Tourist Attractions & Monuments French Polynesia

Originally built for Queen Pomare IV two years after her death, this tomb was in fact requisitioned by her son, renowned for his ingratitude. Located on Pointe Outuaiaiai, this large coral building was completed in 1879 in place of a monumental church built in 1815 by his ancestor King Pomare II, a Christian convert. Queen Pomare IV, after half a century of reign, was given her own tomb next to the church, but her son Pomare V had no qualms about removing her ashes and being buried here in 1891.

The mountains of Raiatea are little Steep and allow easy hikes, but there are few trails: also advise us to take a guide, especially since it can give you a lot of information about history, botany, legends…

We recommend Gérard (✆ +689 73 96 48), a greedy guide.

Let's start with the Three Cascades. We're starting from Km 5, east coast, for 4 to 6 hours of relatively easy walks, except a few slippery passages, amidst a rich tropical vegetation (giant ferns, mape, bamboo…). You can bathe at the end: supreme reward after effort! This trip is recommended for a short stay in Raiatea.

The second trip takes you to the Faaroa valley. Counting between 4 and 8 hours of walking according to your rhythm is rather easy. This is in fact a number of different loops, as you wish. There are several archaeological sites that once inhabited and lovers of botany will be happy. Closed for a while, this circuit is again possible.

The last hike wins Mount Temehani Nui. The advantage of passing through a guide is that one can start from one point (e. g. the PK 12 on the west coast) to arrive across the island, at KP 2 on the east coast. This thus prevents us from coming back. This hike is aimed at the good walkers. We cross pine forests (possibility of bivouac along the river). Magnificent show at the summit: You can admire Tahaa, Huahine, Bora Bora and even Maupiti in the distance. The hiking takes about 8 hours, with 820 m of difference. Possibility of swimming. Attention: It's not sure you'll have the chance to discover the famous Endémique tiara, don't count too much on it.

The beach at KP 36 is one of the best surf spots on the island. It extends just in front of Papara's pass and its perfectly designed rollers. There is room but not much shade: the big advantage of this beach is definitely its wave conditions, you surf a lot but you don't swim a lot. Depending on the weather conditions, the rollers may be a little strong. A little further away, the black sandy beach at KP 38.5 is also very popular. There is a snack bar and a beautiful relaxation area.

Several white sandy beaches follow one another between KP 15 and 18. First we will reach To'Aroto beach at KP 15: on the edge of a fringing reef, it is not the most suitable for swimming but it is pleasant. Then comes the beach of Vaiava, where you can rent kayaks and paddles. An ice-cream seller will even delight the gourmands. Slightly further away await you the beach at KP 18 and Mahana Park (KP 18.5), again with beautiful facilities.

The beach (black sand) of the surfers par excellence. Don't expect to take a wave on the weekend - they are of course overloaded - but you will find a place on the beach to ask and appreciate the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the area.

This narrow beach is quite busy on the weekend, just as much as the lawn and the parking around the tomb of Queen Pomare V. We can bathe there, but there is little sand to ask his towel.

If this small black sand beach is not the most beautiful of the island, it has the advantage of being the closest to Papeete. A few coconut trees, trees that look above the water… a situation that really must be enjoyed by the happy owners of the villas overlooking the beach.

Paradise is to be earned, they say... Well, here we are! Not that the hike is so complicated (we meet families with children), but the ascent to reach the top is steep, so we might as well be prepared for it. Lined with fruit trees, mango trees, papaya trees, banana trees, lemon trees and orange trees, the path is nevertheless very pleasant. At the end of 45 minutes of effort (less of course if you climb in quad or 4x4 with a provider), finally arrives the comfort: a grandiose panorama at 360 °C on the two bays... See for yourself!

At Papeete, take the bus for Mahina or Teahuopoo. Get down at the bottom of the Taharaa coast. Take the public passage created by the Radisson Hotel on its left. Facing the sea, follow the beach to the right of the old Hyatt hotel (transformed into a beach bar and a restaurant) and a little further along the rocks. Possible possible.

Near the port, there is a large esplanade. Facing the sea, there is a beach lined with a wood. Meetings can be made at night, sometimes military.

Take the road leading to the mixed military circle, which leads to the beach between the circle and the room. At the time of the piroguiers, at the beginning of the evening until the night. It is mainly a quiet place, at night, to bring a conquest and take a bath at midnight. It makes beautiful memories…

Teura and Nariihau offer you exceptional tours on their Polynesian canoe called OTI'A ARE, to discover all the splendors of the lagoon. Between land and sea, the excursions offer the opportunity to discover the sea bed while swimming in the middle of tropical fish and to learn about Polynesian culture and traditions in the heart of Bora Bora's flora. A unique experience on the family motu will make you feel Polynesian for a day.

On this 30-hectare family farm, there are approximately 100,000 cultured oysters. However, only 20,000 pearls will be harvested, of which only half will be marketable. The visit includes the fare and grafting operations at the end of the pontoon. Next, the exhibition of bare pearls (produced on site) or mounted as jewelry in a charming little lounge. You will find a large choice for all tastes. As a producer, the farm offers competitive prices on quality pearls. The welcome is pleasant and the advices smart!

The result of several years of work and research, Mana'o rum is the^first organic agricultural rum in the South Pacific 100% made in Fenua! The sugar canes are cultivated in Polynesia, the harvested juice is fermented on site and then distilled in Tahiti. On the spot, Hitimiri and Anaïs are waiting for you at the tasting room to discover the range of white, amber or old rums. As for shopping, bottles are available in 20 or 70 cl. Coup de coeur selection Hachette des Rhums 2021, Gault et Millau Rhum 2019, Rumporter magazine 2021.

Since 1999, Frank, a jeweller with a passion for shells, opens the doors of his treasure for a unique and very instructive discovery. He has one of the most beautiful collections of the Pacific: more than 500 species are exposed in this small museum. The explanations are free, but it is however correct to stop by the shop to buy a small souvenir, if only to thank your host for having taken the time to educate you about conchyliology.