The name of Tahiti is often the only one we remember to evoke this distant France of the Pacific, the one of flower necklaces, the one of crystal clear waters and breathtaking cliffs, the one where we would dream of escaping even for a moment. However, Polynesia is much more than an island, it is a total of 118 islands scattered over an area equivalent to that of Europe that form what is known as "French Polynesia". Each of its five archipelagos has its own universe: undoubtedly the most visited, the Society Islands are home to the famous Tahiti and its capital Papeete , but also the idyllic Bora Bora, a treasure for divers, and the photogenic Moorea, popular with revelers. Directly to the east, the Tuamotu archipelago has swapped the mountains for sand and coral. Most of its atolls do not exceed two meters in altitude, farniente and disconnection guaranteed. A little further south this time, the Gambier archipelago is in fact the memory of a once powerful volcano. Even more isolated but no less renowned, the Marquesas archipelago is already 1,500 km from Tahiti and is the first archipelago to have been populated by Polynesians. Finally, in the extreme south, the Australs archipelago is undoubtedly the most authentic. All of them have in common the warmth in the hearts of their inhabitants, a gentle way of life and an almost fusional relationship with the ocean that surrounds them. It is not surprising that many of our famous artists have decided to settle there.

When to go French Polynesia ?

The high season is from May to October, and for the end of year holidays. The best time to travel in French Polynesia is during the southern winter, between May and October, and especially in August and September (it is also the whale season in the Austral Islands and in the Society Islands), when temperatures are a little cooler (especially at night).

The low season extends from November to April. The months of December and January are traditionally very low! January and February are the rainiest months, especially on the high islands; they also potentially correspond to the hurricane season (even if they are much less frequent than in the Caribbean).

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Practical information for travel French Polynesia

In order to organize your stay in Polynesia in the best conditions, it is imperative to have in mind the sea and air links. All the information is in this guide, but ask the companies you use for the days, prices and schedules, which can change at any time. Air Tahiti offers "Passes" which are interesting to visit several islands. Some people consider that it is better to visit Bora Bora at the end of the trip in order to reserve "the best for last". We do not necessarily agree. First of all, because Bora is not "better" than another island: on the contrary, Huahine and Maupiti are often favored by travelers. Secondly, because an early stay in Bora allows you to better prepare your budget. Finally, Bora remains the most touristic island, and a sudden passage from Papeete to the mineral and vegetal world of Tahaa for example, may surprise some.

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How to go French Polynesia

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How to go alone

It is of course possible to build your own itinerary to discover this destination. Ten days are the minimum to hope to see the immense Polynesia and not enough to enjoy its sweetness of life. It is barely enough to discover two or three of the most touristic islands, and there are five archipelagos to visit! You will have to plan your travel between the islands and your accommodations well in advance.

How to go on a tour

A large number of tour operators offer French Polynesia: combined islands, cruises (catamarans or liners) and diving stays are in the spotlight, but there are also offers of cultural tours or hikes. Finally, proposals for stays in boarding houses are also very frequent. The destination is very popular with lovers who wish to celebrate their romance at the end of the world in postcard settings.

How to get around

With 118 islands and as many ways to get there, travel will be a big part of your budget. Air travel is undoubtedly the easiest way to get between the islands. Maritime transport is as varied and different as the islands it connects: there are car ferries and passenger transport, cruise ships, supply schooners, cargo ships and mixed cargo ships.

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Discover French Polynesia

Land of dreams and fantasies, Eldorado praised and coveted since the dawn of time, French Polynesia is full of myths and clichés. Like that of the vahine in the lead, lascivious and exotic, dancing the tamure in front of an amazed audience... But what is it really? Before setting foot in the country, this chapter offers an overview of the history that shaped the country, its darkest moments, its cultural mix resulting from different waves of immigration, its economic and social issues, its lush nature and emerging ecological problems, its climate, mild all year round or almost, its struggle to gain more and more autonomy... In short, a portrait of this overseas country with a legendary hospitality and a strong identity that inspired Paul Gauguin, Jacques Brel and Pierre Loti.

Pictures and images French Polynesia

Fragrance de Tiaré Author's Image
En toutes circonstances la vahiné arbore allure et fierté. Sylvain GRANDADAM
Phare face au lagon Author's Image
Les motus sont balayés par les vent du large. Author's Image

The 12 keywords French Polynesia

1. #Coprah

Coprah © Hashif Chembakath - Shutterstock.com.jpg

Cultivated on many islands, especially in the Societies and the Tuamotu, copra is the dried albumen of the coconut, or white water. When the coconuts fall, their flesh is recovered, dried in the sun, and transformed into copra. Sent to Tahiti, the copra is used to produce a crude oil used by the manufacturers of monoi.

2. #Fetii

It is a member of the family in the broadest sense. Everyone is more or less a brother-in-law or cousin by marriage, and Polynesians always have one or more fetii in each of the Polynesian islands, like a huge family. In Papeete, there are entire neighborhoods of fetii that reconstitute family neighborhoods in an urban setting.

3. #Mahi mahi

103 Mahi Mahi © FtLaudGirl -  iStockphoto.com.jpg

This is the Polynesian name for the dolphinfish. In the Tuamotus, it is fished with a spear, with a poti marara (motor boat), during an eventful chase. The mahi mahi is the king of fish in the local diet: grilled or raw with coconut milk, you will find it on every menu of snacks and restaurants.

4. #Mana

Mana is a very strong term on the islands that represents the spirit of Polynesia, a universal principle of life. In her Dictionnaire insolite de Tahiti (Cosmopole Editions), Rosanne Aries describes Mana as "a mysterious force, a power - (super)natural - which can be invested in people or objects."

5. #Marae

Marae © Dmitry - stock.adobe.com.jpg

Erected in a rectangular shape, the marae are ancient outdoor stone-paved places of worship where religious ceremonies were held. During the Heiva in July and August, these sacred sites come alive with traditional songs and dances. Note that Marquesans use a different terminology and call these buildings "meae".

6. #Motu

In the low islands especially, the reef crown is adorned in places with coral surfaces that are still emerged. This is called a motu, an islet in short. These can take various forms and proportions - in the Tuamotu archipelago, for example, the main motu of Fakarava extends over some 40 kilometers!

7. #Poti marara

Initially designed for fishing marara, small flying fish with delicate flesh, the poti marara is now also used for fishing bonito, tuna and mahi mahi. Locally built, it has powerful engines, a hull capable of splitting the wave at high speed, and of course nets.

8. #Tamure

Danse tahitienne © sarayuth3390 - shutterstock.com.jpg

The sensual and even sexual dance of the Tahitian women has amazed many an explorer. Banned by the missionaries, the tamure remained in the shadows until the beginning of the century and began to revive at the end of the war. Practised by both men and women, it is undeniably part of French Polynesia's rich cultural heritage.

9. #Tane and Vahine

Respectively "man" and "woman". Beyond the signs on the doors of public toilets, these terms will be useful to you because they are fully part of the Franco-Taitian vocabulary. By extension, they are also used to translate "husband" and "wife"; you will now be able to answer the question "What is the name of your tane?"

10. #Tabu

It refers to a prohibition related to the sacred. Quite simply, in the Maori tradition, a tabu thing is inviolable because it is sacred. Whether you think it's out of place or not, it is de rigueur to respect a tabu, or else, according to Polynesian religious beliefs, you will receive a punishment of the supernatural order..

11. #Va'a

This is the Polynesian name for the traditional pendulum pirogue, the king sport in all the islands of Polynesia. While surfing, also an ancestral sport, is also popular with young people, the racing dugout canoe is still the competitive sport par excellence. It is notably publicised in Fenua during the famous Hawaiki Nui race.

12. #Vini

The vini - literally "little chirping bird" - is a very popular bird in Polynesia and is a pretty grey headed bird. So popular that it gave its name to the territory's first mobile phone operator in 1998, and everyone has been calling a mobile phone a vini ever since! If someone asks you for your vini, it's your number..

You are from here, if...

For lunch and dinner, you can enjoy raw coconut fish, the emblematic dish of Fenua! Even though the Polynesians themselves tend more and more towards fastfood..

You call Polynesia the "Fenua". This is how the media and the Polynesians name their archipelago: it is their "land", their "country".

You feel the mana, foundation of Polynesian beliefs and emanation of spiritual power..

You taste the fafaru, fish macerated in sea water, without stopping to smell its unique aroma..

You don't take monoi for a self-tanner! This prodigious oil with multiple benefits is anything but a product for tanning.

You adopt the Hinano, the local beer!

You become a ukulele pro and take part in countless improvised jams in airports, in the streets or quietly in the evening.

You follow the Miss Tahiti elections and support your candidate until the prestigious Miss France election.

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