10 Sights & Landmarks in French Polynesia That You Shouldn't Miss

October 13, 2021 Sheron Bogner

Tahiti and Bora Bora are the most well known French Polynesian islands, thanks to their picture-perfect beaches and romantic ambiance. Indeed, these islands are ideal for handholding, with their lush landscapes and mood-setting features like lagoons and grottos. The heart-shaped island of Mo’orea makes a wonderful base for divers and snorkelers eager to explore its surrounding barrier reef system. Feeding the massive, sacred eels of Huahine is a one-in-a-lifetime way to experience an important local ritual.
Restaurants in French Polynesia

1. Taputapuatea Marae

Opoa 98735 French Polynesia http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1529/
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 320 reviews

Taputapuatea Marae

The largest and most important religious site in Polynesia features the ancient temple area located on the edge of a huge lagoon.

Reviewed By epazota - Minnesota, United States

Who would think in the middle of what felt like no where there is this incredible spot. It is an UNESCO site. It the most culturally important site for the entire Polynesian triangle which includes areas as far away as Easter Island, Hawaii and New Zealand. There are signs to read. I recommend a tour guide if you can. We had a guide whose grandmother was part of the team to reconstruct the site. See this site while you can as the ocean waters are already encroaching some of the sacred spots.

2. James Norman Hall Home

Arue, 98701 French Polynesia 50.01.60
Excellent
58%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

James Norman Hall Home

From 1920 to 1951, this was the home of one of Tahiti's famous resident authors, James Norman Hall, the co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty, Pitcairn's Island and other tales of adventure in the South Pacific.

Reviewed By SAB5859 - Banff, United Kingdom

This was a very interesting house to visit. The guide at the house gave us a really good insight into the work of James Norman Hall. The collection of photos and his books were just amazing. We were very lucky as James Norman Halls granddaughter Kate was at the house when we visited, she gave us her personal recollections of her family times in Tahiti and shared some stories about her grandfather. There is a cafe with outside seating. Well worth a visit even if you’re not into books or films.

3. Belvedere Lookout

French Polynesia
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,482 reviews

Belvedere Lookout

Overlooking the panoramic Opunohu Valley and Cook and Opunohu Bays, this spectacular scenic overlook was the setting in the popular film, "Return of the Bounty."

Reviewed By Kimbers08 - San Francisco, United States

We took an ATV tour that took us up to Belvedere Lookout. This view is absolutely breathtaking! There are huge mango and avocado trees, several hiking trails, great spots for taking photos, and lots of chickens! We went on a misty day in the offseason and so it wasn't too crowded. However, this area is quite small and I can imagine it is hectic during busier times of the year. This is a view not to be missed!

4. Three Bays Pass

French Polynesia
Excellent
73%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Three Bays Pass

5. Vallee de la Vanille

Faaaha Haamene - Tahaa Commune, Patio 98734 French Polynesia 657489
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 243 reviews

Vallee de la Vanille

Reviewed By jacquelinej34

We learned a lot about how vanilla is grown in Tahaa. The gal who showed us around and explained to us how vanilla is grown, harvested and made into extract spoke good English and was very friendly and helpful. We were glad that we were able to purchase some vanilla to take home to make into extract. Our guide went out of her way to ensure this would happen. Make sure you bring cash or Visa, since they don't take American Express.

6. Sito Archeologico Di Maeva

98731 French Polynesia http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/islands/huahine/huahine-historic.asp
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Sito Archeologico Di Maeva

7. Toatea Lookout

near Public Beach French Polynesia
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 137 reviews

Toatea Lookout

Reviewed By shammock2713 - Virginia Beach, United States

Parked up here to watch the sunrise. Easy access, plenty of parking in the morning. The sun rises behind the island of Tahiti from this viewpoint. While we were there, several locals stopped by to watch the sunrise as well.

8. Route des Ananas

French Polynesia
Excellent
48%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Route des Ananas

Reviewed By lindsay1188 - Redondo Beach, United States

What a quick little trip up the bumpy road to see the beautiful fields of pineapples growing! Worth the detour for sure!

9. Paroisse Saint Pierre-Celestin Church

Rue de Savoisy, Vaitape 98730 French Polynesia http://saintpierrecelestin.wordpress.com
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Paroisse Saint Pierre-Celestin Church

Reviewed By vhinb2018

My wife and I attended the mass at this church during our vacation in Bora Bora. The church is simple yet beautiful. we are amazed how the mass was conducted.

10. Le Palais de la mer

Route communale, 98732 French Polynesia 81217440
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Le Palais de la mer

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