Balade is a spread-out, very sparsely inhabited area along the stark and rugged far North-East coast of Grande Terre, 11 kms north of the town of Pouébo. Its claim to fame is that it was here that the first European explorers set foot in New Caledonia, and there are a few sights associated with the territory's colonization. Other than that, there is a gorgeous beach, and complete peace and quiet. Well worth a stop. |