The Jardins de Paofai are among the most beautiful spots in all of Papeete. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of this Pacific island city and wander through the pretty gardens which stretch all along the waterfront. It is a delightful place to while away a couple of hours and get to know indigenous flora from all over French Polynesia.
The gardens stretch for around 11 acres (4.6 hectares) along the seafront and are a swirl of paved footpaths, brilliant blooms, open public spaces, fountains and leisure facilities. This is the most important green space in Papeete, where some 400 trees provide not just shade but an escape from the urban jungle. Walk past coconut trees, royal palms and pretty blossom-filled trees. There are also trees and plants from around the five archipelagos of French Polynesia. Look out for ferns from Huahine, cabbage palms from Raiatea, vanilla from the Windward Islands, kahaia (beach gardenia) from the Tuamotus, lantern trees from the Marquesas and sea lemons from the Gambier Islands.
The Jardins de Paofai are an important social spot in the city and they are well-loved and frequently used by the local residents. Join them as they go for an evening run, picnic on the wide, carefully tended lawns or enjoy the myriad sporting facilities. There are also lovely little playgrounds here so it is easy to keep the children entertained.
Keep watch for the outrigger canoes, known as “pirogues,” which are lined up along the garden’s pebble beach. Many of the clubs keep their canoes here and it is a photo-worthy sight to see them in all their colorful glory. Local teams can be seen practicing on the lagoon in the afternoons and Saturday mornings. Canoeing is a hugely popular sport in French Polynesia and competition is high.
The Jardins de Paofai stretch along Queen Pomare Boulevard, which hugs the beachfront of Papeete. Explore on foot and enjoy the wealth of facilities offered here.
