CC BY 3.0, Sardon / Wikimedia Commons

Landmark· Hiva Oa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Calvary Cemetery Gauguin and Brel Graves (Atuona)

9° 48.1′ S · 139° 2.3′ W

On the hillside above Atuona, Paul Gauguin (died 1903) and Jacques Brel (died 1978) lie a few metres apart, looking out over Atuona bay. It is a pilgrimage for many sailors, Brel having arrived on his own yacht in 1975.

Practical

Free. Walk up from the village (signposted 'Calvaire'); best at sunset (My Little Polynesia). The cemetery itself, with its varied grave styles, is worth a wander. Dress respectfully. Combine with the Gauguin and Brel cultural spaces in town.

Best for

Paying respects to Gauguin and Brel; sunset view over the bay