Amedée Lighthouse | Sud Tourism New Caledonia

Must-see places

The stunning 360° view of the lagoon, over 56 m high.
List in the Top 10 must-visit in New Caledonia !

Nouméa

A lighthouse with an astonishing history !

On a clear day, it’s easy to spot this white dot in the middle of the turquoise lagoon from Nouméa. But do you know the history of the Amédée Lighthouse? It all began with a series of shipwrecks of boats entering New Caledonia’s lagoon. In 1859, the Governor of New Caledonia decided to build a lighthouse on the islet Amédée to mark access to the Boulari pass, between the large Aboré reef and the Kwé reef. But in this natural environment, the challenge was immense! The lighthouses and beacons department recommended the construction of a metal framework to combat the effects of corrosion, accentuated by the tropical climate.

In 1861, Léonce Reynaud, a famous architect and engineer, proposed the design and construction of a large metal lighthouse within four months. Alongside him, the French engineer Rigolet, a graduate of the Eiffel workshops, began construction of this veritable monument in France in 1862. The 56-meter giant was presented at the London World’s Fair that same year, before being dismantled into 1,265 pieces and transported to New Caledonia. It would then take 10 months for it to be erected on the Amédée islet. On 15 November 1865, it was illuminated for sailors for the first time.

Le phare Amédée

A legendary steel construction!

At the time, Léonce Reynaud’s idea of building an interior metal frame separate from the exterior envelope was considered a technical feat, and was presented to the public at the World’s Fair. The aim of this ingenious idea? Protecting foundations from damage by the marine environment. In the event of oxidation, you only needed to renovate or replace the external part, without the base moving. As for lighting, the lighthouse was originally lit by a rapeseed oil lamp. It was later replaced by kerosene lighting, then electrified. The range is around 45 kilometres. At 56 meters high, the Amédée Lighthouse is today the world’s tallest metal lighthouse, along with its Dutch twin, Lange Jaap. An architectural object unique in the world, it’s protected as a New Caledonian Historic Monument.

A lighthouse nestled in a a sublime setting

While Caledonians are accustomed to visiting the “Amédée Lighthouse”, their first port of call is the dreamy islet of Amédée. This small island, just 400 meters long and 270 meters wide, is a paradise of intense, pure colours. The turquoise blue of the lagoon stands out against the immaculate white of the beach and the green of the tropical vegetation. The lighthouse stands majestically in the middle. Some 247 cast-iron steps lead to the top. Up there, a breathtaking panorama rewards all your efforts! Views of the lagoon, the reef and the mountainous landscapes of New Caledonia’s central chain. On land, you can relax on the beach and go for a walk around the islet. As for the sea, there’s plenty to do: swimming, snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding…

A word of advice

If you want to have the island to yourself, you’d better come during the week! Tourists and locals alike love coming to the Amédée Lighthouse. If the weather is fine and the sea is calm, it can get crowded!

Valérie, Tourist Office of Nouméa

A protected marine reserve

The natural riches surrounding the Amédée Lighthouse are sure to amaze you. But be careful, the area is protected! Classified as a marine reserve by South Province, special care is taken to preserve its flora and fauna. This means that you cannot fish, touch turtles, disturb small sea creatures or collect shells. But there’s nothing to stop you admiring this natural beauty on foot, or by snorkelling or diving. Put on your flippers and observe all the marine life that passes before your eyes: turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, sea krate, rays… You’ll soon understand why this marvellous site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009!

Experience an unforgettable day

There are several options for visiting the Amédée Lighthouse. You can take a taxi-boat, go by private boat or opt for a day of discovery with the Mary D agency. This family-run Caledonian institution offers an all-included all-day package. In the morning, you embark at Port Moselle for a 40-minute musical crossing. When you arrive on the islet, you’ll be warmly greeted with a delicious glass of punch. You can choose from a range of more or less sporting activities: glass-bottom boats, lounging on deckchairs, paddleboard or snorkelling gear rentals. An exotic meal is served, accompanied by Tahitian dancing. Tie a sarong, climb a coconut tree, grate a coconut: learn a few local practices, before making a few purchases in the souvenir store. This is the perfect way to spend a day with the family, introduce your mates to the island and let yourself be carried away by the entertainment!

Book your trip to Amédée Islet

Unusual

Why not send your postcards from this far off paradise? At the Amédée Lighthouse, a postbox has been set up on the beach. All you have to do is slip your postcard in!