Excursion Mave mai traditional welcome tour at Atuona

Atuona, a peaceful little port at the head of the Taaoa Bay, also known as Traitors Bay, has emerged from obscurity due to having had the privilege of being the last resting place of Paul Gauguin and of the singer Jacques Brel. The tombs of these famous personalities are on the side of the Calvary cemetery looking out across the bay and are places of great pilgrimage.

Traditional Welcome

The Polynesian people will welcome you in their island with with traditional Marquesian seeds leis and joy of living. You will be invited to taste local fruits, laughter and good spirits. Marquesians are proud of their islands and are always happy to share their way of life with the visitors. Their easy-going approach to life is mostly expressed in their passion for dancing and music and they will greet you with the Mave Mai traditional welcome including traditional dance, polyphonic group singing and percussive rhythms of traditional pahu (drum). The artists or craftsmen (tuhuna) were said to be invested with an extremely high power of creation because they were giving life to inert materials. You will have the opportunity to see the local craftsmen at work while they demonstrate their skills right in front of your eyes.

Shuttle Transfer, Atuona Village, Paul Gauguin Museum, Centre Jacques Brel

Shuttles will be available to transfer you to a small village of Atuona where you can visit the Paul Gauguin Museum. This museum pays tribute to the famous painter by displaying mementos and items related to his stay on the island of Hiva Oa and copies of his works. Atuona was Paul Gauguin's home for the last three years of his life. Outside the museum halls is the 'House of Pleasure' where Gauguin lived and which has been rebuilt with copies of the carved wood panels and the lintel bearing this inscription. Behind the museum, you will find a big aircraft hangar. In the centre is Jacques Brel's plane, Jojo; faded posters tracing the musician's life adorn the walls and his music plays dreamily over the sound system.

There are no organized tours being offered during Silver Whisper call to Hiva Oa island, guests may explore all the local sights on their own.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Traditional Welcome, Shuttle Transfer, Atuona Village, Paul Gaugin Museum, Centre Jacques Brel, Calvary Cemetery

Note

Please note: Little walking is required; however, guests must be able to climb in and out of the vehicles. Transportation is very basic; vehicles used are the best available. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. We advise guests to bring bottled water, a hat, sun protection and local currency from the ship. Walking in the village is at the discretion of each guest. Please note that all explanations in the museum are in French and not in English.