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Tours to French Polynesia. French Polynesia The heart of French Polynesia

The islands of French Polynesia consist of more than 100 large and small islands, comprising three archipelagos. This isolated part of France is located on huge territory in the South Pacific. About 300 thousand people permanently live on the islands; tens of thousands more travelers fly to the islands in search of a paradise on the planet.

The most popular among tourists is the Society Islands. Moorea, Hua Hin, Tahiti and Bora Bora in this archipelago combine all the most cherished dreams of travelers: exotic jungles, a continuous strip of white sandy beaches, a stunning underwater world, picturesque and “magazine” landscapes, historical sights and temples. The majority of Polynesian citizens live on the island of Tahiti.

One of the advantages of the island state is the diversity of its relief. Once here, the traveler has the opportunity to visit valleys and mountains, atolls and long beaches, see colorful corals and tropical fish underwater.

Holidays on the islands will be ideal at any time of the year for any tourist. The entertainment of the resort centers will also appeal to tourists who are interested in extreme species sports, and for children and people who prefer a quiet beach holiday in ideal natural conditions.

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Weather map of French Polynesia:

Holiday impressions in August

Tahiti is very far away, so for a long time we could not decide to fly there. After enduring a long flight, we arrived on the island, where they immediately put a tiare necklace around our necks. This flower is national symbol French Polynesia. Leaving the airport we found ourselves in a magical world of birds and flowers. There are few attractions on the island, but there is still something to see. Three days were enough for us to get a superficial acquaintance with Tahiti. There is no winter or summer, there are a lot of fruits and flowers, the average air temperature is +27-28 degrees, the water is about the same temperature, i.e. You can swim all year round. There are no typhoons or heavy rains on this island, and local residents very friendly. Tahiti is a piece of paradise; you can go there at any time of the year. It’s hard to get to this fabulous place, but it’s even harder to leave because you really don’t want to.

What to do at the resort?

There are many sports activities on the island - water skiing, surfing, diving, snorkeling, sailing, safari. Coaches and instructors who conduct courses will help you master these sports.

1)Paul Gauguin Museum

This artist painted his best paintings in Tahiti. The museum is located on the site of his home.

2) Museum of Tahiti and the Islands.

3)Mount Orajena.

4) Black Pearl Museum.

Located in the center of Papeete, you can admire the collection of black pearls and learn how pearls influenced the culture and art of the islands. Next to the museum there is a store where you can buy jewelry with black pearls.

The most best beach The island is considered to be Veava, it is located 18 km from the capital Papeete. Unlike other beaches, there is light sand with small pebbles, a smooth entrance to the water and many palm trees. There are umbrellas, sun loungers and showers on the beach.

On the northern coast of Tahiti there is a black volcanic sand beach, Pointe Venus, which will appeal to diving enthusiasts, there are many dive sites. The 19th century lighthouse is visible from the beach.

Taharuu Beach, located in the south, is very suitable for surfers because the waves are strong most of the time and the water is rarely calm. The sand on the beach is black.

Toaroto is a very beautiful beach, but absolutely not suitable for swimming (rocky bottom), but suitable for snorkeling.

Tours in French Polynesia. The heart of the southern waters of the Pacific Ocean. "Many islands" and a little history. Climate and geography of French Polynesia. The capital of French Polynesia is the city of Papeete. Islands of French Polynesia. Society Islands. Tahiti Island. Moorea Island. Tetiaroa Island. Bora Bora Island. Motu One Island (Bellingshausen Atoll). Raiatea Island. Huahine Island. Marquesas Islands. Tuamotu Islands. Tubuai Islands. How do Polynesians live? Polynesian culture. Cuisine of French Polynesia. What do you need to know when planning tours to French Polynesia?

When island vacations and diving into the depths are already well mastered and it seems that there is nothing new in this sense on the planet, the traveler needs to turn his attention to French Polynesia. Our compatriots are not always well aware of what kind of place this is, but almost everyone knows the phrase of the prodigal parrot Kesha “I’m somehow flying to Tahiti!..”.

Indeed, Tahiti (like another legendary island - Bora Bora, and many more amazing pieces of land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a total of one hundred and eighteen) is part of French Polynesia - the so-called. “overseas community” of France (there are also “overseas regions”, which, in particular, include Martinique and French Guiana).

Heart of the South Pacific

French polynesia(the word “Polynesia” translated from Greek means “many islands”) is located in the very heart of the southern waters of the Pacific Ocean, glorified by Jack London, and today is the quintessence of everything that is included in the idea of ​​“ paradise islands" due to the remoteness, the places are not the cheapest - but nowhere else in the world there are such magical warm waves, such amazing diving and such incredible greenery. In addition, traveling here does not require any vaccinations against exotic diseases, nor reserves of freely convertible cash - the wonderful climate and the enormous work to transform French Polynesia into the No. 1 resort have done their job. And being part of France casts a shadow of special grace on this place.

However, long before they began to organize themselves, the islands attracted people and made them fall in love with them. Suffice it to say that it was here that the great artist Paul Gauguin discovered his personal paradise. However, first things first.

"Many Islands" and a Little History

French Polynesia is surrounded by neighbors in the Pacific Ocean: the New Zealand-owned Cook Islands, American Samoa, Kiribati and Tokelau. However, a serious state in the South Pacific arose precisely on the main island of French Polynesia - on Tahiti(this was the kingdom of Pomare, which eventually subjugated the remaining islands). But for the first time Europeans saw not Tahiti, but the isolated atoll of Puka-Puka, to the shore of which Magellan sailed in 1521. It took 85 years for the navigator Pedro Fernandez de Quiros to discover the island of Tahiti, and almost 360 to finally deprive the power of the Polynesian kings of the Pomare dynasty, as well as their colleagues from the kingdom of Bora Bora, and establish a French protectorate here. Of course, by this time white people were in full control of the islands, but were not officially considered their owners. And since 1946, all residents of French Polynesia are French citizens.

The islands of French Polynesia are closely associated with the name of Paul Gauguin, an artist who ranks in the history of art with Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne. Gauguin moved here in 1891 and lived on the island. Tahiti and o. Hiva Oa, was married to a Tahitian and painted his best paintings here. Another remarkable fact that will certainly not leave indifferent our compatriots who are planning tours to French Polynesia, - a fair amount of Russian influence. Firstly, many islands were discovered by the expedition of Bellingshausen and Lazarev, and bear the names of “Rurik”, “Lazarev”, “Raevsky”, etc. And secondly, the children of the Russian general Leontev, who became local residents, did a lot for French Polynesia in the French Parliament, including regarding the rights of Polynesians and internal self-government.

However, these are not the factors that attract travelers here. Despite the considerable distance from the mainland and, as a result, expensive flights, the islands of French Polynesia are attractive due to their truly paradisiacal nature and climate.

Climate and geography of French Polynesia

Committing tours to French Polynesia, it is easy to see that the local islands are very different, and the point is in their origin. Some are volcanic, such as Tahiti, while others (mostly the Tuamotu archipelago) are coral atolls. Islands of volcanic origin are distinguished by mountainous terrain (for example, Mount Orohena in Tahiti rises more than two kilometers above sea level). Well, the coral atolls are completely flat, and they are surrounded on all sides by reefs - a true happiness for diving enthusiasts, because the area around the reef is densely populated with underwater tropical life. In addition, on volcanic islands there are rivers, on which there are even waterfalls, and lakes - but coral atolls do not have rivers. The vegetation, which is invariably lush throughout French Polynesia, also differs depending on the origin of a particular island: the volcanic islands boast real tropical forests on the mountain slopes and grassy plains, and coconut palms grow in abundance on the coral atolls.

However, all one hundred and eighteen islands of French Polynesia are distinguished by lush vegetation, an abundance of fruits and clear waters around.

As for the local climate, it is mainly tropical trade wind, and only in the northern part of French Polynesia - on the Marquesas Islands - does it become subequatorial. The south is more humid here. Although the conventional “winter” in the vast expanses of French Polynesia is very warm, there is also a particularly hot season, occurring between November and May. At this time, the normal air temperature here is +30, and there are showers every evening. Planning tours to French Polynesia, you need to take into account that at this time there are hurricanes here (especially in Tuamotu, Tahiti and Tubuai).

From July to August there is winter in French Polynesia, when the air temperature is around +20, and from June to the end of October trade winds blow, bringing dry and stable weather.

The capital of French Polynesia is the city of Papeete

The name "Papeete" - the largest city in French Polynesia and the capital of this "overseas community" - translated means "water from a basket." The starting point of history Papeete can be considered the year 1818, when Christian missionary William Crook settled in these places. Very quickly, Papeete, thanks to its favorable location, grew into a real city, and in 1827 it became the residence of Queen Pomare, and, subsequently, the capital. The Japanese bombed Papeete during World War II, and before that the city suffered several fires. By the middle of the twentieth century. it was a typical dysfunctional “third world” city, with street crime and polluted air. It took a lot of work to turn it into the current resort center, but thanks to it, today Papeete is both a beautiful and friendly city, as everyone can see during this time. By the way, it was here that the popular French singer Joe Dassin ended his days in 1980. There are also more pleasant facts that fall into the category of interesting: in 2013, the World Beach Soccer Championship was held in Papeete.

However, despite the international airport of Papeete, which makes a visit to the capital inevitable, people still come here not to walk around the city - but for the scattering of islands in the Pacific Ocean. They cannot be called an archipelago, because in fact French polynesia– these are several archipelagos. And within one there can be significant differences.

For those who are planning tours to French Polynesia, you should know that this “overseas community” consists of the Society Islands (the main archipelago where the “capital” island of Tahiti is located), the Marquesas Islands, the Tuamotu Islands and the adjacent Gambier Islands, as well as the Tubuai Islands.

Society Islands

The discovery of the Society Islands is associated with the name of the Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen, who sailed here in the early 1720s. However, they were truly discovered by the British in 1767, and seriously described by the famous James Cook. It was here that the Polynesian kingdoms of Tahiti and Bora Bora were located, and it was here that the capital of French Polynesia subsequently grew. The Society Islands, such as the Cape Verde Islands (Cape Verde) in the Atlantic, are divided into Leeward and Windward.

Windward Islands

Tahiti Island

Tahiti, the main island of French Polynesia, is also the largest. It is divided into two unequal parts - the populated northern Tahiti Nui, and the sparsely populated southern Tahiti Iti, connected by an isthmus called Taravai. Although Tahiti is a volcanic island, there is a coral reef system around it - although it does not form individual atolls. But Tahiti has mountains, in particular a two-kilometer volcano named Orohena, and lush tropical jungle.

In the history of French Polynesia, the island of Tahiti secured the title of “place of love,” since Tahitian women considered the first European sailors to be gods and willingly went out to copulate with them, but, as a rule, they did not wear clothes at all. Since then, the situation, naturally, has changed a lot, but Tahiti remains a corner of romance that couples love to visit. So, Vladimir Vysotsky and Marina Vladi vacationed here twice.

Future visitors to Tahiti will also be interested to know that between June and July they can attend Heiva, the largest festival of Polynesian dances.

Maiao Island

Maiao boasts a large number of motu along coastline. Translated, the word "motu" means "cut off" and is applied to the small islands of coral origin surrounding the main island. The “special features” of Maiao are the ultra-salty lagoons of Roto Iti and Roto Rahi.

Mehetia Island

Mekhetia is, in fact, not an island, but a volcano, quite young and sleepless. As such, the island Mekhetia uninhabited, but sailing past, like Captain Samuel Wallace who discovered it, you can enjoy an exotic spectacle.

Moorea Island

Translated from Polynesian, "Moorea" means "Yellow Lizard." This is an atoll surrounded by motu islands, seventeen kilometers from Tahiti, which can be reached using one of the twelve straits between the motu. This is incredible a nice place, which can become a pearl tours to French Polynesia. Diving (including feeding sharks!), mountain trekking and visiting pineapple orchards flourish here.

Tetiaroa Island

The island of Tetiaroa was discovered by fugitives from the mutinous Bounty ship. Interestingly, since 1965 Tetiaroa belonged to Marlon Bardo, who lived here until 1990, and then gave the island to Michael Jackson. Now the island of Tetiaroa is a premium resort.

Leeward Islands

Bora Bora- the second legendary island of French Polynesia after Tahiti. This is a classic coral atoll surrounded by motu in large numbers. The coral reef makes Bora Bora attractive for diving enthusiasts, and palm trees and warm ocean water invite lovers of measured beach holiday. The interior of the island is home to lush tropical vegetation, making Bora Bora virtually impassable. But closer to the coast there are many “star” hotels, as well as bungalows built on stilts in the waters of the lagoon.

The lagoon is generally the number one local attraction. There is a rich marine fauna here, attracting lovers of diving and snorkeling; Sharks and barracudas living in the lagoon give them a special charm. In addition, along the Bora Bora lagoon runs the so-called. "Road of stingrays", which is definitely worth seeing while doing tours to French Polynesia.

Trekking is also popular in Bora Bora - the low local mountains of Otemanu and Pahia offer magnificent views and an opportunity to see orchids, tropical fruits and ferns.

Manuae Island

Coral Atoll Manuae is the most westerly of the Leeward Society Islands group of French Polynesia. In fact, it is a cluster of individual motu islands, between which there are picturesque straits, and on the surface of Manuae coconut palms and other tropical greenery grow in abundance. Since 1992, the Manuae Lagoon has been recognized as a nature reserve due to the abundance of exotic marine life (don’t forget about this when visiting tour to French Polynesia!).

Maupiti Island

The leeward island of Maupiti is 46 kilometers west of Bora Bora and has always been closely connected with it on trade and political issues. Maupiti combines five large motus and a small mountain of volcanic origin in the middle (it rises 380 meters above sea level). There is a small town on Maupiti called Vaiea, as well as an airfield on one of the motu. The islanders, in addition to the tourism business, are also busy growing Morinda citrus foliage - a strange, ugly and tasteless plant, which, nevertheless, has unique medicinal properties and even fights cancer.

Maupihaa Island

Since the island Maupihaa was discovered by the British Samuel Wallace, it remains uninhabited, although people lived here in ancient times, as evidenced by many finds. Maupihaa is about eight kilometers long, several motu with eastern shore and a deep lagoon in the middle.

Motu One Island (Bellingshausen Atoll)

Second name of the island Motu One- “Bellingshausen Atoll”, associated with the Russian traveler Thaddeus Bellingshausen, but it was not he who discovered the atoll, but his follower, Otto Evstafievich Kotzebue. Motu One is also uninhabited because it is actually a group of small islands where it is impossible to live permanently. But in the local lagoon there is a luxurious coral reef - the dream of any diver.

Raiatea Island

Raiatea is the fourth largest island in French Polynesia. It is volcanic in origin and was formed about two and a half years ago. Scientists tend to consider it the birthplace of Polynesian culture and people (the ancient name Raiatea can be translated as “cradle”).

Raiatea has Mount Tefatoaiti, surrounded by picturesque valleys. The current population of the island has long exceeded the 10,000 mark.

Tahaa Island

By the island Tahaa– a common lagoon with the island of Raiatea. Mount Ohiri in the middle of Tahaa clearly indicates its volcanic origin. Committing tours to French Polynesia, on Tahaa you can see the results of the work of archaeologists who discovered numerous remains of ancient fortifications here. At one time, Tahaa became the scene of battles between the kingdom of Bora Bora and the state of the island of Raiatea. Now about five thousand people live here, who not only receive tourists, but also grow vanilla and also fish.

Tupai Island

Island Tupai It is an oval-shaped atoll, currently uninhabited (although workers regularly come here to collect local coconuts). Tupai Lagoon is surrounded by a coral reef, making the island attractive for divers. There are several motu on the eastern side of the atoll, and the total area of ​​Tupai is just under forty square kilometers.

Huahine Island

Committing tours to French Polynesia, be sure to get to know Huahine Island. This amazing atoll is de facto formed by two separate islands, Small and Large (Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti). They are connected by a sandy isthmus, which is visible at low tide - and in order to be able to move back and forth the rest of the time, a bridge was built. However, it is not this bridge, but another bridge that is a famous landmark of Huahine - it is thrown over a stream in which eels, considered sacred, live.

Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas Islands are another archipelago of French Polynesia. The artist Paul Gauguin also paid tribute to him, and those who performed tours to French Polynesia travelers also do not forget to visit here.

A total of about ten thousand people live on the Marquesas Islands. The archipelago is mainly volcanic in origin, but its highest mountain is inferior to the highest point of the Society Islands: Oave rises just over 1200 m above sea level.

Only one of them - Motu One - is an atoll; all other “Marquises” are volcanic. The archipelago is distinguished from the rest of French Polynesia, overgrown with lush greenery, by its aridity, and normal rainfall occurs only where there are mountains of decent height.

Like the Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands are divided into two groups: in this case, the North and South Islands.

The Northern group includes the islands of Nuku Hiva, Motu Iti, Motu Oa and Motu One (these three are uninhabited), Ua Pu, Ua Huka and two more uninhabited islands - Hatutu and Eiao.

The southern group of the Marquesas Islands consists of Fatu Hiva, Hiv Oa, Tahuata and the uninhabited Motu Nao, Moho Tani, Terihi and Fatu Huku.

However, despite the aridity and large number of uninhabited places, people have lived on the Marquesas Islands for at least two thousand years. The archipelago has been known to Europeans since 1595 thanks to the Spaniard Mendaña de Neira Alvaro. He also gave the islands their name - in honor of the Marquis of Cañete, the then viceroy of the Spanish colony of Peru.

Interestingly, the sparsely populated Marquesas Islands have their own language, which is divided into northern and southern dialects. Moreover, it is the Marquesas Islands that are the main cultural center of Polynesian civilization.

Committing tours to French Polynesia, in the Marquesas Islands you can visit the grave of the artist Paul Gauguin, and also visit Fatu Hiva, where the famous traveler Thor Heyerdahl lived for a whole year, who dedicated an entire book to the island, and appreciate how difficult it was for the participants of the reality show “The Last Hero” on the island of Nuku Khiva.

Tuamotu Islands

Tuamotu Islands for a long time were known among sailors as the “Dangerous Archipelago”: coral reefs and many shoals promised death to ships. But for those who take tours to French Polynesia, they promise true pleasure! Stunning diving and incredibly beautiful scenery combined with warm waters make the Tuamotu an incredibly attractive archipelago for tourists. The two ridges of the Tuamotu Islands were discovered by a Spaniard named Pedro Quiros, but they were actually studied and described by the Russians Bellingshausen, Lazarev and Kotzebue. Therefore, many Tuamotu atolls are named in honor of Rumyantsev, Kutuzov, Kruzenshtern, etc., and the archipelago itself is sometimes listed on maps as the “Russian Islands.”

The Tuamotu Islands also include a mini-archipelago Gambier, and in total the Tuamotu includes several groups of islands, partly uninhabited, partly inhabited, and on some there are only about a hundred people who are always happy to provide a good time for travelers making tours to French Polynesia.

These are the Dieu Group Islands, Desappouentman Islands, which includes the first island of French Polynesia discovered by Europeans. Puka-Puka, Duke of Gloucester Islands (uninhabited Anuanuraro, Anuanurunga, Nukutepipi and the minimally populated island of Hereheretue), Far Eastern Tuamotu Islands, Hao Islands, King George Islands, Palizer Islands, Raevsky Islands, Hikueru Islands and the Gambier Archipelago, which stands alone.

Gambier Islands

It is placed in a separate category because the language used on the Gambier Islands is closer to what is used on the Marquesas Islands, and the Gambier archipelago, unlike the Tuamotu, is not of coral, but of volcanic origin. On one of the Gambier islands - Mangareva - there is a mountain about half a kilometer high. It is dominated by a tropical climate and its characteristic lush vegetation. There are no cities on the Gambier Islands, and all administrative issues are resolved in the settlement of Rikitea.

Tubuai Islands

Archipelago Tubuai, part of French Polynesia, is located in the Pacific Ocean slightly south of the Society Islands. Tubuai has its own city - Mataura, the “namesake” of one New Zealand river (which proves that the main Pacific peoples have common ancestors).

Tubuai is four volcanic islands (Raivavae, Rurutu, Rimatara and the island of Tubuai, which gives the entire archipelago its name), the coral Maria Atoll and two separate islands that form the mini-Bass archipelago: Marotiri (which is actually a cluster of small islands and rocks) and Rapa Iti . Maria and Marotiri are uninhabited, but the rest are inhabited by between five hundred and two thousand people.

Tubuai Islands They have a humid tropical climate with a predominance of trade winds. The lowest temperature here is about +24, and the highest is about +31.

How do Polynesians live?

Planning tours to French Polynesia, many travelers are interested in how the Polynesians themselves live and how much remains of the legendary exoticism of the South Seas?

Today, the population of French Polynesia is mainly occupied with serving guests - about a quarter of the total income of the “overseas community” comes from tourism. However, the Polynesians do not forget about their original craft - pearl fishing, which is very highly valued on the world market. And of course, fishing flourishes here - in particular, the procurement of shark meat. By the way, as for daily bread, coconuts are collected here, vanilla and coffee are grown. And it’s better to immediately prepare to accept the fact that in some places in French Polynesia dogs are traditionally fattened for meat; Whether we like it or not, this is the national tradition.

Polynesian culture

The main island of French Polynesia, Tahiti, has changed in many ways due to many years of European influence. Here you can rarely see authentic Polynesian huts or people dressed in non-European clothes. But on the Tuamotu Islands they still build huts from palm leaves. But to see the clothes and jewelry that Polynesians wore in ancient times is almost unrealistic. True, dances and music based on original percussion and wind instruments are still performed today - see such a performance even outside the next festival during tour of French Polynesia is quite real!

But French polynesia has kept its culinary traditions virtually unchanged. And then say: why change anything if fish, seafood, coconuts and tropical fruits - here they are! Here you can try the freshest shrimp and fish, which are eaten raw after soaking in lemon juice (sometimes with coconut milk). The original roast meat is also available, which Polynesians have been cooking for centuries in an earthen oven called “ahimaa” on hot stones.

Another feature of local cooking is the custom of wrapping the dish in banana palm leaves before immersing it in an earthen oven. Food prepared in this way is called tamaaraa. It’s interesting that they cook this way not only in the periphery, but also in the capital’s restaurants in Tahiti!

In French Polynesia, every serving is accompanied by breadfruit and bananas (in particular, fried ones). It is also worth being prepared in advance for the fact that in French Polynesia mangoes, papaya and pineapples are used in a completely unexpected way (for example, in combination with fish or meat).

As for the actual products, in addition to fish, Polynesians value and love pork. Recipe No. 1 – so-called. “fafa”, suckling pig with spinach.

What do you need to know when planning tours to French Polynesia?

Usually, when going to distant exotic lands, travelers get vaccinated against rare diseases and stock up on bottled drinking water on the spot. In this case, none of this is required - strict French rules and excellent medicine guarantee health safety, and tap water can be drunk without fear. What you really need to take care of is choosing shoes with good soles (coral atolls are always filled with small pebbles and prickly sea life near the shore). By the way, it is also better to swim on the islands in flip-flops, in order to avoid close acquaintance with sea ​​urchins and corals. But there are no poisonous insects or reptiles in French Polynesia!

As for accommodation, French Polynesia has a whole range of hotels with consistently high-quality service (after all, tourism is what makes the islands prosperous). Committing tours to French Polynesia, do not miss the opportunity to stay in one of the guest bungalows - either on the shore or right in the water (such bungalows are installed on stilts). Breakfast at these hotels is delivered by small boats that sail right to the entrance!

To get in real paradise It’s not so easy on the ground: you have to overcome a long flight. However, the amazing beauty of the fabulous place and the peace that reigns on the islands of French Polynesia are worth seeing with your own eyes. Here there is everything that a person needs who has decided to give up problems. Located at the very edge of the world, this untouched magical place attracts travelers who can afford a luxurious holiday.

Some facts about the distant islands

French Polynesia, which has had the status of an overseas community of France since 2004, is made up of 118 islands. 25 of them are uninhabited, and the rest welcome guests all year round. The islands of French Polynesia, occupying five million km 2 of water, are located in the South Pacific Ocean, between Australia and South America.

The word "Polynesia", which comes from the Greek language, translates as "many islands", and this name was assigned to the territory taken under the protection of the French Republic in the 19th century. The overseas community of France has customs autonomy and its own government, which signs international treaties with other countries. However, it is not part of the EU.

The list of islands of French Polynesia consists of 118 names, but they include only five archipelagos: Tuamo, Marquesas Islands, Society Islands, Gambier and Tubuai with a total area of ​​four thousand km 2.

Population of the islands

For more than one and a half thousand years, the territory, which delights with the exotic brightness of its colors, was inhabited by Maori tribes, who left for their descendants the ruins of ancient sanctuaries and stone pyramids, the walls of which were painted with intricate drawings. And most of them have not yet been deciphered by scientists.

About 80% of the population are Polynesians. The most populated are the Aborigines who do not live in the mountains, but prefer to live near the ocean shores.

Coral and volcanic islands

The islands of French Polynesia, having different origins (volcanic and coral), are located far from civilization, which is an advantage for many tourists. The archipelago is inhabited by about 280 thousand people, and the main activity that generates income for the indigenous residents is tourism.

Islands created after volcanic eruptions are special places. Incomparable corners that survived the invasion of scorching lava several million years ago have changed forever. Mysterious canyons and deep gorges have retained in their appearance the imprint of formidable processes that took place even before our era, and this is precisely their gloomy charm.

As scientists have recently established, volcanoes on the islands, together with tectonic plates, are shifting by several centimeters, and many even go under water. It is quite possible that they will soon disappear from the surface of the earth and only atolls will remain, which are increasing in length and height every year.

Other areas of land, formed by clusters of coral, are rounded golden sandy plains that contrast with the turquoise of the ocean. Rising several meters above the water surface, they differ in appearance from islands of volcanic origin. The beautiful lagoons are surrounded by huge coral reefs, and majestic coconut palms grow on the ground.

Climate and weather

The islands have a tropical climate with cool sea breezes. November marks the beginning of the hot and humid season, which lasts until March inclusive. At this time, tropical downpours, severe hurricanes and storms are possible, and destructive cyclones are observed in January.

But most often tourists come here from April to October, when there is no sweltering heat and precipitation. However, you need to be prepared for gusts of wind with unpredictable temper, because the elements very often show their character. Daytime air temperature throughout the year does not fall below 20 o C, and humidity is 92%.

Iles de la Societe

The Society Islands, named by the famous traveler D. Cook, are home to the majority of Aboriginal people. The archipelago, bearing traces of volcanic origin, looks mysterious, and tourists gaze enthusiastically at the dark outlines of the peaks of extinct giants that once spat fire. Opened in the 18th century, it consists of several administrative divisions, including two groups - the Windward and Leeward Islands.

Main island of the archipelago

The most popular and largest island is sunny Tahiti. On the world map it can be found in the central Pacific Ocean. Since it is located near the equator, there is no usual change of seasons. This paradise, part of the Windward Islands, attracts all exotic lovers. Densely populated Tahiti, formed over three million years ago, is covered in towering mountain peaks and emerald forests.

The cultural and economic center of French Polynesia is of great interest to tourists. According to researchers, the highest standard of living is observed here. Cozy restaurants, fashionable shops and the famous Black Pearl Museum attract thousands of visitors. Most vacationers, who have no idea on the world map, dream of relaxing on the luxurious beaches of the island. However, it is worth warning that there are not so many of them as it might seem at first glance. The most convenient place for swimming and sunbathing is Pointe Venus. Guests of this charming corner are delighted by the beaches with sand of a rich black hue, which they acquired due to their volcanic origin.

Administrative center

The capital of French Polynesia, Papeete, is located on the main island of the archipelago. IN administrative center An international airport has been built with modern skyscrapers, fashionable hotels, a large number of fashionable shops, and beautiful villas. The compact city is conducive to walking and cycling.

Here you can buy real black pearls, buy mother-of-pearl, various shell souvenirs, and fruit liqueurs. The capital is adored by shopaholics all over the world, who buy high-quality products from popular French manufacturers.

The picturesque island of Bora Bora

Situated in a beautiful lagoon that protects from strong hurricanes and violent waters, Bora Bora (French Polynesia) is a huge mountain range with three high peaks. Consisting of several islands, it is famous for its luxury resorts, which are located in colorful local villages. World celebrities and aristocrats who stay in luxury hotels choose to holiday there. Tourists who dream of a secluded holiday and do not want to give up all the delights of civilization will be able to fulfill their dream and live in a bungalow over the water.

Lost at the end of the world, located in the northwest of Tahiti and belonging to the Leeward Islands, it is one giant beach, and tourists can enter the water from any place.

Favorite island among newlyweds

Not far from Tahiti you can find the wonderful island of Moorea, famous snow-white beaches and pineapple plantations. Created by Mother Nature in a shape reminiscent of a heart, it attracts lovers from all over the world. This curious appearance is given to it by two symmetrically located bays - Cook and Opunohu, which appeared as a result of a natural disaster millions of years ago.

Those who can afford to get married in a fabulously beautiful corner rush here to unite their lives. However, it is worth knowing that local documents do not have legal force, so it is best to get married in your own country and come to the island of Moorea to get aesthetic pleasure from beautiful wedding rituals.

Sights of an amazing place

The fairy-tale place, to which the jagged spiers of a dilapidated volcano add color, attracts not only lovers. Tourists climb to the Belvedere observation deck, which offers fantastic views of the bays and mountains. Moorea is adored by historians who study the ruins ancient temple Titiroa Marae, and all vacationers will be interested in visiting the cultural center Tiki Theater Village.

It will allow you to see what a Polynesian village looked like at the moment when a European first set foot on the island. Guests will learn a variety of crafts in French-built thatched huts. The center's workers are engaged in tattooing and wood carving, making fabrics and musical instruments, and weaving wreaths from exotic flowers. And those who find themselves in a house floating on the waves will see how black pearls are artificially grown. The staff, dressed in traditional costumes, will demonstrate colorful wedding ceremonies, and a fun dance show, where guests are treated to a delicious punch, will leave no one indifferent.

Ideal place for divers

The picturesque island of Rangiroa (French Polynesia) is the largest atoll located in the Tuamotu archipelago. The favorite corner of divers, whose name translates as “immense sky,” is a picturesque place that makes you fall in love at first sight. All his entertainment is connected with water, famous for its incredible transparency.

Surrounded by corals, the atoll from a bird's eye view resembles a huge necklace resting on the water.

The most mystical place

Aborigines consider the island of Hua Hin (French Polynesia), nicknamed “wild,” as the custodian of the oldest local culture, and this statement is not accidental. The mystical corner, recognized as the main archaeological center, surprises with a huge number of artifacts. Plots found here ancient civilization, dating back to 900 BC, with a large number of objects buried in the ground.

Tourists are also attracted by natural mysteries, and every vacationer dreams of seeing the unique “green ray” phenomenon. When the sun goes below the horizon, emerald reflections flash, formed due to the refraction of light in the Earth's atmosphere.

Desert Islands

The vast Tuamoto Archipelago, which locals call the "strand of pearls of Tahiti", consists of 78 coral atolls. Most of them are unsuitable for life, and they gained fame thanks to the extraction of black pearls. Farms for growing the precious mineral of animal origin are considered the basis of the economy of the islands of French Polynesia. It is here that the most beautiful and perfect dark-colored pearls are collected. Maori legends say that they are the first flashes of light given to Tāne, the god of birds and forests. People come here not only to admire the coral gardens and picturesque lagoons, but also to do aquatic species sports

Gambier is a miniature island of volcanic origin, where tourism is not developed. This is a very remote part of the land, the main attraction of which is the pearl plantation.

Austral (Tubuaí) is an island that is also not affected by tourism. Consisting of five islands, it is not popular among holidaymakers.

Mysterious Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia), located near the equator, are considered the most mysterious. A paradise untouched by man, covered with lush vegetation, captivates at first sight. It is simply impossible to describe the beauty of this amazing corner consisting of 12 islands. The archipelago, whose name translates as “Land of Men,” is where the famous Paul Gauguin once sought inspiration and found his final refuge. Next to the brilliant impressionist lies Jacques Brel, a Belgian poet and actor. Tourists can venerate the graves or take exciting walks along the green slopes. In addition, they are offered excursions on horseback, and no one refuses the temptation to see stunning panoramas and capture them on video.

French Polynesia, which has preserved its originality and is developing its tourism infrastructure, is always happy to welcome guests. If there is a real paradise on earth, then it is located at the very edge of the world, where virgin nature and civilization ideally combine. It seems that time has stopped on the islands, and you want to forever enjoy the beauty of the magical corner.

In no other place on our planet are there such beautiful, black and perfect-looking pearls as on the islands of French Polynesia. And this is not surprising: it is black pearls that are the first flashes of light, presented by the Creator to Tanya, the ruler of the ten highest levels of the holy Heavens.

Tane made stars out of them and presented them to Ruahata, the lord of the ocean, so that he would illuminate his possessions with them. And then the unique light ended up in the hands of Oro, the god of war, who, having fallen in love with a princess from the island of Bora Bora, decided to give her something beautiful - and created a pearl, enclosing it in a beautiful shell. And when he went down the rainbow, the light of its darkest tones fell directly on the unique case, and the milky-white oyster in it became completely black.

Thus, the most beautiful pearl of our world was created, and the oyster Margarita settled in warm waters Polynesian islands and has been living here for several thousand years (and she liked the local habitats so much that she would never agree to live anywhere else).

The name “Polynesia” is translated from Greek as “many islands,” and the modern name was established at the end of the 19th century, when the French Republic took the islands under its protectorate.

Thus, at the moment, French Polynesia is an overseas community of France, i.e. has broader rights when compared with ordinary departments of this state. It has customs and fiscal autonomy, a separate security system and its own government, which can independently sign international treaties.

Despite the fact that it officially belongs to France, it is not part of the EU and is not automatically included in the international treaties that the French Republic signs.

Where are the Polynesian islands

If you look closely at the world map, you will notice that the islands of French Polynesia are located in the Pacific Ocean, between Australia (5.2 thousand km to the west) and South America (6 thousand km to the east). It consists of five archipelagos, the total area of ​​which exceeds 4 thousand km² on land and 2.5 million km² on water, and they unite about one hundred and eighteen islands:

  • Societies - in the west;
  • Tuamo - in the center;
  • Marquesas - in the north;
  • Tubuai - in the south;
  • Gambier is in the east.

Due to the strong remoteness from the continent, despite the fact that the Polynesian islands are extremely beautiful, there are few endemic animals here: there are almost no mammals, only lizards, insects and birds.

How the islands were formed

Almost all the islands of French Polynesia appeared approximately 50-60 million years ago and, despite the fact that most of them are of volcanic origin, there are also many coral islands, they are easy to distinguish by appearance.

Coral islands (primarily this applies to the Tuamotu archipelago) have an oval, round shape or resemble semirings. They rise only a few meters above the sea, the lagoons are surrounded by coral reefs, and the land consists mainly of sandy plains covered with thickets of coconut palms.

At the same time, the Polynesian islands, which are of volcanic origin, are characterized by: the presence of a volcano and mountainous terrain (the highest point in French Polynesia is Mount Orohena located in Tahiti, whose height is 2241 m), dense tropical vegetation, a huge number of palm and coconut trees and the presence of valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, lagoons.


Geologists have recently discovered that these volcanoes are moving. Together with tectonic plates, they shift several centimeters in a northwestern direction every year. Many of them go under water - so geologists put forward the assumption that in a few million years the islands of volcanic origin will disappear completely and only atolls will remain, which, on the contrary, are increasing their area every year (both in height and in length).

Population

Seventy-eight percent of the local population is Polynesian (78%). They began to settle here in the first century AD. Scientists have suggested that, most likely, these were settlers from Samoa (if you look at the map, it is located 3.5 thousand km to the west, closer to Australia). First, the aborigines settled the Marquesas Islands, then the Communities.


Despite the considerable distance from the continent, the population of the French community exceeds 28 thousand people. The Society Islands are considered the most populated archipelago (about 87% of the population lives here), and the main city of Polynesia, Papeete, is home to more than 26 thousand people (this is 7.5% of the total population). Local residents prefer to settle near the coast, and almost no one lives in the mountains.

Climate

Despite the fact that local residents are convinced that there are two seasons here - warm (from November to May) and cool (from June to October), in fact, the difference between them is noticeable only in the south.

The Polynesian islands are located mainly in the tropical zone, and only the Marquesas are in the subequatorial zone. So it is not surprising that the weather here is almost always good (the average annual temperature is approximately +26°C), the sun shines brightly, and there is little precipitation (however, tropical hurricanes and powerful storms are not uncommon here, and in January quite a few -destructive cyclones).


Thanks to such magnificent weather, plants on the Polynesian islands bloom throughout the year, and during the cool season, flowering reaches its maximum size.

The most famous islands of Polynesia

The largest island of French Polynesia, Tahiti, the island of lovers, Moorea and Bora Bora, with magnificent resorts, where the most famous people on the planet vacation, are considered the most famous islands in the world.

Tahiti

Magnificent nature - waterfalls, rivers, streams, dense forests, Mountain peaks, glades with tropical flowers, magnificent beaches, coral reefs that separate the lagoon from the ocean - the volcanic island of Tahiti is rightfully considered one of the most famous islands in the world (if you look at the map, it is located in the east of the Society archipelago).

Today, it has the highest standard of living throughout Oceania. Since Tahiti has an area of ​​1 thousand km², it is the largest island of French Polynesia. Here on the northwestern coast is The largest city French community and its political and administrative center - Papeete.

Moorea Island

The heart-shaped island of amazing beauty attracts the attention of newlyweds from all over the planet - and those who can afford it come here to get married (especially since Moorea wedding ceremonies here are extremely beautiful and interesting).

Since local marriage documents are written on the bark of a palm tree, they do not have legal force, so before visiting Moorea it is better to take this into account and get married in advance in your country (or later, as it turns out).

If you look at the Society's map, you will notice that Moorea is located 17 km from Tahiti in a northwest direction. This island is not very large - its width is 10 km, and its amazing shape is given by two small bays in the north, which are symmetrically located in relation to each other.

They appeared, as geologists explain, as a result of a natural disaster: Moorea used to be much larger, but after the volcano located in the northern part of the island collapsed during a powerful eruption, half of Moorea went under water. And the rim of the crater that remained on the surface was eroded, forming jagged peaks and spiers that gave the island an interesting shape. Despite its small size, there are eight mountains on the island.

Moorea will be interesting to visit not only for lovers, divers or those who like to relax among magnificent nature, but also for historians and cultural experts: here are the ruins of an ancient Polynesian temple - Marae Titioroa, and also a cultural center where you can see what the local village looked like in when the island was discovered by Europeans (1521).

A visit to the reconstructed village of Moorea will be quite educational, as here the center workers will demonstrate to tourists:

  • the art of tattooing by the ancient inhabitants of Moorea;
  • will show how tapa fabric is made;
  • will introduce you to wood and stone carving;
  • will demonstrate how the people of Moorea prepared their own food;
  • will conduct a master class on making musical instruments;
  • They will teach you how to weave wreaths from tiares - this flower has long become a symbol of French Polynesia.

Bora Bora

Celebrities like to relax on the island of Bora Bora (on the map it is located in the northwest of Tahiti, at a distance of 240 km) - here are the most comfortable, luxurious, and therefore the most expensive hotels in French Polynesia. If you wish, you can stay here in bungalows located over the water.


The island itself is a mountain range with three peaks that were formed in the crater of a long-extinct volcano. Bora Bora consists of several islands - one central one and motu (small coral islands).

The main attraction of Bora Bora is a lagoon surrounded by coral reefs with an extremely rich underwater world: in its center there is an open aquarium (lagunarium), behind the glass of which you can see barracuda, huge stingrays and even sharks, which tourists are allowed to feed under the strict supervision of an instructor.

French Polynesia is known throughout the world as one of the most exotic regions in the Pacific Ocean. This is a huge water area that includes 118 islands of different scale and local color. The territory is the property of France, a country that earned the status of “colonial ruler” several centuries ago. For a leading European power, this overseas land is a real tasty morsel - very profitable and promising. Every year the number of people wishing to plunge into the atmosphere of picturesque nature, the amazing underwater wealth of the ocean and an amazing holiday on the most fashionable beaches is increasing.

Islands where harmony lives

Five archipelagos - Societies, Tuamotu, Marquesas Islands, Tubuai, Gambier - make up the islands of French Polynesia. Located in the southern region Pacific Ocean, they occupy a total area of ​​about 4 thousand square meters. km. A distinctive feature of this region is the contrast of the local landscape. The islands impress not only with their azure shores, sandy beaches, but also dense tropical forests.

These 2.5 million square kilometers of total area can be compared to the territory of the European Union. But a particle of solid soil in Polynesia will surprise you with its small size. The land here occupies a little more than 4 thousand square meters. kilometers. If you add up all the islands, you get something like the island of Mallorca. But it is not its size that catches you in this corner of paradise, but its intangible beauty and amazing uniqueness of nature. As for the population, the island of Tahiti is considered the most inhabited. It also leads in the number of tourists flying to the island every year.

The Polynesian islands form groups characterized by certain features.

  • Society Islands. This group includes the so-called Windward and Leeward Islands. This group of islands is inhabited by greatest number people throughout French Polynesia. There are high mountain slopes covered with dense tropical forests. The local beauty is emphasized by coral reefs. The most famous island of this group is Bora Bora.

  • Tuamotu Islands. In some sources they received the romantic name “Strand of Tahitian Pearls”. The area received this name due to its large-scale black pearl resources. It is also home to one of the largest coral atolls in Polynesia. The primary name of the Tuamotu stands for “distant islands.”

  • Marquesas Islands. 15 islands, strewn with mountain slopes, are located on the equator. Of all the lands, only 6 are inhabited. It is interesting that the system of islands is called “mysterious”. Most likely, this is due to the unusual nature that creates an unusual, unique world.

  • Gambier Islands. These islands are closely adjacent to the Tuamot, but are still considered separate due to differences in culture and language. The unique lifestyle and landscapes truly allow Gambier to be a world unto itself.

  • Austral Islands. If you are tired of society and want to be alone, this place is the ideal point of arrival. These islands are sparsely populated. Many of them do not know human traces at all.

French Polynesia: interesting facts

Unusual territory, exotic nature and unique animal world made the islands of French Polynesia filled with various mysteries and sacraments. A lot of interesting facts attract the attention of not only tourists, but also lovers of everything unusual, unique, inimitable. For example, have you ever guessed that:

  • You won't find snakes on the Polynesian islands. This applies not only to poisonous representatives, but to the entire class of creeping creatures;
    Polynesia is considered the birthplace of tattoos;
  • The stars are considered the best compass here. Local population developed its own star navigation system, with the help of which ancient sailors got to the desired islands using maps in the night sky;
  • Taaha Island can easily be called vanilla, because a huge amount of this delicate, aromatic plant grows here.
  • Moorea Island is the footprint of a dinosaur. What would you think if you saw it from a bird's eye view?

  • The local population knows what it means to seize the moment and not rush things. Dinner for a typical Polynesian family will take 3 hours. This is what it means to enjoy a meal and feel every note of the prepared delicacy.

There are many such interesting facts hidden on the islands. Everyone who returns from this paradise, can name amazing things that will be remembered for a lifetime. It could be an unusual fish with a bright color, an exotic fruit with an inexplicable taste, or a different sunset of the tired sun every evening. There is some kind of good magic and an amazing fairy tale on the islands of French Polynesia.