Le Bonhomme, Natural rock formation in Bourail, New Caledonia
Le Bonhomme is a quartz monolith that rises along the coastline with a distinctive profile resembling a human head wearing a hat against the ocean backdrop. The solid rock structure sits between Roche Percée peninsula and Turtle Bay, positioned where tidal flows are easily visible.
Ocean waves shaped this rock over centuries, gradually creating its current distinctive form through persistent erosion. Saltwater and weather continue to work on the stone, slowly altering the structure over time.
The rock and its adjacent water hole carry spiritual meaning for the Kanak people, reflecting connections to ancestral beliefs that remain important to the community today.
To reach the formation, turn left shortly after Néra bridge and follow the coastal road for about ten minutes before taking another left turn toward the viewpoint. The site is also accessible on foot if you follow the shoreline path, which offers views of the water hole and surrounding rocks.
Beneath the water's surface lies a network of caves that connects to the visible water hole and becomes partially accessible when the tide recedes. These submerged passages reveal how water has penetrated and reshaped the stone over ages.
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