Bougainville Park and Statue, Papeete
Bougainville Park in Papeete is a delightful green space that invites visitors for a refreshing stroll near the city's post office. Known for its lush tropical landscape, the park provides a serene retreat shaded by tall trees, ideal for escaping the midday heat and offering a welcoming atmosphere for families. There is a dedicated playground for children, complete with swings and rides, making it a popular spot for kids to play while adults enjoy the scenic surroundings.
At the park's entrance, visitors are greeted by the bronze bust of Louis Antoine de Bougainville, the French navigator who famously described Tahiti as a paradise untouched by the troubles of civilization. Bougainville's 1768 voyage immortalized Tahiti as an idyllic land, a notion that captivated European imaginations. Overlooking the seafront, the statue honors his historical visit and his work "Travel Around the World."
Originally named the Papeete Public Square (Place Publique de Papeete), the park has deep historical roots, serving as a venue for events and ceremonies, notably in 1880 when King Pomare V formally ceded the Society Islands to France. Throughout the 1840s, several colonial-era government offices and public baths stood on the grounds. However, a cyclone in 1906 devastated the area, leaving only the rebuilt post office as a reminder of its administrative past.
The park's identity evolved in the 20th century. In 1934, it was renamed Place Albert 1er in honor of Belgium鈥檚 King Albert I. However, the installation of Bougainville鈥檚 statue in 1968 led locals to colloquially refer to it as Bougainville Park. Eventually, after much public sentiment, the park was officially renamed Parc Bougainville in 2005.
Today, Bougainville Park combines natural beauty with history, featuring tranquil streams, an impressive banyan tree, benches, and a traditional 鈥渇are pote鈥檈鈥� pavilion, creating an ideal spot for relaxation in the heart of Papeete.
At the park's entrance, visitors are greeted by the bronze bust of Louis Antoine de Bougainville, the French navigator who famously described Tahiti as a paradise untouched by the troubles of civilization. Bougainville's 1768 voyage immortalized Tahiti as an idyllic land, a notion that captivated European imaginations. Overlooking the seafront, the statue honors his historical visit and his work "Travel Around the World."
Originally named the Papeete Public Square (Place Publique de Papeete), the park has deep historical roots, serving as a venue for events and ceremonies, notably in 1880 when King Pomare V formally ceded the Society Islands to France. Throughout the 1840s, several colonial-era government offices and public baths stood on the grounds. However, a cyclone in 1906 devastated the area, leaving only the rebuilt post office as a reminder of its administrative past.
The park's identity evolved in the 20th century. In 1934, it was renamed Place Albert 1er in honor of Belgium鈥檚 King Albert I. However, the installation of Bougainville鈥檚 statue in 1968 led locals to colloquially refer to it as Bougainville Park. Eventually, after much public sentiment, the park was officially renamed Parc Bougainville in 2005.
Today, Bougainville Park combines natural beauty with history, featuring tranquil streams, an impressive banyan tree, benches, and a traditional 鈥渇are pote鈥檈鈥� pavilion, creating an ideal spot for relaxation in the heart of Papeete.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Papeete. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Bougainville Park and Statue on Map
Sight Name: Bougainville Park and Statue
Sight Location: Papeete, Tahiti (See walking tours in Papeete)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Papeete, Tahiti (See walking tours in Papeete)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Papeete, Tahiti
Create Your Own Walk in Papeete
Creating your own self-guided walk in Papeete is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Papeete Waterfront Walk
Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, is renowned for its beautiful natural setting. Still, other than lush green areas and stunning beaches, the city boasts a number of man-made sights well worth checking out. Papeete's Waterfront is a vibrant area bustling with activity and attractions that capture the essence of the island's culture and beauty.
Start your waterfront tour at... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Start your waterfront tour at... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Papeete Introduction Walking Tour
The islands of the Pacific were gradually settled by daring sea voyagers in large multiple hulled catamarans (canoes). Tonga and Samoa were reached by 1300 BC. By 500 BC, the Marquesas Islands were known to the navigators. Tahiti was settled between 300 and 800 AD.
Tahiti was divided into clan territories managed by chiefs and under-chiefs. Spanish explorers began arriving in the 16th century.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tahiti was divided into clan territories managed by chiefs and under-chiefs. Spanish explorers began arriving in the 16th century.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles