Paul Gauguin Oceania: 10 nights from Papeete with Paul Gauguin
Oct 8, 2025

Rangiroa

Fakarava

Huahine

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Raiatea

Tahaa

Papeete

Papeete, whose name means "water vessel" in the local language, is the capital of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti. Papeete has history, cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an unmissable place for anyone who wants to explore the magic of Tahiti and French Polynesia. Its history originated at the beginning of the 19th century. The first European explorers, such as Captain James Cook, visited Tahiti as early as the 18th century.

Not long after, Papeete became an important commercial and administrative center of the region. France established a protectorate on the island in 1842, and chose Papeete as the capital of French Polynesia. The atmosphere of Papeete mixes Polynesian relaxation with French style. The city is famous for its wild parties and traditional dances, such as 'ori (Tahitian dance), which you can admire in numerous cultural festivals that are frequently held in the city. Polynesian mythology plays a significant role in the cultural life of Papeete, with many local legends handed down over the centuries. One of the best known myths is the legend of the god Tane, the creator of light, sun and life (a version of Ra of ancient Egypt in the South Pacific). These myths are reflected in the art and music of the region and remain an important part of Tahiti's cultural heritage.

The Central Market of Papeete, or Marché de Papeete, is an important point of interest. Here, you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and discover local traditional crafts and souvenirs. Papeete boasts interesting museums, such as the Museum of Tahiti and its Islands, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region. Don't miss the Polynesian Art Gallery to see the work of local artists. Surrounded by beautiful lagoons and coral reefs, Papeete is an ideal place for lovers of water sports, such as diving and snorkeling.

If you are a nature lover it is absolutely worth visiting the waterfalls and tropical forests located nearby. Seafood plays a central role in local cuisine in Papeete. One of the national dishes is poisson cru, raw fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with coconut milk, vegetables and spices. Papeete is an important port for cruise ships in the South Pacific.

The port always welcomes numerous cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings. Cruises departing from or stopping in Papeete often include itineraries through places like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine, so you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of French Polynesia.

Moorea

Moorea is a volcanic island located in the southern Pacific Ocean, part of French Polynesia. The island is renowned all over the world for its idyllic landscape which, due to the green of its spiers surrounded by clouds with a background created by the sound of the waterfalls crashing on the cliffs, is reminiscent of the tropical panoramas described within numerous poems. A unique atmosphere is also what is perceived by walking through the center of the city, with its colorful houses, gardens full of lush vegetation and birds that inhabit exclusively these areas. If you think that all this can only be experienced in dreams, know that you are wrong.

Visiting this island is not only possible but is a pleasure for the senses and you can experience moments that will remain imprinted in your mind forever. Due to its natural landscape, in Moorea it is possible to carry out a wide range of activities such as scuba diving that allows you to observe the coral reef and the species that inhabit it up close, such as sharks, turtles and starfish. If you think that this is already something unique, you haven't heard anything yet!

The calm and crystal clear waters of the island also make other activities possible such as outrigger canoes, paddle boarding and kite boarding. For lovers of breathtaking views and adventure, reach one of the highest points of the island on a quad to admire a breathtaking panorama of the lagoon.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for the most total relaxation, go to one of the many beaches along the coast where you can enjoy the greatest comforts offered and take photos that will make all your friends envious! Given its geographical position, the best way to reach the island of Moorea is on board a cruise ship. Choose a cruise that departs from Moorea Island or that has the island as a stop to enjoy the uniqueness of its panorama and its tourist attractions. What are you waiting for? Visit our profile and choose the cruise that best suits your needs!

Papeete

Papeete, whose name means "water vessel" in the local language, is the capital of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti. Papeete has history, cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an unmissable place for anyone who wants to explore the magic of Tahiti and French Polynesia. Its history originated at the beginning of the 19th century. The first European explorers, such as Captain James Cook, visited Tahiti as early as the 18th century.

Not long after, Papeete became an important commercial and administrative center of the region. France established a protectorate on the island in 1842, and chose Papeete as the capital of French Polynesia. The atmosphere of Papeete mixes Polynesian relaxation with French style. The city is famous for its wild parties and traditional dances, such as 'ori (Tahitian dance), which you can admire in numerous cultural festivals that are frequently held in the city. Polynesian mythology plays a significant role in the cultural life of Papeete, with many local legends handed down over the centuries. One of the best known myths is the legend of the god Tane, the creator of light, sun and life (a version of Ra of ancient Egypt in the South Pacific). These myths are reflected in the art and music of the region and remain an important part of Tahiti's cultural heritage.

The Central Market of Papeete, or Marché de Papeete, is an important point of interest. Here, you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and discover local traditional crafts and souvenirs. Papeete boasts interesting museums, such as the Museum of Tahiti and its Islands, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region. Don't miss the Polynesian Art Gallery to see the work of local artists. Surrounded by beautiful lagoons and coral reefs, Papeete is an ideal place for lovers of water sports, such as diving and snorkeling.

If you are a nature lover it is absolutely worth visiting the waterfalls and tropical forests located nearby. Seafood plays a central role in local cuisine in Papeete. One of the national dishes is poisson cru, raw fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with coconut milk, vegetables and spices. Papeete is an important port for cruise ships in the South Pacific.

The port always welcomes numerous cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings. Cruises departing from or stopping in Papeete often include itineraries through places like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine, so you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of French Polynesia.