Papeete Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Papeete

The islands of the Pacific were gradually settled by daring sea voyagers in large multiple hulled catamarans (canoes). Tonga and Samoa were reached by 1300 BC. By 500 BC, the Marquesas Islands were known to the navigators. Tahiti was settled between 300 and 800 AD.

Tahiti was divided into clan territories managed by chiefs and under-chiefs. Spanish explorers began arriving in the 16th century. The British opened relations in the late 18th century. A French expedition dropped anchor in 1768. The mutineers of the HMS Bounty became mercenaries in the service of chief Outu, later King Pomare I.

There followed an era of peace and growth under the Pomare dynasty. Tahiti became a French protectorate in 1842, and a colony of France in 1880, effectively ending the rule of the Pomares.

The name Papeete, or Pape'ete, as it is sometimes spelled, is a Tahitian expression literally meaning, "water from a basket." Papeete is the is the spiritual and cultural center and capital city of French Polynesia. It is located on the west coast of Tahiti. It is famous for its rare black pearls and pearl markets.

The Papeete Market is renowned for its exotic fruits and local foods like nono, breadfruit, carambolas, soursops and sweetsops. From the market walk to Parc Bouganville, sit under a banyan tree and have a picnic. The Papeete Town Hall is a majestic example of French colonial architecture.

See the shell-like Territorial Assembly next to the Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral of Papeete and the Protestant Church of Paofi, where the singing is angelic. Need a break? Stroll along the the picturesque waterfront promenade and connect with the squares of To'Ata Square and Vaiete Square and the vast, serene Paofi Gardens.

Papeete is the heart of Tahiti. It is a lively city. It has art, culture, restaurants, food trucks called roulottes, plentiful shopping, and miles of black sand beaches within easy reach. Come to swim, shop, worship, sing and dance in green, tropical Papeete.