Boulevard Pomare, Tahiti

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This was published 14 years ago

Boulevard Pomare, Tahiti

By Kristie Kellahan

HMM, Tahiti looks nice. Deserted sandy beaches, overwater bungalows, towering palm trees and all the ingredients you need for R.O.M.A.N.C.E. The capital, Papeete, is the workhorse to Bora Bora's show pony but that's not to say it doesn't have some pretty pockets and a quiet charm all its own.

Paofai Temple

ON ANY day but Sunday, a visit to the Paofai Temple, the island's largest Protestant house of worship, is special. The sweeping view from the clock tower and the church's architectural soup of Polynesian style mixed with 19th-century missionary touches makes sure of that. Visit on the Lord's day, however, and it is unforgettable. Ample-bosomed Tahitian ladies in modest white dresses and enormous sunhats clap along to the harmonies of the choir, broad smiles on their faces. Small boys fidget in their Sunday-best suits, no doubt dreaming of the waves at the end of the road. A passionate preacher shares the gospel with the God-loving congregation. This is religion, island-style.

Corner of Boulevard Pomare and Rue de Temple.

La Corbeille d'Eau

ON THE surface is unmistakably Polynesian: swaying palm trees, brightly coloured sarongs and white sandy beaches made for lovers. Just below the surface, it's as French as Coco Chanel. Nowhere is this more evident than when dining. La Corbeille D'Eau is continually rated one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the country, winning awards and diner's hearts with its fresh and stylish approach.

Boulevard Pomare at Rue de Temple; + 689 437 714.

Galerie Les Tropiques

THEY say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so it follows that Paul Gauguin is very much admired. The artist, who lived and loved in French Polynesia from 1891-1903, created an iconic style of painting the islands' tanned, voluptuous, lovely ladies that continues to inspire local artists to this day. Galerie Les Tropiques carries one of the biggest and best ranges of works by resident artists. Exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, mixed media works and photography are held regularly and are always awash with colour.

Corner of Boulevard Pomare and Rue Cook; +689 410 500.

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Les 3 Brasseurs

ALL the best action in town happens along the waterfront: the best bars, restaurants and drag queen hangouts (it's a cultural thing). Overlooking the ferry dock, Les 3 Brasseurs is the only microbrewery in French Polynesia, creating tasty little ales with individual appeal. Most people say the high quality of the beer makes up for the food (sorry, chef!) but in truth the French-style bistro meals are quite tasty. Pizzas, salads, steaks and grilled gruyere cheese sandwiches go down nicely with a chilled pilsner or full-bodied lager.

Boulevard Pomare, between Rue Prince Hinoi and Rue Clappier; +689 506 025

Robert Wan Pearl Museum

IF THE world is your oyster, then is your pearl. OK, it's corny but true. Some of the world's most beautiful pearls come from . Cultured pearl craftsman Robert Wan practically invented the pearling industry in ; his museum chronicles the history and spirituality of the pearl, as well as offering gorgeous pieces for sale. Invest in an heirloom of the future, with strands of black or white pearls in classic style selling for serious bucks.

Corner of Boulevard Pomare and Rue l'Arthemise; +689 461 555; www.robertwan.com.

Source: The Sun-Herald

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