Territorial Assembly (Place Tarahoi)
Built in the 1960s on the site of Queen Pomare IV of Tahiti's residence, the Territorial Assembly (Place Tarahoi) is home to the Presidential Palace and French Polynesian Assembly. Its also surrounded by manicured gardens dotted with memorial statues.
The Basics
The modern Territorial Assembly building is notable for its shell-style top and the statue of Pouvanaa a Oopa, a French Polynesian politician and Tahitian nationalist, that sits in front. Most sightseeing tours of Papeete—which give you the option to explore by electric scooter, Segway, or tuk-tuk—include a stop at the governmental complex and tend to cover other major Papeete sights such as Papeete Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Vaima Center.
Things to Know Before You Go
This government complex is of interest to history buffs or those looking for a leafy escape from the heat.
Tours of the Presidential Palace are by appointment only.
The Territorial Assembly gardens are free to visit and open to the public.
How to Get There
The Territorial Assembly is centrally located and within easy walking distance of most major attractions in Papeete; its a 15-minute walk from Papeete port via Boulevard de la Reine Pomare IV.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The French Polynesian Assembly is open to visitors Monday to Friday from morning until late afternoon, while the Presidential Palace is open by appointment only. The complex gardens make for a peaceful escape on weekends.
Paul Gauguin in Papeete
French painter Paul Gauguin lived on Tahiti for a time and had a clubhouse in the Territorial Assembly complex. A number of the artist’s works hang on display in the Paul Gauguin Museum.
- Vai'ete Square (Place Vai'ete)
- To'ata Square (Tahua To'ata)
- Marché de Pape'ete (Pape'ete Market)
- Vaima Shopping Centre
- Bougainville Park (Parc Bougainville)
- Robert Wan Pearl Museum (Musee de la Perle Robert Wan)
- Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame)
- Arahoho Blowhole (Trou de Souffleur de Arahoho)