Bougainville Park: A Tranquil Oasis in Papeete
Escape to Papeete's green heart: Bougainville Park, where history, nature, and tranquility meet in a tropical oasis.
Bougainville Park, located in the heart of Papeete, is a delightful green space offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Originally named Place Publique de Papeete, the park has a rich history, having served as a venue for important events and ceremonies, including the cession of the Society Islands to France by King Pomare V in 1880. In the 1840s, the park was home to several administrative buildings, including the military general store, port authority offices, and the post office. In 1934, the park was renamed Place Albert 1er in honor of the King of Belgium, but locals continued to call it Bougainville Park after a bronze bust of the French navigator Louis-Antoine de Bougainville was installed in 1968. Bougainville's 1768 voyage to Tahiti immortalized the island as an earthly paradise, capturing the imagination of Europeans. The park was officially renamed Parc Bougainville in 2005. Today, the park features a lush tropical landscape with tall trees providing shade, making it a welcoming atmosphere for families. Visitors can enjoy tranquil streams, an impressive banyan tree, benches, and a traditional “fare pote’e” pavilion. A playground with swings and rides makes it a popular spot for children. The park also displays historical cannons from World War I and a monument to Bougainville, reminding visitors of the island's rich past.
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a cooler and more peaceful experience.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy under the shade of the large trees.
- Check out the historical cannons and the bust of Louis-Antoine de Bougainville.
A brief summary to Bougainville Park
- FC5H+HV5, Av. du Général de Gaulle, Papeete, PF
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
From the Papeete Market, walk south along Boulevard Pomare IV towards the harbor. Turn left onto Avenue du Général de Gaulle. Bougainville Park will be on your right, next to the Post Office. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.
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Public Transport
Several bus lines serve the area around Bougainville Park. Check the bus routes and schedules at the Papeete bus station or online. From the bus station, walk towards the harbor and turn onto Avenue du Général de Gaulle. The park will be on your right. A single bus fare within Papeete costs 130 XPF during the day.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Papeete. Ask your driver to take you to Bougainville Park on Avenue du Général de Gaulle, next to the Post Office. A short taxi ride from the ferry terminal or airport will cost approximately 1,500 XPF during the day. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
