Description
The capital city of French Polynesia, Papeetee – which is located on the iconic island of Tahiti – is a bustling, yet picturesque, port known for its stunningly clear waters, beautiful natural scenery, and interesting attractions. Despite being a rather small island, every type of traveller will find something they can enjoy here; Papeetee has beaches for sun lounging and swimming, bustling marketplaces for culture vultures who want to soak up the atmosphere of somewhere new, museums to explore if you’re someone interested in the history of this unique culture. The Gardens of Paofai and Bougainville Park also make for excellent places to stroll, with more adventurous hiking routes available further inland. Fort de la Fachoda, which is about a 20-minute drive from central Papeete, is a particular highlight of the area; home to an impressive waterfall, this is a beautiful spot to see more of the vibrant rainforests and intriguing ruins that litter this inland area. Although, really, however you decide to spend your time in Papeete, you’re in for a fantastic shore experience.
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Things to do
Gardens of Paofai
If you’re looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Papeete’s city centre, then heading to the Gardens of Paofai is far from a bad idea. Beautifully landscaped gardens in the heart of this vibrant city, this wooded area is the ideal destination to take a stroll in the shade or sit and relax. You’ll find a few ornamental fish ponds to admire here too, with the walking trails taking you to several spaces that offer a tranquil serenity. This is the ideal place to sit and enjoy the laid-back coastal ambiance here.
Papeete Market
The Papeete Market is a vibrant marketplace in the heart of the capital, and the perfect place to spend some time if you want to soak up some of the culture and cuisine that make this region so unique; here, among the busy stalls, you’ll find a variety of local foods and produce alongside hand-crafted artwork from all the archipelagos that make up French Polynesia – not just Papeete and Tahiti. If you’d rather admire from a distance, you’ll find somewhere to sit and sip on a coffee here, too.
Robert Wan Pearl Museum
Offering visitors a comprehensive look at pearls, including the process of collecting them and the legends associated with these unique cultured gems, the Robert Wan Pearl Museum is a truly fascinating place to visit when in Papeete. Immersing you in the intriguing world of pearls, with an exploration of historic individuals who held an affinity for pearls, how pearls are farmed around the world, and what it takes to spot the perfect pearl yourself, you’ll leave the Robert Wan Pearl Museum with a new appreciation for these interesting gemstones.
Bougainville Park
A small park in central Papeete, Bougainville Park is a beautiful spot to stroll when exploring this interesting city. Here, you’ll find tree-covered walkways and picturesque plant-life to admire. Once somewhere where important festivities and celebrations took place, perhaps most notably when King Pomare V ceded the islands to France in 1880, this park is now positioned as a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of this port city’s busier streets.