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Flights to Papeete
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Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia, a French Overseas Collectivity situated in the South Pacific Ocean. Papeete is situated on the largest and best known island, Tahiti.
International flights to Papeete from the UK land at the Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (airport code: PPT) which is located 3 miles west of the city centre. Travellers can take indirect flights to Papeete from the UK via one or two connections. Airlines that offer one stop flights to Papeete from the UK include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Air Tahiti Nui, Air New Zealand, and Continental Airlines. Flight routes differ across the airlines, though most fly via Los Angeles.
Papeete acts as the capital city, but not much else in terms of visitor attractions. The international airport is nearby, so many of the tourists coming to French Polynesia will pass through the city, though this is likely all they will do. Papeete doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t, and is even lacking in terms of hotels and accommodation. Visitors have plenty of beautiful places to choose from within Tahiti and the rest of French Polynesia that Papeete doesn’t need to try to attract tourism.
Having said this, the city shouldn’t be entirely discounted and would perhaps make a good day trip away from the stunning island beaches. There are a couple of places you can head for…
Architecture of Papeete
There are several attractive buildings to see in Papeete. Papeete Cathedral, also known as Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Papeete, is a Roman Catholic cathedral. There is also the Presidency of Papeete building and the Territorial Assembly, plus the Mairie (town hall).
The Waterfront of Papeete
The harbour was once quiet though now a good many ships come and go throughout the day. Along the waterfront, the Waterfront Esplanade has been redeveloped and makes for a pleasant place for a walk. This is primarily a park but also has a number of attractions too. Bougainville Park is another nice park area.
Papeete Market
The best known and most visited attraction in Papeete is the municipal market. This is a large market where visitors, and locals, can buy all sorts of items. These range from the more tacky souvenirs, to higher quality hats and handbags as well as local crafts and art. Tahiti is well known for its black pearls, though if you’re looking to buy some of these you’d be better off heading to one of the proper shops rather than risking buying at the market. Imitation pearls are often sold, so be aware and ask to see a certificate of authenticity.
International flights to Papeete from the UK land at the Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (airport code: PPT) which is located 3 miles west of the city centre. Travellers can take indirect flights to Papeete from the UK via one or two connections. Airlines that offer one stop flights to Papeete from the UK include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Air Tahiti Nui, Air New Zealand, and Continental Airlines. Flight routes differ across the airlines, though most fly via Los Angeles.
The Tourist Attractions of Papeete
Although it’s the capital city of French Polynesia, Papeete is a relatively small city and can be easily covered on foot. However, visitors coming to Papeete may be quite disappointed with what they find when compared to the usual images Tahiti conjures in the mind.Papeete acts as the capital city, but not much else in terms of visitor attractions. The international airport is nearby, so many of the tourists coming to French Polynesia will pass through the city, though this is likely all they will do. Papeete doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t, and is even lacking in terms of hotels and accommodation. Visitors have plenty of beautiful places to choose from within Tahiti and the rest of French Polynesia that Papeete doesn’t need to try to attract tourism.
Having said this, the city shouldn’t be entirely discounted and would perhaps make a good day trip away from the stunning island beaches. There are a couple of places you can head for…
Architecture of Papeete
There are several attractive buildings to see in Papeete. Papeete Cathedral, also known as Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Papeete, is a Roman Catholic cathedral. There is also the Presidency of Papeete building and the Territorial Assembly, plus the Mairie (town hall).
The Waterfront of Papeete
The harbour was once quiet though now a good many ships come and go throughout the day. Along the waterfront, the Waterfront Esplanade has been redeveloped and makes for a pleasant place for a walk. This is primarily a park but also has a number of attractions too. Bougainville Park is another nice park area.
Papeete Market
The best known and most visited attraction in Papeete is the municipal market. This is a large market where visitors, and locals, can buy all sorts of items. These range from the more tacky souvenirs, to higher quality hats and handbags as well as local crafts and art. Tahiti is well known for its black pearls, though if you’re looking to buy some of these you’d be better off heading to one of the proper shops rather than risking buying at the market. Imitation pearls are often sold, so be aware and ask to see a certificate of authenticity.