French Polynesia

French Polynesia Highlights

French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France, is a dreamlike archipelago in the South Pacific known for its stunning beaches, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant marine life. The capital, Papeete, located on the main island of Tahiti, is known for its bustling market, waterfront esplanade, and the beautiful Paofai Gardens. The island of Bora Bora, with its famous overwater bungalows and Mount Otemanu, is a paradise for honeymooners. Moorea is loved for its lush mountainous landscapes and beautiful bays. The islands are also famed for their Polynesian culture, showcased in traditional music, dance, and art. The cuisine is a blend of French and Polynesian influences with dishes like poisson cru. With its idyllic islands, rich culture, and warm hospitality, French Polynesia offers the ultimate tropical escape.

Top 10 Attractions

Arahoho Blowhole

This natural wonder on Tahiti`s north coast is a roadside attraction where waves crashing into a lava tube create a powerful sea geyser. The Arahoho Blowhole offers a spectacular show, especially during high tide or when the sea is rough. more

This natural wonder on Tahiti`s north coast is a roadside attraction where waves crashing into a lava tube create a powerful sea geyser. The Arahoho Blowhole offers a spectacular show, especially during high tide or when the sea is rough.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is an iconic tropical paradise in French Polynesia, characterized by its turquoise lagoon protected by a barrier reef, and the remnants of an extinct volcano. Its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows are a big draw, offering perfect rela... more

Bora Bora is an iconic tropical paradise in French Polynesia, characterized by its turquoise lagoon protected by a barrier reef, and the remnants of an extinct volcano. Its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows are a big draw, offering perfect relaxation in an idyllic setting.

Fakarava Atoll

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava Atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago is renowned for its pristine ecosystem and exceptional scuba diving opportunities. Its abundant coral and marine life, including sharks, make for an unforgettable underwater explor... more

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava Atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago is renowned for its pristine ecosystem and exceptional scuba diving opportunities. Its abundant coral and marine life, including sharks, make for an unforgettable underwater exploration.

Fare, Huahine

Fare is the largest town on Huahine. It`s a laid-back place with a beautiful beach, a small harbor, and a handful of restaurants and shops. It`s a nice place to experience local life and try Polynesian cuisine. more

Fare is the largest town on Huahine. It`s a laid-back place with a beautiful beach, a small harbor, and a handful of restaurants and shops. It`s a nice place to experience local life and try Polynesian cuisine.

Huahine

Known as the `Garden of Eden`, Huahine with its lush forests, fertile soil, and abundant fruit trees, is one of Polynesia`s best-kept secrets. The island also has well-preserved archaeological sites, including ancient marae (temples) and stone fish t... more

Known as the `Garden of Eden`, Huahine with its lush forests, fertile soil, and abundant fruit trees, is one of Polynesia`s best-kept secrets. The island also has well-preserved archaeological sites, including ancient marae (temples) and stone fish traps.

Marae Arahurahu

This restored marae on Tahiti is the only one in Polynesia that is used for historical reenactments. During the Heiva i Tahiti festival in July, traditional ceremonies, dances, and other cultural performances take place here. more

This restored marae on Tahiti is the only one in Polynesia that is used for historical reenactments. During the Heiva i Tahiti festival in July, traditional ceremonies, dances, and other cultural performances take place here.

Matira Beach

Located on Bora Bora, Matira Beach is one of the most famous beaches in French Polynesia. With its white sand, turquoise water, and surrounding palm trees, it`s a postcard-perfect tropical beach. more

Located on Bora Bora, Matira Beach is one of the most famous beaches in French Polynesia. With its white sand, turquoise water, and surrounding palm trees, it`s a postcard-perfect tropical beach.

Maupiti

Maupiti, often referred to as a mini Bora Bora, is a charming island with pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and friendly locals. It`s a perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility away from the more touristy islands. more

Maupiti, often referred to as a mini Bora Bora, is a charming island with pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and friendly locals. It`s a perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility away from the more touristy islands.

Moorea

Moorea, with its stunning mountain peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lagoon, offers a slice of Polynesian paradise. It`s perfect for a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the local culture in its villages. more

Moorea, with its stunning mountain peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lagoon, offers a slice of Polynesian paradise. It`s perfect for a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the local culture in its villages.

Mount Otemanu

Mount Otemanu is the highest peak on Bora Bora, offering stunning views of the island and lagoon. You can explore its rugged terrain on a 4x4 tour or hike with a local guide. Its impressive profile is a constant backdrop to the island`s scenery. more

Mount Otemanu is the highest peak on Bora Bora, offering stunning views of the island and lagoon. You can explore its rugged terrain on a 4x4 tour or hike with a local guide. Its impressive profile is a constant backdrop to the island`s scenery.

One Tree Island

Also known as Motu Tapu, this tiny islet off the coast of Bora Bora is known for its solitary palm tree. It`s a romantic spot that`s often used for wedding photos, and it`s also a great place for snorkeling. more

Also known as Motu Tapu, this tiny islet off the coast of Bora Bora is known for its solitary palm tree. It`s a romantic spot that`s often used for wedding photos, and it`s also a great place for snorkeling.

Papeete Market

The vibrant Papeete Market is a must-visit in Tahiti. It`s a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture, sample traditional Polynesian food, and shop for crafts, pearls, and souvenirs. more

The vibrant Papeete Market is a must-visit in Tahiti. It`s a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture, sample traditional Polynesian food, and shop for crafts, pearls, and souvenirs.

Paul Gauguin Museum

Dedicated to the French artist who made French Polynesia his home, the Paul Gauguin Museum on Tahiti displays copies of his works and artifacts from his life. Although the original paintings aren`t here, it provides insights into Gauguin`s life and h... more

Dedicated to the French artist who made French Polynesia his home, the Paul Gauguin Museum on Tahiti displays copies of his works and artifacts from his life. Although the original paintings aren`t here, it provides insights into Gauguin`s life and his influence on Polynesian art.

Rangiroa Atoll

Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is famous for its `Blue Lagoon` and `Pink Sand Beach`. It`s a popular destination for diving and snorkeling, offering the chance to see a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins, turtle... more

Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is famous for its `Blue Lagoon` and `Pink Sand Beach`. It`s a popular destination for diving and snorkeling, offering the chance to see a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and manta rays.

Robert Wan Pearl Museum

This museum in Papeete, Tahiti, offers an insightful look into the history and culture of pearl cultivation in French Polynesia. Visitors can learn about the pearl farming process, the art of jewelry making, and the significance of pearls in Polynesi... more

This museum in Papeete, Tahiti, offers an insightful look into the history and culture of pearl cultivation in French Polynesia. Visitors can learn about the pearl farming process, the art of jewelry making, and the significance of pearls in Polynesian culture.

Taha`a Island

Known as the `Vanilla Island`, Taha`a produces about 80% of all French Polynesia`s vanilla. It`s a perfect place to explore traditional Polynesian life, lush landscapes, and pristine lagoons. Don`t miss the chance to visit a vanilla plantation. more

Known as the `Vanilla Island`, Taha`a produces about 80% of all French Polynesia`s vanilla. It`s a perfect place to explore traditional Polynesian life, lush landscapes, and pristine lagoons. Don`t miss the chance to visit a vanilla plantation.

Taputapuatea Marae

Located on Raiatea Island, Taputapuatea Marae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Polynesian ceremonial site is an important part of the region`s cultural heritage and offers fascinating insights into Polynesia`s past. more

Located on Raiatea Island, Taputapuatea Marae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Polynesian ceremonial site is an important part of the region`s cultural heritage and offers fascinating insights into Polynesia`s past.

Teahupo`o

Teahupo`o on Tahiti`s south coast is one of the world`s most famous surfing spots. Known for its heavy, hollow waves, it hosts the annual Billabong Pro Tahiti surf competition. Even if you`re not a surfer, the powerful waves are a sight to behold. more

Teahupo`o on Tahiti`s south coast is one of the world`s most famous surfing spots. Known for its heavy, hollow waves, it hosts the annual Billabong Pro Tahiti surf competition. Even if you`re not a surfer, the powerful waves are a sight to behold.

Tetiaroa

Once a vacation spot for Tahitian royalty and later for actor Marlon Brando, Tetiaroa is an atoll comprising 12 small islets. It`s now home to the luxury eco-resort The Brando. With its rich biodiversity, Tetiaroa is a haven for birdlife and marine s... more

Once a vacation spot for Tahitian royalty and later for actor Marlon Brando, Tetiaroa is an atoll comprising 12 small islets. It`s now home to the luxury eco-resort The Brando. With its rich biodiversity, Tetiaroa is a haven for birdlife and marine species.

Vaipahi Gardens

These beautiful gardens on Tahiti are a great place for a leisurely walk. They are home to various species of plants and flowers, streams, waterfalls, and archaeological sites. It`s a lovely spot for relaxation and picnicking. more

These beautiful gardens on Tahiti are a great place for a leisurely walk. They are home to various species of plants and flowers, streams, waterfalls, and archaeological sites. It`s a lovely spot for relaxation and picnicking.

More