Mata-Utu
Visit the cathedral and royal palace by Mata-Utu Bay, then use the capital as a starting point for Wallis’s coastal roads and historic sites.
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Mata-Utu is the capital of Wallis and Futuna, a French overseas collectivity, on the east coast of Uvéa (Wallis). The town sits beside Mata-Utu Bay and is the territory’s largest urban centre, with its main government offices and essential services. Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, built in 1857, is the main landmark. The cathedral stands beside the Palace of the King of Uvéa, whose verandas adjoin the church. Near the wharf, Fale Fono is a platform where local chiefs once addressed people. The town grew from a small village during the 19th century, after the French protectorate began in 1888.
Mata-Utu is a practical base for exploring Wallis by road. Visit the cathedral and palace, take the short, narrow access road up Mount Lulu Fakahega to its old chapel, or see the Tongan-era fortifications at nearby Talietumu and Tonga Toto. The main coastal road, RT1, runs through town; RT3 leads west to Falemei and RT4 north to Liku. Hihifo Airport is about 6 km north-west of town, and Aircalin flies from there to Futuna and Nouméa. Wallis has an equatorial climate, as does the rest of the island.
Mata-Utu in five
- Use RT1 to cross the islandThe main coastal road runs through Mata-Utu. RT3 leads west to Falemei and RT4 north to Liku. Mata-Utu has no street names.
- Allow for the airport transferHihifo Airport is about 6 km north-west of town. Aircalin flies from there to Futuna and Nouméa.
- Bring CFP francsThe official currency is the CFP franc. Downtown has banking services.
- Know which languages are usedWallisian, also called ʻUvean, is the everyday language on Wallis; French is used for administration.
- Visit the cathedral and palace togetherNotre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and the Palace of the King of Uvéa stand beside each other downtown by the lagoon.
Things to do in Mata-Utu
See all attractions in Mata-Utu
Need to know
- Currency
- CFP franc
- Entry
- Check France-Visas for entry requirements Read more
Weather by month
- Mixed
- JanuaryEquatorial climate
- FebruaryEquatorial climate
- MarchEquatorial climate
- AprilEquatorial climate
- MayEquatorial climate
- JuneEquatorial climate
- JulyEquatorial climate
- AugustEquatorial climate
- SeptemberEquatorial climate
- OctoberEquatorial climate
- NovemberEquatorial climate
- DecemberEquatorial climate
Right now in Mata-Utu
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 28°
- Humidity
- 80%
- Wind
- 35 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 53%
Wallis
12:23 PM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today27°26°53%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 53%.
- Wed28°26°41%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 41%.
- Thu27°26°67%Thursday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Fri28°26°55%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Sat27°26°31%Saturday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 31%.
- Sun27°26°39%Sunday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Mon28°26°45%Monday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 45%.
Updated 10:52 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 106.9 XPF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Mata-Utu
Rules for Mata-Utu, checked
- Check France-Visas for entry requirements that apply to your passport before travelling.Source
- Wallisian is the everyday language on Wallis; French is used for administration.
Plan around Mata-Utu
RT1 circles the island; RT3 and RT4 reach the west and north.
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan your spending and check how to pay during the trip.
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport before travelling.
Read the guideWhere to stayBrowse accommodation options for your trip.
Read the guideMata-Utu FAQ
What is Mata-Utu known for?
Mata-Utu is the capital of Wallis and Futuna and the territory's largest urban centre. Its main landmark is Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, beside the royal palace by the lagoon.
How do you get to Mata-Utu?
Hihifo Airport serves Wallis and is about 6 km north-west of town. Aircalin flies from the airport to Futuna and Nouméa.
How do you get around Mata-Utu?
The main coastal road, RT1, runs through town and around Wallis. RT3 leads to Falemei in the west and RT4 to Liku in the north; Mata-Utu has no street names.
What language is spoken in Mata-Utu?
Wallisian, also called ʻUvean, is the everyday language on Wallis. French is used for administration.
What is the currency in Mata-Utu?
The official currency is the CFP franc. Downtown has banking services, along with the Au Bon Marché and Oceania markets.
What can you see near Mata-Utu?
Visit the cathedral and royal palace downtown, or take the short, narrow access road up Mount Lulu Fakahega to the old chapel. Talietumu and Tonga Toto are archaeological sites near Mata-Utu.