City: French Polynesia
Top Things to do in French Polynesia
The 10 Best Free Things to do in French Polynesia, French Polynesia
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. Mount Otemanu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 588 reviews
This jagged remnant of an ancient volcano rises up sharply more than 2,400 feet from the surface of a sparkling, turquoise lagoon.
Reviewed By NickellFamilyTravel - Los Angeles, United States
If you are lucky enough to get a over the water bungalow with a mountain view, you will enjoy the view. it can be sunny, cloudy, rainy, sunsetting, and just simply majestic. There are some guided hiking trails, but you need to be in amazing shape to take on the challenge. have fun
2. Alain Despert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
By private appointment only at the studio of internationally acclaimed artist Alain Despert. Despert's work was discovered in Bora Bora in 1990 and has exhibited in many major cities throughout the US. His "Absolut Despert" painting was selected for the famous campaign along with Haring and Warhol. His colorful and contemporary paintings are collected by art connoisseurs around the world.
Reviewed By WorthYourTime
To see Alain’s work either you have to stay at one of the resorts which exhibit his paintings or you visit his home studio in Vaitape. We were lucky enough to meet him and his partner Karen with an easily arranged appointment (via email). His work is splendid, the photos on the internet do NOT do it justice. When you see a Despert in person, you will fall in love with the work. His techniques for adding texture are the real show-stealers. He mixes enamels and acrylics, and divides canvases in unique ways. He captured my eye and stole my heart. And his backstory! Painting is a second career, he went from zero painting to renowned artist in quite a short time. His work is in collections of the rich and famous and museums. You will want to own a Despert. The visit to the house was a great juxtaposition to the the rest of Bora Bora.
3. Manua Exquisite Tahitian Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Our Gallery features stunning and unique art pieces gathered from the most talented artists of French Polynesia by Raimana POROI, passionated collector. An amazing collection reflecting Tahiti and her Islands’ rich diversity of styles.
Reviewed By Experience689375 - Idaho, United States
Pleasent staff. I am not an expert on polynesian art ,but appear knowledgeable and helpful. Ended up purchasing a nice appearing piece. Many of the works appear quite exquisite.
4. Matira Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,490 reviews
Picturesque beach offers scenic hiking trails and tourist services including several boutique shops, the popular Ben's Place snack bar and restaurants.
Reviewed By lindav3575
One of the most beautiful locations in the world! The colors of the water were incredible as was the white sand beach.
5. Belvedere Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,482 reviews
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!
6. Three Bays Pass
7. Galerie 'Umatatea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Galerie 'Umatatea is located on the Motu of Maeva, about 800 meters after the bridge, across from the Pension Delord/Camping Vana'a. Melanie works in a variety of mediums--primarily oils on canvas, framed in tropical woods hand carved by a Marquesian sculptor. Her paintings are imbued with the saturated light and colours of Polynesia, and a heartfelt tenderness for the everyday objects, anecdotal attitudes and expressions of the Polynesians. Limited Edition prints available.
8. Temae Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Reviewed By shammock2713 - Virginia Beach, United States
This was our favorite beach to visit during our stay on Moorea. It was relatively easy to find and not too far from Toatea lookout. once you turn off the main road, it’s a pretty bumpy dirt/rock road full of potholes. Just drive slowly and dodge as many as you can. Ample parking and shoreline available. There are coconut trees and a few shade spots between the parking and the beachfront. The reef is very easy to access. It’s mostly a sandbar on the left side of the beach, and as you move to the right toward the Sofitel resort bungalows it becomes reef. The area just before the Sofitel bungalows had the best snorkeling we had on all of Moorea, with extremely healthy, mature reef, no signs of coral bleaching, and tons of fish. It’s pretty shallow (5-8’ deep) throughout and makes for east snorkeling. There were plenty of areas to explore it was a good amount of sandy spots in between the coral that you can stand on if you need a break. We brought some bread out there during one of our ventures and the fish were very friendly!
9. Moorea Tropical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By kaylameeceofficial - Savannah, United States
Came here on a tour and really enjoyed it. Our guide was very informative about the different plants and flowers. After we walked through the garden we got to try 4 different jams, which were all SO good. They also had sorbet and ice cream for purchase and it was by far the BEST sorbet and ice cream I’ve ever had. We tried vanilla ice cream and one of the sorbets that was made from the Tahiti flower and it blew us away. The view from where you try the jams is incredible. Highly recommend going even if it’s just for the ice cream.
10. Tiahura Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By jimtam
We had a group of 10 and we enjoyed all of the beautiful water and sand at this beach.. we searched for shells and found many different ones. Very beautiful..
