders, civilian officials and native police... and take time to read the information boards.