Shopping in Tahiti & French Polynesia
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Jean & Nadine Oberlin
If you’re looking for souvenirs, it’s not a bad idea to stop at Jean & Nadine Oberlin, a couple from Alsace who fell in love with Hanaiapa long ago. They make lovely tapa (with a contemporary twist) as well as engraved calabashes. Their house (and workshop) is right at the entrance of the village, about 200m from the turn-off to the petroglyphs here (look for the ‘Artisanat’ sign).
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Au Jardin des Îsles
For fruit and veggies stop at this roadside stall which has a selection of imported fruit like apples (around 580 CFP per kilo) and some other produce from around French Polynesia and Rangiroa. They’re not exactly giving the food away but prices are only marginally more expensive than in Pape’ete.
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Atelier Despert
Even if you can’t afford to purchase the original paintings, it’s worth stopping by this lovely little studio to chat with the charming artist and check out his latest work. Alain Despert only does originals (no prints), and his work has gained worldwide acclaim for its bold and bright patterns.
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Tiare Market
Self-caterers can stock up the kitchenette at Tiare Market, a local supermarket across from the Novotel Bora Bora. It’s well stocked with all the necessities – from wine and fresh bread to sunscreen and toothpaste.
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Chez Huri Henriette
Chez Huri Henriette is a general store, and on certain days of the week you can get coconut pastries from the village’s only boulangerie (bakery) a few doors down.
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Vaitia Artisanat
You can find some quality souvenirs made from oyster shells, urchins and seashells as well as pearls at Vaitia Artisanat, in the north of the main island (it’s signposted).
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Pearls of Huahine
Along the beach north of town, pearl farmer Ray Marks at Pearls of Huahine sells beautiful pearls at excellent prices out of his home. Look for his sign.
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Matira Pearls
Sells mounted and loose pearls starting at 10,000 CFP and offers some creative pieces. It’s run by two Americans so you won’t have to worry about the language barrier.
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Magasin Daniel
The best supermarket Magasin Daniel is near the post office in Avatoru. Supermarkets are generally open Monday to Saturday, and close for lunch.
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Tamanu Galerie D’art
Loads of Polynesian art, along with the usual T-shirts, curios and pearls, are sold at this pretty special gallery just next to the post office in Vaitape.
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Super Fare Nui
If you’re preparing your own meals, Fare has several well-stocked food shops, including the huge Super Fare Nui, opposite the waterfront.
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Galerie Alain et Linda
About halfway between Vaitape and Matira Point, this gallery has a little bit of everything – including a mix of art, books, etchings and pottery.
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Boutique Gauguin
This boutique sells some of the most artistic-looking pareu on the island and has a varied collection of clothes, crafts and sculptures.
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Champion-TOA
This is the biggest supermarket and is about 500m south of the quay in Vaiare.
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OPEC
A longstanding boutique on the island. Nice designs.
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Tahiti Pearl Market
Offers lots of choice, and competitive prices.
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Takapoto Village
Takaroa’s oldest pension has two big bungalows at the edge of the village on a very good, but busy (with dogs, kids and locals, not sunworshippers) beach. It was getting a fresh coat of paint when we passed and guests can expect to be immersed in the day-to-day life of the owners, the charming Toti family.
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