Papeete

Start at the very beginning! Pk 0, (Kilometer point 0) is the point from which all distances are measured on the island and which you’ll find in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Papeete. Inaugurated in 1875, the cathedral is an imposing building with its clock tower, stained-glass windows and bright yellow exterior. However, on Sunday mornings the place to visit is the Protestant temple at Paofai where you can admire the beautiful dresses and woven hats of the worshippers. The powerful, harmonious hymn-singing is guaranteed to lift your spirits for the rest of the day. Close to the temple are the Gardens of Paofai from where you can begin a stroll along the seafront. On the way back to the center of town you’ll come to the place To’ata, where the Heiva i Tahiti (traditional song and dance festival) is held every July. Then, continuing along the seafront, there is the gare maritime (ferry terminal) from where the ferries leave for Tahiti’s sister island, Moorea. On weekdays, take a moment to have a rest and a snack in the colorful Papeete market, before spending the afternoon shopping. Jewelry, souvenirs, paintings… There’s something for everyone and every budget.