1Tahiti
A favorite gathering place for office workers during the day and families at night, people come to stroll, take in the view, and dine at inexpensive food caravans (Les Roulottes). Often traditional bands play on the bandstand adding to the festive atmosphere. Roulottes open daily around 6pm.
Paofai Gardens
A landscaped waterfront park with a canoe launch and children’s play area, you’ll find plenty of activity to take-in during your stroll.
Place Toata
The outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts all year and also the national dance competition during the huge Heiva Nui festival in July. Next door, on the banks of Tipaerui River, stands the Office Territorial d’Action Culturelle, Tahiti’s cultural center and library.
2Huahine
Fare is the main town on Huahine, consisting of a row of stores, a wharf, and a swimming beach. Starting at the Restaurant New Temarara, follow the promenade north along the waterfront to the Fare Public Beach, which runs along the west side of the main street. Bora Bora lies in the distance. Shops are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8:30am to noon, and are closed Sundays. The Handicraft Center at the village exit (south end) is also closed on Sundays. Telephone booths are operated with local phone cards. Rental car offices, restrooms, restaurants, shops, and main facilities are across from the main street. Heading north through town, the post office is on the right.
3Raiatea
Blanketed in a lush landscape dotted with waterfalls, fertile valleys, and the cloud-capped Mt. Temehani, Raiatea is Polynesia’s most sacred island; it was from here that the earliest migrations set forth to settle in Hawaii, New Zealand, and beyond. The island boasts a rich Maohi history–it is home to the UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuatea archaeological site–verdant mountains ideal for hiking, and a stunning lagoon perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the heavenly tranquility.
4Taha'a
Motu Mahana is a motu off the coast of Taha’a. If you wish to explore the main island, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a variety of Taha’a shore excursions, including:
• Snorkeling
• SCUBA Diving
• Catamaran Sail
• Island Exploration
• Cultural Tour
5Bora Bora
Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on a private beach.
6Bora Bora
Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” just doesn’t do it justice.
7Day at Sea
The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.
8Fakarava
Fakarava is an unspoiled paradise in every sense of the word. In addition to the many rare species of plants and animals, you’ll find in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s also a place of cultural and historical significance, with charming villages, ancient temples, and spectacular coral churches.
9Rangiroa
Life is beautifully simple in Rangiroa, the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Tour a local black pearl farm, wander the village of Avatoru, or visit Dominique Auroy Winery, which produces French Polynesia’s only wine label.
10Moorea
Step into a vibrant, colorful world in bright and beautiful Moorea, which welcomes you with azure lagoons, impossibly fresh tropical fruits, stunning mountain peaks and palm-fringed beaches. Commune with nature on an optional dolphin-watching excursion with an expert marine biologist. Afterwards, spend some time getting to know the local residents while shopping for handmade crafts.
11Moorea / Tahiti
The largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands, Tahiti and it's capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
12Tahiti
Enjoy the morning in Papeete before you head home with amazing memories!