5 months in New Caledonia - visas and where to stay?

Hello

I am a Danish citizen planning to go to New Caledonia for five months starting January 2012. I am going to do ethnographic fieldwork for my masters thesis at the University of Copenhagen. Trying to plan the fieldwork is hard since I have never been to New Caledonia (the closest I have been is PNG, Australia and New Zealand) and I am hoping for some help in this forum.

First of all, the visa situation is very confusing. I have contacted the French embassy in Copenhagen and the Bureau des Etrangers in Nouméa, but can't get an answer. Do I need a visa as an EU citizen? I will be working in NC, but for my own funds ie. not taking work from locals. Secondly, my American husband will join me in NC for three months to do some ornithological fieldwork, also for his own funds. Which visa does he need? And most importantly, where do we apply for these permits?

I am also having a hard time finding out where to be based. I have decided on the Grande-Terre and am looing at Koné, Bourail, Nouméa and Mont-Dore. Does anyone have any input that could be helpful for me to chose between these towns? I am planning to work with both Kanak and Caldoche people, and it would be very good if the town was somewhat centralized as I don't expect to have a car. And does anyone have an idea of how easy it would be to find an apartment, cottage or room to rent for the five months?

Any information would be amazing so thank you in advance,

Kristina

I am also having a hard time finding out where to be based.
Without a car- I suggest that you stay in Noumea. Kone is quite remote. Bourail is more central but not brilliantly served by transport.

The web of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France provide this info regarding visas for New Caledonia (take a look at the bottom of the page; point 3). Take a look also at this order; it seems that is the last one regarding entry requirements to New Caledonia (but I can't confirm it).
I think that the French embassy should be able to provide you the right and updated info so I recommend you to insist with them (maybe asking about some of the laws/orders listed in the links above?).
I don't know if it'll be useful for you but this is the web of the Government of New Caledonia

Wow. Thank you very much for the links. One of them was just what I was looking for!

@kristinapetersen: You're wellcome.

hallo,
we are a swiss couple going to new caledonia next december for three months.
We had answers from french consulate in geneva and tourist info center in noumea about having a 5 months tourist visa , it is possible but a lot of paperwork and the procedure needs at least one month , the three months staying is free for europeans citizens (rule is 3 months in - 3 months out),
this is all we know, greetings.

Hi everyone,
I'm also planning on doing social science research in New Caledonia and just wanted to check that you really don't actually need a research permit? I can't find anything about applying for permits so it must mean that you don't need one, right?
Thanks

I can't find anything about applying for permits so it must mean that you don't need one, right?

Did you read anywhere on an official web that you don't need one? Following your reasoning, that would be enough to assume you would need one... The point is: don't make assumptions and ask a French consulate about your specific situation.