Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Pape'ete


Taking pride of place in the centre of town is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame.

The cathedral’s story began in 1856, when plans were hatched for it to be built of stone imported from Australia, with a doorway carved out of granite from Mangareva in the Gambier Archipelago. Construction on the cathedral began, but then the money ran out; the original edifice was demolished in 1867, and a smaller cathedral was finally completed in 1875.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Pape'ete attractions

1. Marché de Pape’ete

0.09 MILES

A Pape'ete institution. If you see one site in town, make it this market, which fills an entire city block. Shop for colourful pareu (sarongs), shell…

2. Olivier Creations

0.16 MILES

Pape’ete is home to a number of art galleries. Olivier Creations is recommended.

5. Mairie de Pape’ete

0.21 MILES

Pape’ete’s mairie is two blocks back from Blvd Pomare and a block north of Marché de Pape’ete. It was completed in 1990, in vague imitation of the old…

6. Place Vaiete

0.23 MILES

Place Vaiete is home to multiple roulottes and occasional live-music performances at night, but is quite peaceful during the day. There are plenty of…

7. Parc Bougainville

0.25 MILES

A great spot to just chill out, Parc Bougainville is a tropical oasis in the middle of the city. Lush and cool, it’s fronted by a 1909 bust of the great…