New Caledonia, a French territory comprising dozens of islands in the South Pacific, is known for its palm-lined beaches and marine-life-rich lagoon, which, at 24,000-sq.-km, is among the world's largest. A massive barrier reef surrounds the archipelago’s main island, Grand Terre, a major scuba-diving destination. Also on Grand Terre is the capital, Nouméa, with French-influenced cuisine and luxury boutiques selling Parisian fashions.
