The Best Places to Shop in French Polynesia

Collected by AFAR Editors , AFAR Staff

Even visitors who have never cared about jewelry before find themselves mesmerized by the black pearls found in French Polynesia, scanning the loose pearls at pearl markets, visiting farms where the gleaming little seeds are cultivated, heading to the Robert Wan Pearl Museum (where, of course, you can buy the lovely items on exhibit). At the Papeete Municipal Market, or Marché de Papeete, browse the spectacular local fruit and fish, but stop by the stands selling locally produced vanilla and fragrant body products made with monoi oil (which is coconut oil infused with the scent of flowers). While you'll hardly need a souvenir to remember these magical islands, it can't hurt to pick up a gift made here.

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Robert Wan Pearl Museum

56 Avenue du Commandant Destremau, Papeete 98713, French Polynesia

Tahitian black pearls are the one must-have. Here, you’ll find the highest quality and original designs that feature the strange deep shimmer of black pearl (and prices that seem one digit too long).

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Papeete Municipal Market Papeete French Polynesia

Photo by Melba / age fotostock

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Papeete Municipal Market

The perfect place to shop for anything and everything from all the islands is the 155-year-old public market called Le Marché. Located two blocks from the waterfront in the heart of Papeete, the market covers two stories. The lower level is...

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Arno Rairoa Creation

This shop, run by well-known Polynesian artist Arno, sells his earth paintings in traditional and modern designs. The store also offers a range of souvenirs from T-shirts to bracelets and necklaces made from shells.

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Bora Home

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Anyone looking to splurge on something beyond the typical tourist souvenirs should stop into this welcoming and chic boutique in central Vaitape. Most of the inventory of jewelry, accessories, pillows, linens, and artwork is crafted in French...

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Eva Perles

Maharepa Village, Maharepa, French Polynesia

Located in the Maharepa Village shopping center, this boutique sells a wide range of Tahitian black-pearl necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings set in silver and gold and designed by Paris native Eva, who has lived on Moorea for 30 years....

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Uturoa Market

'Uturoa, French Polynesia

Uturoa’s local town market, which opens at sunrise daily (but only stays open for a few hours on Sundays), offers a selection of hand-crafted souvenirs and pareus on its upper level as well as a vast selection of Raiatea’s freshest...

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Rue Super Marché

Gare Maritime d'UTUROA - BP 1460 - 98735 UTUROA RAIATEA, Rue Super Marché LIAUT, Uturoa 98735, French Polynesia

Located on the waterfront next to the cruise-ship dock in Uturoa, this shopping center is home to a small assortment of clothing and jewelry boutiques. Locals also set up stands outside to sell handicrafts, such as wood carvings, shell necklaces...

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