Presidential Palace, Papeete

Mr. Gaston Flosse, re-elected President of French Polynesia in 1996, decided to build a house where the president could reside. By the year 2000, he had inaugurated his dream palace. It was a remake of the former Broche Barracks on the Avenue Bruat in Papeete.

The Barracks were part of a military installation built by the colonial administration in 1885, intended to provide military and administrative services and to be a center for the defense and protection of the civilian population. The area was named Broche in honor of the first head of the Pacific Batallion to serve in France in World War I.

The architect in charge of the project was Pierre Lacombe. His instructions were to preserve the aspect of colonial and military architecture of the 19th century but modernize the comfort.

Today's Palace is a two-story house with a veranda and galleries. Large, rounded arches line both levels. The roof has large dormers, each one centered above the arch below. The center dormer over the main entrance has a clock. The Palace has a garden with a fountain, flowers, and plants chosen to add an exotic touch to the architecture.

There is a car parking and access for disabled visitors. Special theme events and guided tours can be arranged. The Palace area is closed at night.