French Polynesian (in French: Polynesie française) is a group of islands that is a foreign country linked to France. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, it is halfway between the California and the Australia.Tahiti and its islands cover four million square kilometers of ocean which is the same area as the European Union. However, the land above sea level accounts for about 4,000 square kilometers made up of 118 islands, grouped into five archipelagos (4 volcanic, one coral). Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three large phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru.
Regions
| Society Islands Archipelago of which the most famous island, the Tahiti |
| Tuamotu Islands |
| Marquesas Islands |
| Gambier Islands |
| Tubuai Islands (or Austral Islands) |
Cities
Understand
These islands inhabited for hundreds of years before their discovery by western explorers. The British discovered Tahiti in the mid-1760s and Captain Cook visited there in 1769 to observe the transit of Venus before embarking south and west in search of the legendary Terra Incognita Australus with the assistance of a Polynesian navigator. During the 1960s and 1970s, the French conducted atmospheric nuclear tests on the islands, mainly on Mururoa Atoll. Testing later changed, after international protests from other Pacific countries, including a flotilla of sailboats and a New Zealand warship to accompany the tests in 1974. Testing continued into the early 1990s, despite attempted disturbances by environmental activists. In September 1995, France sparked widespread protests for resuming nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996. In recent years, the island's inhabitants have been working towards independence and economic independence from France. However, the process is gradual and is expected to take a decade or two to occur.
Climate
Tropical but moderate. Natural hazards: Occasional cyclonic storms in January. Very humid. The average temperature is 27°C (80°F) and pond waters average 26°C (79°F) in winter and 29°C (84°F) in summer. But don't worry, most resorts and hotels for rooms are air conditioned or cooled by ceiling fans. Summer is from November to April, with a warmer and more humid climate, and winter is from May to October, when the climate is slightly cooler and drier.
To arrive
French Polynesia has a very remote position in the South Pacific Ocean, unless you are already there, flying is the only option. There are cruise ships and cargo ships that travel from Hawaii and New Zealand, but none on a regular schedule.
By airplane
The flagcarrier of French Polynesia is Air Tahiti Nui and the main airport is Faa'a International Airport built on the lagoon, about 5 km west of Papeete close to several large hotels such as Hotel InterContinental. Air Tahiti Nui flies internationally to Tokyo, Osaka, Los Los, New York, Auckland, Sydney and Paris. They cooperate with Air France, Japan Airlines, Air New Zealand and Qantas. It also has regular flights to Tahiti. LAN Chile flies twice a week to/from Easter Island, with connections to Santiago de Chile.
Circular
People live on the two islands of Tahiti and Moorea. These islands have street and public transport networks (including good tourist infrastructure). To go from island to island, there are several options:
By airplane
Air Tahiti offers domestic flights to other destinations in French Polynesia, and Air Moorea makes short flights to Moorea several times a day. Charter flights such as Air Archipel are available on request. Helicopters are another option.
Of boat
Ferries (sometimes combined cargo and passenger boats like the Aranui) travel between most islands. Catamarans and boats make the crossing between Tahiti and Moorea several times a day. Schooners and cargo boats serve all the inhabited islands of Papeete. Two luxury cruise ships currently service the islands: the Paul Gauguin, which makes a regular 7-day voyage around the societies, with occasional trips out to Tuamotu, Marquesas and the Cook Islands and Tahiti, the princess who makes similar itineraries . A great way to see the islands, unless you're on a tight budget. Bora Bora Cruises is a more intimate ship based in the Leeward Islands. Or for more adventure, board III Aranui.
Look
- O Gauguin Museum (in French: Gauguin Museum), about 50 km from Papeete. Contains artifacts from Gauguin's time in Tahiti, including reproductions of many of his paintings.
- O Tahiti Museum and its islands, about 15 km from Papeete, really show the great history of Polynesia, culture and ethnology. Anyone interested in anthropology or the history of Polynesian culture should see this museum.
- For pearl lovers, there is also the Robert Wan Pearl Museum in Tahiti.
- Tahiti – the largest island in French Polynesia, home to the capital Papeete, where most of the Polynesian population is located. It is the busiest island too, with an intense nightlife and cultural life, as well as luxury hotels.
- moorea – island of volcanic origin, 18 km west of Tahiti. Access is by plane (7 min) or catamaran (30 min). Most hotels are in the north of the island, but there is a lot to discover in every corner of Moorea.
- let's go – the most beautiful island in French Polynesia, famous for its famous visitors. Surrounded by reefs and small islets called Motu, Bora Bora stands out in the color variation of its waters. The main island is home to native villages.
- Rangiroa – a coral fortress formed by more than 200 islets, which result in a lagoon 68 km long and 25 km wide. It has the clearest waters in Tahiti, and is considered the best diving spot in the Pacific.
- tikehau – 300 km northwest of the island of Tahiti, Tikehau has an oval shape and is popular for diving.
- Huahine – reminds Tahiti of 20 years ago, ideal for a romantic mood. It is formed by two islands joined by a bridge and surrounded by a large coral reef, dotted with islets.
- Manihi – its waters are home to the most famous pearls of Tahiti, in addition to an abundant marine fauna ideal for diving
Buy
Be aware that everything is very expensive in French Polynesia. So if you visit, take lots of money as you will need it.
Jewelry
Black pearls are the high end purchase in this part of the world. They are beautiful, varied and quality, so the buyer must be careful, as the sky is the limit. There are lots of cheap mother-of-pearl jewelry that are very nice gifts. The rare black pearl ranges from dark silver to gray, with green and pink highlighted. This Tahitian gem is a wonderful and unique keepsake. For visitors wishing to discover the secrets of Tahitian pearls, visit one of the pearl farms on the island of Tahaa or one of the low islands in Tuamotu.
With the
Fine food in Tahiti and its islands is typically a unique style of cooking with fresh produce and exotic blending. There is a presence of European cuisine in a tropical setting. Asian cuisine has also added its own tastes and textures. Fish of all types, whether tuna, bonito, mahimahi or the many varieties of pond fish are available in different ways: roasted, cooked and raw. Main courses are classified raw fish la Tahitienne which is marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk and the very popular Chinese ma'a tinito (which is a mixture of pork, beans, Chinese cabbage and noodles). Occasions, family and celebrations are all the time needed for a huge tamara'a Tahiti (Tahiti style party), where a meal consisting of pork, fish, breadfruit, yam and Fe'i banana is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed in an oven dug earth over layers of hot rocks. The big hotels organize big buffet nights that offer a wide panorama of the local culinary delights accompanied by traditional dance performances.
drink and go out
Bottles of water are readily available. Being a French territory, wine is common and easy to find. As this is a tropical island, a multitude of fruit juices such as pineapple milk and coconut can be found everywhere. Moorea Pineapple Juice is not to be missed! Sometimes it's better to open your own coconut and drink the water for lunch. Orange juice is preferred and is grown along the coast. If you're a beer fan, Hinano beer will definitely be the one you'll love to taste and take a few cans home.
Safety
Tahiti has one of the lowest crime rates. However, small offenses such as theft can occur. As an overseas territory of France, defense and law enforcement are provided by the French forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the GNR. Be sure to bring sandals for walking among corals in the water and along beaches or any old sneakers so you don't cut your feet on corals or rockfish.
Health
Medical treatment is generally good. Two large hospitals as well as several private clinics offer 24-hour medical services. No vaccine is needed.
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