NOTRE-DAME DE LOURDE AND LIFOU

If you were to search for one of the most laid back places on earth, chances are you would end up on the island of Lifou. There is a serene beauty with it's white-sand beaches and limestone cliffs.  Lifou represents the largest and most heavily populated of the Loyalty Islands and is part of the French territory of New Caledonia, located 62 miles to the west.   The Loyalty Island archipelago consists of six inhabited islands and several smaller uninhabited islands.  The island of Lifou is a raised fossil coral atoll.  Arrival into Lifou was at 8:00am and tender boats operated every 15-25 minutes.  Getting off between 8:15am-9:15am will help you avoid the rush.  

View of Notre-Dame de Lourde from the ship

As you approach the island you will clearly see the old missionary chapel of Notre-Dame de Lourde sitting majestically atop the hill. The church was build by Catholic missionaries in 1898. 

Onboard information lists the walk to the top as “5 minutes”. Don’t be deceived.  This is a good 15-20 minutes from the dock but you will find it worth every step.  As you step off the dock you will proceed up a small hill and make a turn to the left.  Proceed along the path for about 10 minutes.  You will see a few vendors along the way selling coconut water and fruit.   

Local vendors set up shop along the road

As you approach the end of the walk you will be confronted with stairs with hand-rails to the top.  A little steep here and not accessible friendly so take your time. 

Good walking path

Steps and hand railing toward the end

Once you arrive at the top you will find a very small, historical chapel with some tremendous views. It is a cement walled building with a single narrow entrance and pointed windows.  On the outside a cast iron figure of Mary sits high atop the building gazing out over the South Pacific.  There are butterflies everywhere in the trees and flowers. There is also a small platform outside where you can enjoy looking over the cliffs to the ocean. You will be able to see both sides of the island from this vantage point. 

 

Inside the church

Window inside the church

View from atop the hill

View of the ship from atop the hill

Front of church

Approach to the church

 

Marci (on the left) and I with the ship in the background

View from the top of the hill

If you are interested in doing some snorkeling you won’t want to miss Zinek Bay.  As you leave Notre-Dame de Lourde and head back down toward the dock you will come to a road off to the left and a sign for “Zinek Bay”.  From here it’s a very short walk downhill.

Ticket booth at Zinek Bay

Beautiful waters of Zinek Bay

Waters of Zinek Bay

There are two snorkeling routes suggested and you will be charged $15AUD so have the correct change available. 

There are toilet facilities here that are very clean, equipped with toilet paper and are FREE.  The doors don’t lock however.  

Bathroom at Zinek Bay

After leaving Zinek Bay walk back toward the dock area and then continue straight ahead to Ave Maris church.  A beautiful cemetery is located right next door.  I believe the church was built around 1898 but it was not open on the day of my visit.  

Ave Maris Church Photo by Christopher Robert Hervouet 

On the walk back to the dock we made a stop for some coconut water.  It was priced at $3AUD per coconut but we managed to get 3 for $5AUD. 

Local coconut vendor

Once you have finished the refreshing milk you can have your coconut split in half and you can scoop out the coconut gel with your coconut spoon.  Great experience.

Eating the coconut gel

Next was a stop at the beach located right next to the dock.  Bright sun, white-sand beach, crystal clear waters and slight rolling waves crashing on the beach made it just a magical afternoon.

Beautiful beach area

Heading back to the dock we found ourselves squarely in the center of what appeared to be an initiation ceremony for the ships Senior staff.  A fellow passenger said it was the first time that the ship had docked at Lifou and this was a welcome presentation by the locals.

Welcome to Senior Staff

The last tender back to the ship departed at 4:15pm.