Le MarcheCity/Region: Tahiti
The vibrant heart of
Papeete is its fascinating public market, where for more than 150 years traders have touted a vast array of exotic goods from Tahitian arts and crafts, to fragrant oils, flowers, fruit, straw hats, seashell jewelry and pareus (sarongs). The market is particularly colorful and lively in the late afternoon when the day's catch is brought in from the fishing boats, and on Sunday mornings when the island families traditionally do their weekly shopping.
Address: Two blocks from the Papeete waterfront, opposite the
cruise-liner dock
Hours: Daily 5am to 5pm
Paul Gauguin MuseumCity/Region: Tahiti
The famous French painter,
Paul Gauguin, spent the last 12 years of his life in
Tahiti and fittingly, the island sports a museum dedicated to his life and work. Among the exhibits are some original sculptures, engravings and gouaches.
Address: PK 51, 2 Papeari
Phone Number: 571 058
Email Address: museegauguin@mail.pf
Hours: Open daily 9am to 5pm
Admission: 600F (adults), 300F (children)
Pearl MuseumCity/Region: Tahiti
Cultured pearls, particularly the famed Tahitian Black Pearl, are
French Polynesia's main export and the best buy for visitors to the islands. If you are planning to shop for pearls it is wise to first stop by the
Pearl Museum in Papeete where you can find out all about these 'gems of the sea' and learn to judge their quality.
Address: Vaima Center, Rue
Jeanne d'Arc, Papeete
Phone Number: 452 122
Email Address: iweber@tahitiperles.pf
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 7pm, Sunday and public holidays 9am to 7pm
Admission: Free
