Framed by basaltic cliffs, this wide curve of black sand is very scenic – it inspired painter Paul Gauguin, which is saying a lot – but it’s not appropriate for swimming because of strong currents. The road and area around have recently been upgraded making this a lovely short walk from town.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
10.91 MILES
Iipona is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in French Polynesia. You’ll be moved by its eeriness and impressed by the five monumental tiki –…
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6.71 MILES
This glorious bay is caressed by jade-green waters and is studded with a broad strand of golden sand. It’s a good picnic spot (despite a number of pesky…
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0.37 MILES
A must-see for Gauguin and Brel devotees is the Calvaire Cemetery, perched on a hill overlooking Atuona. You will find this frangipani-filled graveyard an…
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2.26 MILES
Anyone with an interest in ancient Marquesan civilisation shouldn’t leave Atuona without a visit to the Tehueto petroglyphs. You’ll find a massive rock…
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7.19 MILES
In Hanapaaoa, ask a local to take you to the Tiki Moe One, hidden on a hillside. One of the quirkiest statues in the Marquesas, it features a carved crown…
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0.19 MILES
A homage to Gauguin that traces the artist's life through locally painted reproductions of his art. The main signs are translated into English but the…
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11 MILES
On the property of the restaurant Pehekua – Chez Marie-Antoinette, shortly before the Iipona site, is a small graveyard with the tomb of the valley’s last…
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1.08 MILES
This isolated, poignant site about 2km up in a valley (ask for directions) features a series of tombs made of stones; note the small tiki that are carved…
Nearby attractions
0.16 MILES
Behind the Espace Culturel Paul Gauguin you’ll find a big aircraft hangar. In the centre is Jacques Brel’s plane, Jojo; faded posters tracing the musician…
4. Espace Culturel Paul Gauguin
0.19 MILES
A homage to Gauguin that traces the artist's life through locally painted reproductions of his art. The main signs are translated into English but the…
0.25 MILES
Restored for the 1991 Marquesas Arts Festival, the Tohua Pepeu faces Banque Socredo in the centre of town. It’s used today as a festivities centre, where…
0.3 MILES
The Catholic church, right in the centre of Atuona, is worth a peek for its elegant architecture that combines wood and stone.
0.37 MILES
A must-see for Gauguin and Brel devotees is the Calvaire Cemetery, perched on a hill overlooking Atuona. You will find this frangipani-filled graveyard an…
1.08 MILES
This isolated, poignant site about 2km up in a valley (ask for directions) features a series of tombs made of stones; note the small tiki that are carved…