Fortins De Punaauia

The small forts in the valley of the Punaruu were built following a war between France and Tahiti. Queen Pomare IV gave in to French pressure and accepted proctorate staus for Tahiti on September 9, 1842. The following year, Governor Bruat returned from France with a treaty signed by King Louis-Philippe, but the queen had changed her mind on the advice of the British.
In 1844, a conflict began between supporters of the queen and the Governor’s troops.There were some victims of the battles before the rebels retreated to Taravao and Mahaena. They then took refuge in the mountains and valleys of the Papenoo, the Fautaua and the Punaruu. However, the tower at Roche Noir and the two forts weren’t built until after the hostilities were over. The forts were named Bréa and Perrotte in honor of two officers killed in the battles and served as military observation posts during the two world wars.
A site to visit for all those interested in the history of Tahiti.