Papeete Market

Over 170 years old

The Papeete market was created in 1847 by Governor Bruat. In 1861, the stalls were gathered under a wooden building covered, as is often the case in Polynesia, with a pandanus roof. A little over 10 years later, the market expanded onto a plot of land owned by Madame Mapuru-a-Paraita, who would eventually give the market her name. First renovated in 1989 with the construction of a metal frame and a mezzanine, it was further improved in 2006 and again in 2015.

Open very early in the morning

The market is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 5:30 a.m. to 16:13 p.m., Saturday until 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10:500 a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX a.m. You can find everything you could possibly want at a market. Renowned worldwide, it welcomes XNUMX visitors from all over the world every year. Locals flock there to buy excellent quality local produce, while tourists are more likely looking for souvenirs or gifts.

Rich local crafts

Located in the heart of the city of Papeete, the market can be considered the heart of the capital. It is a true showcase of local crafts and Polynesian gastronomy. The flowers with multiple scents that mix with the air currents, plunge this place into an atmosphere like no other. One feels intoxicated, hypnotized even by the scents but also by the colors of the bouquets of flowers and the dresses worn by the Tahitian women and the pareos that adorn the stalls. Baskets, handmade hats, jewelry made with the famous Tahitian pearls, cosmetic products based on monoi and Tamanu oil, carved wooden tikis, ukuleles, nothing is missing from the craft section.

Gastronomy, taste and quality of products

If you have a little hunger, let yourself be tempted by a firi firi, a very popular local fritter, for breakfast. Take advantage of this special moment to find all the ingredients to make the famous raw fish in coconut milk at home. And if cooking is not your strong point, then you can leave with a ready-made dish and why not a pua roti, crispy pork often accompanied by taro. The fish section is exceptional in its richness. From lagoon fish to deep-sea fish, from meka to mahi mahi, including lobsters, crabs, parrotfish, giant clams, you will not know where to look first, or rather where to salivate...

Sunday, a special day

If you have the opportunity, Sunday is the best time to come early in the morning to soak up the truly exceptional atmosphere. Everything is magnified there. The crowds and exhibitors are more numerous, and the scents, colors, and music created by the mixture of languages ​​and dialects spoken at the market will leave you with unforgettable memories. But be careful, all this is worth it because you'll have to be there at least around 5 a.m. to enjoy this unique atmosphere.

A must-see place

The Papeete market is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Statue of Liberty in New York, or Romeo and Juliet's balcony in Verona. This authentic place with its divine charm can be savored every day, at your own pace, and several times if possible. Some say that, like any self-respecting vahine, it doesn't reveal all its secrets on the first date. Be careful, though, not to fall in love with it. So you've been warned...