In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, on the edge of dream and reality, French Polynesia gently unwinds its carpet of flowers and shells, its thousand and one enchanting colours. Spreading over an area larger than Europe, five archipelagos make up this overseas country: the Marquesas Islands, the Southern Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Tuamotu Islands and the Society Islands, made up of the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands.
On each of these 118 land surfaces, the green of lush vegetation blends with the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, the white clouds that graze in the infinite nudes, the sheer clarity of its lagoons. How can we not fall in love with these volcanic reliefs, atolls and other geographical wonders that make Queen Polynesia a real postcard?
While many tend to link Polynesia to its translucent waters and exceptional aquatic environment, it is also full of innumerable treasures that are not yet fully exploited. Polynesia is not just about water. Each high island thus becomes the object of formidable visits, where Polynesian traditions are remembered by its marae, ancient outdoor places of worship, and where everyone can devote themselves to a multitude of activities in collusion with Mother Nature: so many leisure activities that allow to discover the archipelago in a completely different light. Not to spoil anything, each of these experiences will allow you to meet wonderful people who will not hesitate to share with you all the secrets of their distant paradise
A heavenly and romantic nature
Mother Nature has been rich and generous. Each island, each archipelago is different from all the others. In the Society's archipelago, Tahiti is characterized above all by its majestic valleys and its peninsula sheltering the cliffs of Pari. Huahine will be remembered for its wild appearance, while Bora Bora will attract more attention for the splendid colours of its lagoon. The atolls, such as in Tuamotu, Austral and/or Marquesas, reveal a completely different aspect of Polynesia. Every trip to this remote part of the Pacific is always different
A paradise for honeymoons, French Polynesia is a romantic place on the edge of the lagoon. Breakfast brought by pirogue to the terrace of your bungalow (on stilts, of course), typical lunch on a paradisiacal beach during a snorkeling excursion, relaxation of the senses and well-being in a Spa, catamaran cruise at sunset, a glass of champagne in hand, folk evenings with a seafood buffet... without forgetting the traditional Polynesian wedding, most picturesque!
A paradise for diving and water sports
The turquoise waters of the lagoons are particularly suitable for diving, as the fauna is very rich. White or black tip sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, barracudas, butterfly fish, dolphins and whales, all these animals allow unforgettable encounters in a beautiful environment. Many coral gardens, accessible to both beginners and experienced divers, are waiting for you to reveal their extravagant colours. In addition, Polynesia offers a wide range of water sports: sailing yacht, catamaran, pirogue, parachute, underwater walking, snorkeling, jet skiing, water skiing, surfing...
A very rich craft industry
Few travellers return empty-handed from Polynesia. As a souvenir, a craft object purchased on one of the islands or atolls visited. In the Marquesas, they will be able to visit tiki sculptors, human representations of deities carved in wood, stone, or other materials. Their proportions symbolize power, abundance and kindness. On the Society Islands, many craft huts offer necklaces, tapas, pandanus braided objects, such as bags and hats, or tifaifai. Crafts are found everywhere in associations. Many pearl farms on stilts are also happy with the birth of the Tahitian pearl as a symbol of beauty.
The lagoons of French Polynesia are, for the most part, the kingdom of the cultured pearl, especially in Tuamotu and Gambier. The Tahitian pearls are made from concretions of black-lipped oysters, the Pinctada margaritifera. The pearl mother-of-pearl from French Polynesia is unique, and takes a multitude of natural shades, from an iridescent green to a pink or lunar grey color thanks to the particularly healthy environment composed of lagoons. Tahitian pearls can take on various shapes and colours. Round, pear-shaped or oval, they constitute a part of Polynesia's treasure, highly prized by the ladies.
Multiple possibilities
But then, where to go? Indeed, the possibilities are so numerous that choices will have to be made. Here is a brief overview of the different islands. If many flee Papeete on arrival, Tahiti should not be neglected. The interior of the island is magnificent and surprising, the peninsula charms by its savagery and tranquility. The hotel infrastructures are of high quality, the gastronomic offer varied and of good quality. So different from Tahiti, Moorea is so close! Numerous tourist infrastructures, many services, a beautiful lagoon, unforgettable discoveries of nature... Moorea has everything to seduce
Huahine is a real marvel, and many travellers come back enchanted. Some people rank it first in their memories. Wild, authentic, it combines the beauty of a preserved lagoon with lush mountains
Raiatea, on the other hand, is not well known to air travellers... but not to boaters, who make Uturoa, the second Papeete, their home port. It must be said that it forms with Tahaa a wonderful lagoon. You can discover superb spots, especially in the south of the island, and canoe up the only navigable river in French Polynesia!
Tahaa, the vanilla island, also has everything to please: an exceptional lagoon shared with Raiatea, some favourite addresses, and an almost virgin nature yet to be discovered. Calm, voluptuous and sometimes unforgettable sunsets on Bora, in the distance.
And Bora Bora, we like it or not, but Bora remains Bora. The most... the least... how can I put this? A real legend anyway. Hotels are among the most beautiful in the world, water sports abound, the lagoon is renowned as one of the most extraordinary on the planet... Exorbitant prices, of course. But what a profusion of services!
In Maupiti, here is another marvel, in the lagoon at least as beautiful as that of Bora... but so much better preserved! Small, comfortable and warm facilities to welcome those who have the time, patience and spirit to share moments of divine peace with the inhabitants. Maupiti has seduced many travellers!
The Southern Islands may be the next destination of the future... Infrastructure is gradually being built, and travellers are fascinated by islands so different from those of the Society, by the beaches, traditions and... the whale ballet, from July to October
Tuamotu is a paradise for diving and relaxation (not to mention the pearl), Rangiroa no longer needs advertising, its lagoon and its wonders have been around the world. Fakarava, Manihi and Tikehau are now popular destinations. In any case, expect a bright sunshine, huge mineral rocks, silence, calm and torpor like no other.
And so many other unknown atolls to explore... In particular Gambier, usually ignored by tourists, charm by their "end of the world" side and their atmosphere from another time. And finally the Marquesas, the mythical lands chosen by Brel and Gauguin. Welcoming population, perennial and different traditions of Tahiti and its islands, extraordinary hikes, first-class crafts... You have understood: we love the Marquesas
Smart info
When? When? The high season runs from May to October and for the end of the year holidays. The low season from November to April.
Getting there. Count around €2,000 for a round trip and one or two stops
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