This mysterious set of islands remains mostly untouched by modern tourism, with raw beauty that influenced Herman Melville and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Singer Jacques Brel and painter Paul Gauguin spent their last days on the island of Hiva Oa, famous for its untamed landscapes, as well as archaeological wonders like giant stone tiki dotting the island, in addition to a proud local culture welcoming of visitors.
The Paul Gauguin Cultural Centre pays tribute to his philosophy of "escaping to reach art," and features a replica of his own Maison du Jounir (House of Pleasure).