Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit French Polynesia

A very good opportunity to discover the complete grafting process and to get acquainted with the amazing world of the cultured pearl. This is one of the most complete and interesting visits we have made to the Territory! Direct sale on the spot in an air-conditioned shop, offering a vast choice of quality pearls for all budgets and tastes, which you can even have mounted on the spot. If you lose the north, the saleswomen will be able to advise you; if not, opt for a jewel already mounted! Small adjoining curiosity area.

The Belvedere undoubtedly offers one of Moorea's most beautiful views. At a glance, you can see the whole island: Mount Rotui, in front of you, the two bays on either side, and all around the volcano basin, with the Tohiea, the Mouaputa, the Matatea. After the tourist crowds during the day, the young people come to spend a few hours there (time to empty a case of beer) while admiring the landscape. A little further down, you can learn by visiting the marae Tefaarahi, Afareaito and Titiroa, buried under the vegetation.

Uturoa may be the second most important city in Polynesia, but it is still very easy to find yourself in the middle of nature! The access to Mount Tapioi and its pretty belvedere is unfortunately closed, but the tour of the island is highly recommended. A paved road of only 100 km awaits the travelers, delivering magnificent views on the lagoon and the interior mountains. A traverse road leads to two viewpoints: one overlooking Faaroa Bay, the summit of Orataio volcano and the strange bamboo forests; the other overlooking Fetuna Bay and the motu Nao-Nao. It is recommended to rent a car for the day. If you prefer to be guided (a guide always knows a lot more and can share his knowledge and love of the island), choose Trucky Tours. From the old Hawaiki Nui hotel, don't miss a look at the mountain side: a superb view of Mount Temehani, where the Tiare Apetahi grows, a flower endemic to Raiatea.

From PK 15 on the east coast, the Faaroa River flows inland: it is the only navigable river in Polynesia. Check with Lagon Aventure for a half-day river trip.

At PK 17, in the heart of the crater, the view is interesting on Mount Tefatua. Time seems to have stopped and nature is back in control. Further on, the village of Opoa is famous for hosting the descendants of the ancient Arii (kings), and the famous Taputaputaea marae , at KP 31, one of the most important archaeological sites in Polynesia and the South Pacific. The magic of ancestral ceremonies still seems to rustle..

The following kilometers are perhaps the most beautiful. There is no lack of panoramic views of the lagoon. The walkers can reach the sugar loaf of Faeratai, where not less than 3 500 petroglyphs have been recorded. A beautiful waterfall follows the river; count about 40 minutes of walking.

The small villages that follow are enchanting. The west coast of the island is bathed in an old-fashioned tranquility. The road follows the lagoon very closely.

At PK 13 on the west coast, the marae of Tainuu has not retained its charm. However, the upright coral slabs and the engraved stones evoke a glorious past that we enjoy imagining.

You finally reach the Miri-Miri pass, a joy for experienced surfers, around PK 10, while a hiking trail leaves in the direction of Mount Temehani, a superb walk not to be missed. Here you are in Tevaitoa, which has a beautiful white sand beach.

Located at the foot of a hill facing the mountain side of the ring road, the Maraa caves, dotted with large ferns and decorated with clear and limpid water basins, offer a breath of fresh air in the surrounding dampness! Occupied by a small lake and surmounted by an arched ceiling, the optical illusion prevents the visitor from detecting the depth of the first (main) cavity. A peaceful and mysterious atmosphere.... A little further away, you will reach four successive caves: Ana Paero, Vaipoiri, Matavae and Puahotu.

At KP 22 east coast, at the end of a bend, a small promontory allows you to see the Dragon's breath. It is actually a hole under the road, where sea water rushes in and out violently by ejecting air and water on both sides. On the sea side, the water is suddenly projected at each breaker. On the road side, a powerful breath escapes from a hole between the road and the cliff, so powerful that it can make you fall to the ground. Beware of cars arriving by the bend: the site is rather badly placed at this level.

This is an exact replica of Normandy's farmlands, with greasy grass meadows, dairy cows and farms. An inconceivable landscape in the tropics, but nevertheless very real: it is here that the excellent fresh milk sold throughout Tahiti is produced. From Taravao, a paved road accessible to any vehicle climbs a few kilometres up to the plateau and leads to a car park. From here, on a clear day, the view of the Taravao isthmus is magnificent. A one-hour walk is enough to reach Mount Teatara (1,197 m), from where the view is even more beautiful.

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.