Just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, right in the heart of Oceania, New Caledonia features a mainland, called the "Grande Terre", and other islands, lying just 1,200 kilometres east of Australia. Although it is less popular than French Polynesia, with its famous islands of Tahiti and Bora-Bora, this French overseas territory offers incredible natural, cultural and human richness. Establishing yourself on its South Pacific lands and living à la française certainly entails both advantages and drawbacks which you should acquaint yourself with, and which the article summarises. It should not be forgotten that this outstanding living environment, which is experiencing an economic boom, is irreparably committed to a process which may, in years to come, result in the independence of the New-Caledonia.