| French Polynesia ((tah)Pōrīnetia Farāni) | |
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| The blue lagoon of Rangiroa | |
| Flag | |
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| Information | |
| Country |  France |
|---|---|
| Chief town | Papeete |
| Ocean | South Pacific |
| Minimum altitude | 0 m |
| Maximum altitude | 2 241 m (mount ʼOrohena) |
| Area | 4 167 km² |
| Population | 275 918 hab. () |
| Density | 66,22 inhab./km² |
| Nice | Polynesian |
| Official language | French |
| Other language | Tahitian, Marquesan, Paumotu, Rapa, Mangarevan |
| Electricity | 220 V/60 Hz, European plug |
| Postal code | 987xx |
| Telephone prefix | 689 |
| Internet suffix | .pf |
| Spindle | UTC-9 to UTC-10 |
| Location | |
 18 ° 28 ′ 46 ″ S 146 ° 46 ′ 39 ″ W | |
| Official site | |
The French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of the France located in Polynesia in L'South Pacific Ocean.
Understand
This set of islands, as vast as theEurope, is located at the center of the Polynesian triangle formed by Hawaii, the'Easter island and the New Zealand and forms a true "maritime continent" by the similarity of its history, its languages, its customs and its culture. It spans approximately 4 200 km2 emerged scattered on 2.5 million of km² and is made up of 118 islands divided into five archipelagos. These islands are of volcanic and coral origin. The biggest is Tahiti.
Weather
French Polynesia is characterized by an intertropical climate, therefore generally hot and humid. The year is marked, on the one hand, by an austral summer where the rains are extremely abundant which lasts from December to January and, on the other hand, by an austral winter which lasts from April to October.
Holidays and public holidays
French Polynesia has 14 public holidays per year:
| Dated | Last name | Type | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2022 | new Year's Day | holiday | national |
| March 5, 2022 | arrival of the gospel | holiday | local |
| April 15, 2022 | Good Friday | holiday | local |
| April 17, 2022 | Easter | holiday | national |
| April 18, 2022 | Easter Monday | holiday | national |
| May 1, 2021 | labor Day | holiday | national |
| May 8, 2021 | May 8 | holiday | national |
| May 13, 2021 | Ascension | holiday | national |
| May 23, 2021 | Pentecost | holiday | national |
| May 24, 2021 | Whit Monday | holiday | national |
| June 29, 2021 | autonomy celebration | holiday | local |
| July 14, 2021 | National Holiday | holiday | national |
| August 15, 2021 | Assumption | holiday | national |
| November 1, 2021 | Toussaint | holiday | national |
| November 11, 2021 | 1918 armistice | holiday | national |
| December 25, 2021 | Christmas | holiday | national |
Archipelagos
.png/450px-French_Polynesia_regions_map_(fr).png) Map of French Polynesia |
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Other destinations
To go
By plane
Given the remoteness, the only way to get to French Polynesia at present is by plane, as boats are rarely (if at all) used for passenger transport. Polynesia's only international airport is Tahiti Faaa, located near Papeete on the island of Tahiti. Air France , Air Tahiti Nui and French Bee connect Paris to Tahiti via Los Angeles (San Francisco for French Bee) several times a week. The trip lasts 20 h (plus a stopover of 2 h).
Other destinations are also accessible from Faaa, the New Zealand, the New Caledonia, the'Australia the Japan, Hawaii, the'Easter island and the Chile .
Circulate
Travel between the islands
By plane
Small airports exist everywhere and are served regularly by Air Tahiti, despite the low number of passengers, for public service. It is necessary to take the plane to reach the remote islands (the archipelagos of French Polynesia cover a very large area).
On a boat
Between two nearby islands, you can take the boat. It may even be mandatory if your destination does not have an airport. It is also necessary to take the boat to get to the motus (islets which sometimes border the larger islands, and which are popular with tourists for their beaches). Inquire in the port of the island for rates and destinations.
Two cruises depart from the port of Papeete:Aranui Tour, which crosses the islands of Fakarava, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata, Ua Huka and Rangiroa and the Paul Gauguin, serving the Leeward Islands, the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands or the Cook Islands and Fiji according to schedule.
Circulate on the islands
The best way to get around French Polynesia is by car. You can easily hire one on the main islands, directly at your hotel or guesthouse, or from one of the major car rental brands (Europcar, Avis, Hertz are all present in the most touristic islands). You should still know that the rental is expensive (10,000 Fcfp per day for the smallest models, such as Twingo). Note that in some mountainous islands, such as the Marquesas or the Austral Islands, only 4x4s can circulate because the roads are often unpaved.
If you are traveling as a backpacker, be aware that a thumbs-up is a known sign in FP: the locals will not hesitate to pick you up in the back of their pick-up to help you out.
Public transport exists on the main islands but it is unfortunately not very widespread and poorly organized.
In the islands, if you have the courage and want to take the time to explore the island and its inhabitants, cycling is a good alternative to driving. In the Marquesas and the Austral Islands, you will swap the bike for the local horse, much more suited to mountainous terrain. In both cases, check with your boarding house.
Finally, if you want to discover the island and its lagoon in a different light, far from organized group outings, the best way to do it is to rent a small boat without a license (6 horses), either directly from your hotel or boarding house, or from specialized rental companies.
To speak
In addition to French, Polynesians have their own languages which are different depending on the region including the paumotu in the Tuamotu Islands, the Marquesan in the Marquesas Islands and the Tahitian To Tahiti.
Activities
Polynesia offers many activities, land, water, air, adventure activities or relaxation, for the family, lovers, backpackers. Some examples: whales • tour bus • canyoning • cruises • dolphins • leisure area • lagoon excursions • golf • jet ski • kite surf • plane, boat, roadster, scooter, car rental • Polynesian wedding • paddle board • parachuting • fishing • pedal boat • piloting & aerobatic plane • canoe • diving • helmet diving • quad • horseback riding • hiking • rhino • 4x4 safari • underwater scooter • shopping • spa • show • surf • tour of the island ...
However, the budget to be foreseen remains quite high at 33 € for the most accessible to more than 80 €. It is also possible to practice free activities: swimming in the lagoon, walks, visit of cultural places and viewpoints, etc.
However, there is the possibility of saving some money by purchasing a discount pass. There is currently one for the Australian market (Moorea madness card) specific to the island of Moorea and distributed by local travel agencies. A second is accessible to all countries and for 3 islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea) and offers more than a hundred offers which reduce leisure expenses (http://www.tahitifunpass.com)
To buy
Cash
The Pacific franc, also known as the CFP franc, is the currency used in French communities in the Pacific Ocean: New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and futuna. The CFP francs are written in abbreviated form as f Where Fcfp, and its ISO code is XPF.
The pieces are from 1 XPF, 2 XPF, 5 XPF, 10 XPF, 20 XPF, 50 XPF, 100 XPFThere are tickets of 500 XPF, 1 000 XPF, 5 000 XPF, 10 000 XPF
The CFF franc exchange rate was 100 XPF = 5,50 FRF which gives a fixed parity with the euro of
- 1 000 XPF = 8,38 €
- 1 XPF = 0,00838 €
- 1 € ≈ 119,3317 XPF
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Exchange
You will find exchange offices at the airport, at the port or in banks, and ATMs everywhere that deliver banknotes of 1000, 5000, and 10,000 Fcfp (sometimes 500 Fcfp)
Memories
Local craftsmanship is based on a very rich culture and comes in many forms.
The black Pearl is of course in the spotlight in French Polynesia, the world's leading producer of this gem. Prices vary depending on the size, color and shape of the pearl. In Tahiti, you will find it either at the Papeete market or in the many jewelry stores in the center. In the islands, you can buy it directly from pearl farms, which are worth a visit. In all cases, these pearls can be zero-rated on your departure (return ticket required on purchase)
In the covered market of Papeete as in the many souvenir shops of the islands (the "curios") you will also find many shell and mother-of-pearl jewelry, a multitude of wood or stone sculptures (the specialty of the Marquesas Islands, but that you can find everywhere else), pandanus bags and hats, soaps and monoi scented as well as local t-shirts and sarongs.
The mamas and their know-how will seduce you, basketry, monoi, artisanal jewelry, pareos, finally, sculptors and tattoo artists offer visitors beautiful creations that can be admired for free by visiting the stands and small local shops (called 'curios'). Events are organized all year round, you just need to get the calendar of events from the tourist office.
Eat
Fishing and coconuts will provide the basis of food on the coral atolls and this menu will have the chance to be augmented on the "green" islands with all possible fruits and vegetables. Fish is also part of traditional Polynesian dishes. Do not hesitate to taste the raw Tahitian fish, fish "cooked" in lime juice accompanied by coconut milk with or without vegetables.
The Tahitian oven is a festive meal that consists of cooking a large number of different dishes in an oven dug in the earth, wrapped in large sheets.
You will also find a lot of Chinese dishes, as it is a significant minority in Polynesia. American products are common in stores because it is one of the closest destinations for products not made locally. Meat often comes from New Zealand.
Have a drink / Go out
Bars and clubs are practically non-existent in the islands apart from hotels, most of which offer evening entertainment (happy hour, local dance shows, music concerts, etc.). will have few distractions apart from the sunset ...
TO Tahiti, fortunately there is a little more to choose from, with some cool bars to go out.
Housing
Polynesia is a tourist destination and therefore enjoys a first-rate hotel infrastructure, but relatively expensive. The Polynesians are welcoming people and a whole network of "Bed and Breakfast" and other family pensions has been set up, which will delight lovers of authenticity. Without having to make any concessions on comfort, they will be able to discover the daily life of Polynesians, far from the "formatted" relationships of luxury hotels.
The airBnb offer has developed strongly in Polynesia and you will find many accommodations on this type of platform.
Another fun, economical and original solution is the rental of sailboats, with or without crew, with family or friends. You go from island to island, without having to pack and unpack your suitcases.
There are few sailboats for hire in Polynesia (around 60). There are few ports or marina. The anchorages are often fair, at the end of a bay, near a beach.
Boat
http://www.tahitiyachtcharter.com , information and reservations: [email protected] This Polynesian company operates its own boats, from its base in Raiatea. 20 Fountaine-Pajot and Lagoon sailing catamarans, with or without crew. It also organizes private cruise stays in the Leeward Islands Hotel / guesthouse in the 5 archipelagos.
http://www.archipels.com, email: [email protected] Cabin cruises to the Leeward Islands and the Tuamotus
https://www.croisiere-catamaran-polynesie.com , Catamaran cruise in the Tuamotu and the Leeward Islands
https://www.tahitisailingcharter.com/, Huahine lagoon day tour
http://www.kaila-sailing.com/, Cruise in the Leeward Islands
Cheap
Middle class
Luxury
To learn
There are many public or denominational schools, colleges and high schools scattered throughout Polynesia, especially in the agglomeration of Papeete. THE'University of French Polynesia is located in Punaauia. However, many students prefer to emigrate to New Zealand, the United States, Canada or France to pursue courses that are not present in the territory.
Security
 | Emergency telephone number: Police :17 Ambulance:15 Firefighter :18 |
The islands of French Polynesia are pretty safe places. In the city of Papeete and its immediate surroundings, it is advisable to avoid uncrowded areas such as the Rue des écoles district, especially at night. The risk is minor, but existing.
Government travel advice
Canada (Government of Canada)
Health
Respect
The Tahitian is warm if you want to treat him with respect. It is above all a warrior and proud people who are able to survive in the most extreme conditions. Locally, in everyday life, social relations are not hierarchical according to Western criteria and, until recently, familiarity was required and wearing a suit and tie caused a lot of laughs. This outfit completely out of place in the tropics is however used by some "powerful" or at least among those who want to appear.
