We often only remember the name of Tahiti to evoke this distant France of the Pacific, that of the flower necklaces, that of the crystal clear waters and the vertiginous cliffs, that where we would dream of escaping for even a moment. Polynesia is however 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's islands are home to the famous Tahiti and its capital Papeete but also the idyllic Bora Bora, treasure of divers and the photogenic Moorea, prized by the wedding guests. Directly to the east, the Tuamotu archipelago has traded the mountains for sand and coral. Most of its atolls do not exceed two meters of altitude, idleness and disconnection guaranteed. A little further south this time, the Gambier Archipelago is actually the memory of a once very powerful volcano. Even more isolated but no less famous, the Marquesas archipelago is already 1,500 km from Tahiti and is the first archipelago to have been populated by the Polynesians. Finally, in the far south, the Southern 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 around them. It is not surprising that several of our illustrious artists have decided to settle here
The high season runs from May to October, and for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The best time to travel to 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 Southern Ocean and the Society's islands), when the temperatures are a little cooler (especially at night)
The low season runs from November to April. December and January are traditionally very low! January and February are the wettest months, especially on the upper islands; they also potentially correspond to the hurricane season (although they are much less frequent than in the Caribbean).
The climate of French Polynesia is tropical oceanic. There are two seasons: the dry season from April to October (during the southern winter) and the rainy season from November to March (it is then warmer and especially more humid because it rains a lot). The average temperature (of both air and water!) varies between about 24 and 28°C. However, the climate varies according to the archipelagos: it is cooler in the Austral, and warmer in the Marquesas
The only currency used locally is the Pacific franc (CFP for Pacific franc rate), whose international code is XPF. Overall, the very high cost of living is the consequence of the importation of many products into Polynesia, and of taxation. Ideally, you should monitor accommodation and sailing trips, which can be very advantageous.
For any French national, travelling to French Polynesia is very simple since all you need is a simple identity document, the national identity card. However, airlines making stopovers with passengers in transit through Japan or the United States require an up-to-date biometric passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return, to be presented to immigration authorities. Moreover, you need to complete an ESTA Authorization online, even for a simple transit through the USA.
The health situation and all hospital infrastructures in Tahiti are comparable to those in Western countries. Tahiti has two clinics (Cardella and Paofai) and two hospitals (Mamao Territorial Hospital, next to Papeete, and Taravao Hospital). It is the island of French Polynesia which is, of course, the best provided with general practitioners and specialists. As for the other islands, only Moorea and Raiatea have a hospital. On all islands, a doctor can normally be consulted.
In addition to sunburn and sunburn, nono bites, tourista, as well as wounds due to corals or any injury, which must be disinfected, beware of mosquitoes at all costs! Because if Polynesia has no predators for humans, it can potentially cause you many worries: dengue fever is relatively widespread, as is chikungunya, and zika to a lesser extent
A large number of tour operators offer French Polynesia: combined islands, cruises (catamarans or ocean liners) and diving holidays are in the spotlight, but there are also offers of cultural tours or hikes. Finally, proposals for boarding houses are also very frequent. However, the destination is very popular with lovers who want to celebrate their idyll at the end of the world in postcard settings.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationIt is of course possible to build your own itinerary to discover this destination. Ten days is the minimum to hope to see the immense Polynesia and not enough to be able to enjoy its sweetness of life. This is barely enough to discover two or three of the most touristy islands, and there are five archipelagos to visit! It will be necessary to plan your travel between the islands and your accommodation well in advance.
With 118 islands and as many ways to get there, travel will represent a large part of your budget. The plane is undoubtedly the easiest way to travel 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 and mixed cargo ships
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9 days
Suggested by Petit Futé
20 days
The high season runs from May to October, and for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The best time to travel...
Read more about it
The climate of French Polynesia is tropical oceanic. There are two seasons: the dry season from April to October (dur...
Read more about it
The only currency used locally is the Pacific franc (CFP for Pacific franc rate), whose international code is XPF. Ov...
Read more about it
For any French national, travelling to French Polynesia is very simple since all you need is a simple identity docume...
Read more about it
The health situation and all hospital infrastructures in Tahiti are comparable to those in Western countries. Tahiti...
Read more about it
It is of course possible to build your own itinerary to discover this destination. Ten days is the minimum to hope to...
Read more about it
A large number of tour operators offer French Polynesia: combined islands, cruises (catamarans or ocean liners) and d...
Read more about it
With 118 islands and as many ways to get there, travel will represent a large part of your budget. The plane is undou...
Read more about it
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