Papeete Things to Do

3 more images

The seat of government for French Polynesia this building is both modern and unimposing. Its done in a traditional style and was built in the 1960's to replace the former building that was suffering from termite damage.

3 more images

An empty square during the day that host the very helpful visitor's center, at night this is transformed into a vast open air food court by vehicle known as Roullettes that roll up set up tables and chairs and serve a variaty of Local and chinese food.

3 more images

Rent a car before you are in the Polynesan islands via internet(much cheaper) cars are limited.We used National car rentals.Papeete is the largest city of the islands , hairy driving ,but once out of the city beautiful.Many beaches to explore, great golfing, snorkling safe and excellent.rent a boat and guide of the pier 50 per person 4 hrs snorkle tour with lunch 70 american most places take american.bank machine also avail every where. Tahaitians generally friendly with a little attitude(french)The islands are beautiful Bora Bora my favorite Morea also beautiful rental cars at pier Raitea small and gorgeous too explored all by cruise ship out of San Diago (the cheapest way to go). Nuka Hiva the quietest no excursions there...but locals will take you about from pier...125 for the day tour 150 with a amazing meal...very mountainess

3 more images

Rent a car before you are in the Polynesan islands via internet(much cheaper) cars are limited.We used National car rentals.Papeete is the largest city of the islands , hairy driving ,but once out of the city beautiful.Many beaches to explore, great golfing, snorkling safe and excellent.rent a boat and guide of the pier 50 per person 4 hrs snorkle tour with lunch 70 american most places take american.bank machine also avail every where. Tahaitians generally friendly with a little attitude(french)The islands are beautiful Bora Bora my favorite Morea also beautiful rental cars at pier Raitea small and gorgeous too explored all by cruise ship out of San Diago (the cheapest way to go). Nuka Hiva the quietest no excursions there...but locals will take you about from pier...125 for the day tour 150 with a amazing meal...very mountainess

1 more image

The best place to go shopping for gifts, food and flowers is the Public Market in Papeete. It is just one block back from the main street that fronts the cruise ship dock. Go EARLY if you want fresh fish. An ice cold coconut is a refreshing treat while you stroll among the friendly vendors.

The cathedral in Papeete is usually called the Cathedral of Notre Dame and was built in 1875. When the door is unlocked, go inside, where it is quiet and cool, and look at the paintings of the Crucifixion.

Louis Antoine de Bougainville was a French explorer who was the first French discoverer of Tahiti. He anchored at Oputotara (east coast) in April 1768. He proclaimed French sovereignty over the island, which he named New Cyntherea.
He never came to Papeete, though, but spent his entire brief visit to Tahiti on the east coast.

It was here that Queen Pomare IV lived in a beautiful mansion before the French took control in 1842, and used Tarahoi as their headquarters.

Nowadays, you can find the French High Commissioner and the French Polynesian Assembly here.

In front of the building is a monument to Pouvanaa a Oopa (1895-1977), a man from the island of Huahine who was a hero fighting for France during WWI. Later he was put in prisson in France because he was seeking independance for his own country.