THE HEN & THE HIENGHENE SPHINX

A true New Caledonian icon in the same way as the cagou or the striped tricot, the elegant ageless hen sits proudly in the bay of Hienghène, between the coast and the open sea. It takes on different faces depending on the point of view, which explains the great diversity of possible photos. The most beautiful spot is at the belvedere, where you can access the southern entrance of the village. A small sign announces the site and there is room to park and picnic. The panorama is absolutely magnificent and extends from the black rocks of Linderalique to the famous incubator and the sphinx that faces it. In the open sea, the sea and the sky seem to be one, so that the horizon beyond the bay is interrupted only by the islets and the high peaks of the Mount Panie massif. According to local beliefs, the chicken symbolizes the founding element of life. Many legends surround these mythical places with a halo of mystery. According to one of them, the settlement of the territory would have even started here. If you have the opportunity to go for a canoe ride, it seems that you can even recognize the towers of Notre-Dame from certain angles! To better appreciate the Sphinx, you will have to cross the village and come out of it by the north to admire it from its point of view.

This is a must-see site for anyone visiting (or re-visiting) the region and even New Caledonia in general. The beauty of the place and the legends surrounding it are bewitching.