The Best Places to Shop in French Polynesia

"Robert Wan Pearl Museum (Musée de la Perle Robert Wan) Tahitian black pearls are the one must-have. Here, you’ll find the highest quality and original designs that feature the strange deep shimmer of black pearl (and prices that seem one digit too long)."

"Le Marché de Papeete The perfect place to shop for anything and everything from all the islands is the 155-year-old public market called Le Marché. Located two blocks from the waterfront in the heart of Papeete, the market covers two stories. The lower level is filled with hundreds of stands offering Tahitian-made crafts, oils, vanilla, fruits, and flowers. Upstairs is reserved for artisans selling pareos, carvings, Tifaifai wall hangings and quilts, embroidered cushion covers, and other handicrafts. You'll also find a few good shops for purchasing unique black pearl jewelry at fair prices.An on-sitecafeteria serves local dishes. Le Marché isnotjust a tourist attraction, however—it's a proper market where locals come to shop for meat, fish, fresh flowers, and produce and to chat with friends over coffee at one of the patisseries."

"Galerie des Tropiques is where local artists show their stuff. Take a few minutes to learn the difference between high-quality and low-quality items, and then get shopping. You'll find some very nice carvings here, and plenty of pearl and shark-tooth necklaces."

"Anyone looking to splurge on something beyond the typical tourist souvenirs should stop into this welcoming and chic boutique in central Vaitape. Most of the inventory of jewelry, accessories, pillows, linens, and artwork is crafted in French Polynesia , while a selection of stunning blown glass is made in France ."

"On the eastern edge of Avatoru, Ikimasho is where to head to for very creative and locally designed jewelry, including some pieces made with black pearls and/or bone. You'll find everything from pendants to rings and from earrings to bracelets across a variety of price brackets."

"Located in the Maharepa Village shopping center, this boutique sells a wide range of Tahitian black-pearl necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings set in silver and gold and designed by Parisnative Eva, who has lived on Moorea for 30 years. There’s a free shuttle from the cruise pier."

"Uturoa’s local town market, which opens at sunrise daily (but only stays open for a few hours on Sundays), offers a selection of hand-crafted souvenirs and pareus on its upper level as well as a vast selection of Raiatea’s freshest seafood and produce—which make for curiously colorful photo ops—on the main level. It really bustles on Wednesdays and Fridays."

"Moorea L’Endroit If you’re looking for made-in-French-Polynesia trinkets, clothes or accessories, head to this sophisticated concept store located in the Le Petit Village shopping center near Hauru. Itstocks a colorful and varied selection of modern souvenirs, pareus, beachy dresses, shirts and hand-crafted jewelry. Open daily (but only until noon on Sundays)."

"Located on the waterfront next to the cruise-ship dock in Uturoa, this shopping center is home to a small assortment of clothing and jewelry boutiques. Locals also set up stands outside to sell handicrafts, such as wood carvings, shell necklaces and artwork."