French polynesia. Guide to French Polynesia Society Islands in French Polynesia

French Polynesia is located in the South Pacific region. Its maritime borders intersect with the Republic of Kiribati, Cook Island and the Pitcairn Islands, an overseas territory of Great Britain. This exotic archipelago is widely known on the tourist map of the planet. It is famous as an excellent place for a luxurious holiday, where thousands of travel fans from all over the world come every year to soak up the soft rays of the sun.

Peculiarities

French Polynesia, tours to which are very popular among Russian travelers today, includes 118 islands of various sizes and shapes. In terms of the type of holiday, its specifics, appearance, price parameters and level of service, a large-scale resort can be compared with the Maldives, which adorn the expanse of the Indian Ocean. The overseas community of France territorially occupies half of the Pacific region of Polynesia. It is divided into several groups of islands, only part of which has a permanent population, which is also interesting in French Polynesia.

Hotels here are presented for tourists with different income levels. The legal and legislative system is in accordance with the French constitution. At the same time, the main economic spheres of activity here are tourism, fishing and agriculture, and in some places dairy and meat farming is also developed.

The influence of civilization was reflected in the traditions and original culture of the islanders. In some areas, you can still find huts made from palm leaves and tree branches. Local residents in this place observe the laws of their ancestors, who live without the slightest regard for the development of the surrounding world.

Interestingly, the industrial sector here is represented by the processing of grown vegetable and fruit crops, as well as the production of souvenirs. Material support from France is of great importance for the development of the community. The population is dominated by Chinese, Polynesians, with a small proportion of French-Polynesian mestizos and Europeans. Christianity is the main religion here.

French Polynesia on the world map

The islands of this region are of coral and volcanic origin. The highest point is the peak of Orojen, which rises almost 2240 meters above the Pacific surface. The windward slopes abound with green, dense forests, which are combined with banana and coconut-banana plantations. At the same time, herbaceous vegetation mainly predominates on the leeward slopes.

In this place the fauna is not very diverse. It is represented mainly only by insects, birds and lizards. Much richer and brighter colors fill the expanses of coastal waters, home to amazing marine species that delight divers. The main advantage is the complete absence of poisonous species on land, and the ecology, which allows you to drink tap water.

general information

French Polynesia occupies an area of ​​about 4000 km². Holiday prices here are quite high - a week-long tour costs at least 50,000 rubles. The population is almost 290,000 people. The official language here is French, although local residents also speak Polynesian dialects. English is widely spoken in famous tourist centers and resorts. The national currency is the French Pacific franc. Time lags behind Moscow by 12 hours in summer, and by 13 in winter.

Excursion into history

Polynesian settlements began to emerge on the lands of the archipelago at the very beginning of our era. In the first half of the 16th century, the islands were discovered by the famous navigator Ferdinand Magellan, who discovered the Tuamotu island group. France declared the main part of this region as a protectorate in 1842, including the Community Islands with the Marquesas Islands, Tahiti, the Tubuai and Tuamotu island groups. French Polynesia began to be called an overseas territory of the country in 1946, and 58 years later it was recognized by the community.

Climate

It has a predominantly trade wind tropical climate. In the north, subequatorial climate predominates, and in the south, humid subtropical climate predominates. During the rainy season (November - May) the heat stays around +30˚C, accompanied by strong humidity. At the same time, severe storms and tropical hurricanes are common. Summer and early autumn are more sunny, with the heat dropping by 10˚C, therefore this period is the most favorable time to visit the islands.

Customs regulations and visa

To experience absolutely all the pleasures of being on one of the most colorful and vibrant archipelagos of the Pacific Ocean, a visa is required. It can be issued at any French embassy, ​​indicating that you want to enter the overseas territories of the country. A simple Schengen visa is not suitable here. French Polynesia is a territory whose customs rules comply with the norms and requirements of French legislation.

How to get there?

Unfortunately, there are no flights from the CIS and Russia to the territory of this community. Therefore, travelers who are interested in French Polynesia have to take long flights with transfers in different cities of the world. The most common options are flights connecting in Los Angeles and Paris, and routes from New York to Tahiti Airport are also common. Travel time can sometimes take up to two days.

Transport

Air communication between the islands is well established. It connects about 30 land areas. The bus acts as an overland public transport, but only where there are asphalt roads. There is a ferry service between the nearest islands, and you can always rent a boat or speedboat. The same applies to movement on land: instead of various floating devices, bicycles and cars are rented.

Resorts and cities

The archipelagos of Polynesia have the following names: Gambier, Societies, Australa (Austral), Tuamotu and Marquesas.

The Society Archipelago has volcanic traces of origin. It looks appropriate: brownish-grayish outlines of the peaks of extinct volcanoes, overgrown with lush vegetation in the lower part. In addition, lush thickets of bushes are its usual appearance.

High mountains of palm trees rise above the tropical forests, together with the low-lying green part they create the basis of the border that forms the crown. An amazingly beautiful lagoon splashes in its center. The royal “crown” includes the following islands of French Polynesia: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Huanghin and Moorea.

Tahiti is the main island of the archipelago. Here is the city of Papete, which is visited by many tourists who are interested in French Polynesia. The airport, beautiful skyscrapers, a lot of comfortable villas and luxury hotels, many museums, several temples in the mountains and the city hall of stunning architecture are the main “civilized” attractions of this island.

Among the “uncivilized” ones are the peak of the Orohena volcano, the lake in its crater, gorges, and a magnificent valley. Let us add that one cape of the island is the point at which captains Blythe, Bougainville and Cook moored more than once about 300 years ago. This way an idea of ​​the place will be formed.

Two more dazzlingly beautiful islands: Moorea, shaped like a heart, and Bora Bora (French Polynesia) are the pearls of these places. They are bright, clean, have excellent beaches of crumbly white sand with fancy corals scattered across the warm surface of their waters.

The lagoons of the islands with the amazing beauty of the coastline are a rare, unforgettable sight. In this place you can admire views of the underwater world, feed tame sharks, and watch huge leopard stingrays.

French Polynesia is structured into five administrative divisions, which include the Leeward and Windward Islands, the Tubuai island group, the Marquesas Islands, and the Tuamotu-Gambier archipelago. At the same time, Mehetia, Maiao, Tetiaroa, Tahiti and Moorea belong to the Windward Islands, and Manuae, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Manupihaa, Raiatea, Motu One, Huahine, Tupai and Tahaa - to the Leeward.

Each of the divisions has its own administrative center, while the capital of the entire community is the city of Papeete, located on the island of Tahiti. It is the main transport hub and seaport of French Polynesia. 26,000 people live here. In addition, it is one of the main tourist meccas of this community, with a scattering of natural and architectural attractions.

Among the resorts we can highlight the islands of Bora Bora and Tahiti, famous for their service, luxurious recreational conditions, fabulous landscapes, and amazing diving. The Tuamotu archipelago and the Marquesas Islands are extremely popular among wealthy tourists, with many atolls named after Russian explorers, scientists and military personnel.

In addition to deep-sea diving and sunbathing, people come here to fish, travel across the Pacific Ocean, engage in water sports or swim in clear, clear water far from civilization. Today, it has become very popular among young wealthy couples to celebrate their wedding here. There are surprisingly many options for spending time on the islands, and each of them will give you a huge amount of pleasant impressions.

A holiday here is an opportunity to experience exactly what paradise is. The proximity of water, the beauty of the island landscapes, the complete absence of fuss and noise and a wonderful, friendly atmosphere make it possible to fully enjoy unity with nature, listening, without interruption, to the singing of exotic birds that serenely stroll along the sandy coast, washed by the clear waters of the ocean.

Kitchen

It is worth noting that local eateries, cafes and restaurants serve a variety of dishes: both masterpieces of French cuisine and delights from other countries. There is almost everything here, from exotic fish to simple French fries, therefore, no one is destined to die of hunger or lack of desired delicacies. There is an extremely rich selection of rare fruits and national drinks, as well as wines. Thanks to all this, French Polynesia is popular.

Hotels here are very diverse. In some elite establishments, the meal is accompanied by dancing, performed by representatives of the local dance school.

Purchases

On the shelves of souvenir shops and shops in resorts and islands of French Polynesia you can often see mother of pearl, shell jewelry and other handicrafts. In addition, famous French wines, fruit liqueurs, various valuable figurines and keychains, pearls, and souvenirs that relate to the characteristics of a particular resort are popular.

It is difficult to see richer and more alluring colors in nature anywhere else in this world. The islands of French Polynesia literally “exhale” this serene beauty into the world, which it is impossible not to fall in love with at the very first sight.True, first you need to get to French Polynesia, and this is not a task for the faint of heart. But heaven shouldn’t be easy to achieve.

Content

General information
French Polynesia is an Overseas Community of France, located in the southern waters of the Pacific Ocean. This overseas community consists of 5 archipelagos: Marquesas, Tuamotu, Society Islands, Tubuai, Gambier. The total area of ​​all the islands is more than four thousand km², the population is just over 268 thousand people. There are approximately 130 islands in total. The largest is the island of Tahiti, on which the administrative center (capital) is located, the city of Papeete. We will look at this island in more detail below.

Climate of French Polynesia
Most of the islands of French Polynesia have a trade wind, tropical climate. The average monthly temperature is in the range of 27°C. — 29°С. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in the period December - March. Mostly in January, destructive hurricanes occur. Along the way, it can be noted that the climatic data of these islands are in many ways similar to the average monthly indicators of the island of Fiji (see).

Air temperature in French Polynesia (Papeete) day and night (by month)

Sea water temperature

Precipitation amount, mm

Tahiti Island
The flight to Tahiti with all transfers is more than 25 hours. All those who have passed this test will receive a light “compensation” at the airport: the hospitable natives present their dear guests with a garland of tiaras. They say that naked Tahitian women greeted Captain Cook with these fragrant flowers!
P The shape of Tahiti resembles a figure eight made up of two islands.

However, not the entire territory is inhabited: people managed to reclaim only a 150 km long coastal strip from nature. Everything else - the jungle, the mountains - remains in its original form.
In Tahiti, as mentioned above, there is the capital of Polynesia - the town of Papeete, where you can stay for a day or two, take a breather after the flight and... spend a little money.

The Pearl Museum in Papeete was opened by Chinese entrepreneur Robert Wang, who decided to tell tourists, if not everything, then almost everything about pearls. And, of course, it is not by chance that this museum appeared in Tahiti. Tahiti is the birthplace of rare (and very expensive!) black pearls. If vacationers decide to buy jewelry made from it, they should consider two points. First, the best shops are located at the museum and in Le Quartier du Commerce. Second, the seller must have a certificate confirming the authenticity of the product.

In Papeete, it’s also worth checking out Le Marche (central market), where they sell souvenirs, hand made by local craftsmen and all kinds of exotic foods. In principle, many tourists come here just for an excursion - the place is very colorful! Gastronomically, a meeting with the Polynesian capital can be celebrated at Les 3 Brasseurs, the only establishment on the islands that has its own brewery.

And now about the high stuff. The French impressionist Paul Gauguin lived and worked in Tahiti. He found his earthly paradise here and even married a Tahitian woman. The Gauguin Museum is located 55 km from Papeete. The grandson of the maestro works there (by the way, he is a bit of an artist himself), who happily retells family legends to tourists.

As for the sea, the beaches in Tahiti will please surfers and other active recreation enthusiasts more than ordinary vacationers. The waves here can be serious, and therefore beach lovers better get on the plane again - and move to another island of the overseas community in the Pacific Ocean - Bora Bora (one of the most beautiful islands in the world!), located within 240 km northwest of Tahiti (see . ).
A short video will help you get a more complete picture of the islands of French Polynesia.

Hotels in French Polynesia
To navigate the huge variety of hotels in Polynesia and get acquainted with their prices, we offer a popular service for searching and booking hotels hotellook.ru

It will help you find housing in the private sector (house, apartment, villa, etc.)service from the company.

Flights to French Polynesia
The Aviasales service will help you book flights online or find out prices.

For more information about booking online air tickets, see the link

Cheapest flights to French Polynesia this month

French polynesia- an overseas community of France located in the center of the South Pacific Ocean. It is bordered in the west by the waters of the Cook Islands, in the northwest by Kiribati, in the north, east and south by neutral Pacific waters, and in the southeast by the waters of Pitcairn.

Includes the archipelagos: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Austral Islands (Tubuai), and the Gambier Islands, which are located near the Tuamotu, and are actually a separate part of the Tuamotu. The total area is 4 thousand km² (land).

The administrative center is the city of Papeete on the island of Tahiti (the largest island of French Polynesia, 1 thousand km²).

The islands of French Polynesia are either volcanic or coral in origin. Most of the Society and Austral Islands, the Gambier and Marquesas Islands are volcanic; coral atolls form the Tuamotu archipelago and are part of several other island groups.

Volcanic islands are mountainous. The highest point of Tahiti (and all of French Polynesia) - Mount Orohena - rises to 2241 m above sea level. Coral islands usually rise only a few meters above sea level.

The river network is developed only on islands of volcanic origin. The rivers there flow in narrow and deep valleys and are replete with waterfalls. There are small lakes on the islands of Tahiti and Huahine. There are no rivers on the coral islands.

Islands of volcanic origin differ sharply from coral atolls in their vegetation. On the windward slopes of the volcanic islands, from the coast to the mountain tops, dense forests rise, consisting of evergreen trees, interspersed with plantations of coconut palms, bananas and other crops. The leeward slopes are dominated by herbaceous vegetation. The coral islands are covered with thickets of coconut palms.

Climate in French Polynesia

The climate in most of French Polynesia is tropical, trade wind.

The islands are conventionally divided into two seasons - warm and humid (November-May) and cool and dry (June-October). In fact, the difference between them is insignificant; the temperature on any day of the year fluctuates between +20..+30°C.

Average air temperature in Papaete in °C, by month: January +30, February +29, March +29, April +29, May +25, June +24, July +24, August +24, September +25, October + 27, November +28, December +29.

The sun shines very brightly in French Polynesia, and there is little rainfall. Rains can range from short-term evening showers to prolonged drizzle lasting up to several days.

There is no sweltering heat here - the cool breeze from the ocean helps you calmly endure the heat.

The islands of French Polynesia are subject to the invasion of tropical cyclones, sometimes of a destructive nature.

Population

The population of French Polynesia as of 2009 is 287,032 people. Urban population: 52% of the total population.

Ethnic composition: Polynesians 78%, Chinese 12%, local French (mainly French-Polynesian mestizos) 6%, French (from the metropolis) 4%.

Protestants 54%, Catholics 30%, others 10%, atheists 6%.

The official language is French (61.3%), the indigenous population speaks Polynesian languages. The languages ​​taught in schools are French and Tahitian (31.4%). English is understood in all hotels and most restaurants.

Currency

French Pacific franc (CFP), 1 EUR ≅ 130 CFP.

The following coins are in circulation: 1 franc, 2 francs, 5 francs, 10 francs, 20 francs, 50 francs, 100 francs. Banknotes in denominations: 500 francs, 1000 francs, 5000 francs, 10000 francs.

Banks are open from 7:45 to 15:30 from Monday to Friday, some are also open on Saturday mornings.

US dollars and euros are accepted for payment almost everywhere, but the exchange rate is different everywhere. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at a bank or in hotels. It is most profitable to have euros with you, which are exchanged at the official rate in all hotels and exchange offices. Dollars are often accepted at a rate that is not the most favorable.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted for payment in hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist establishments. ATMs are widespread in Tahiti and other large islands, but in the periphery they can only be found at bank offices. On small atolls it is almost impossible to use credit cards. Operating instructions at ATMs are usually given in French and English.

Travel checks are accepted for payment at most banks and large organizations. Traveler's checks are often recommended as the best means of bringing foreign currency into the country. To avoid additional conversion fees, it is recommended to use checks in US dollars or euros.

Communications

Calling code: 689

Internet domain: .pf

Single emergency phone number: 15 or 423-456

Police: 17

Communication between local settlements is carried out directly, without the use of codes, using uniform six- or eight-digit numbers.

How to call

To call from Russia to French Polynesia, you need to dial: 8 - 10 beeps - 689 - subscriber number.

To call from French Polynesia to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Landline communications

French Polynesia has a powerful and modern telecommunications system. Direct calls to any country in the world are possible from almost anywhere, from local hotel numbers to street pay phones. Telephone booths operate using cards ("telecarte"), which can be purchased at post offices, hotels and shops.

mobile connection

GSM 900 cellular communications on the islands are excellent. The main islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahaa, Raiatea, Huahine and Rangiroa) are fully covered, small islands are often outside the coverage area, but even there the connection is relatively stable thanks to powerful central repeaters. Roaming with the local Tikiphone SA network is available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators. Local SIM cards can be purchased from Tikiphone SA offices, but it is recommended to check the card directly on your phone before purchasing as some GSM phones are not supported by local operators.

Internet

The Internet is developing quite intensively in French Polynesia. There are a large number of internet cafes in Papeete and the main towns of the islands. However, communication is quite slow and expensive.

Shopping

Shops are open from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00-17.30. Private shops and shops in the suburbs are usually open until 22.00. On Saturdays, large stores close at 11.00.

From French Polynesia they usually bring “monoi” (a special oil to strengthen the tan and soften the skin), crafts made from shells, mother-of-pearl, and fruit liqueurs. And, of course, black pearls are used in jewelry and valuable trinkets.

Local craft products are popular among other souvenirs. The Polynesian culture is broad and varied. On different islands, various ritual, military and household items were produced from wood, stone, bone, etc. Items of utensils, jewelry, key rings and other trinkets made of mother-of-pearl, wood, stone or bone will be offered to you in souvenir shops. One of the favorite motifs of the natives is the sea turtle.

Where to stay

Hotels on the islands of French Polynesia are mostly four to five star. These are real “stars”, without deception and even with more luxury than provided by the European standard, this applies to both the service and the rooms. Usually these are bungalows, some of which are located on the shore, and some on platforms extending into the sea.

Most hotels in French Polynesia have two tariff periods: high: from 1 July (June) to 31 October; low from November 1 to June 30 (May).

Sea and beaches

The places here are not just beachy, but also exclusive in all respects of the resort. Long beaches of white soft sand, turquoise lagoons surrounded by thickets of exotic plants. Moreover, all beaches are considered public, and access to them is completely free.

History of French Polynesia

Polynesians began to settle on the islands of what is now French Polynesia in the first centuries AD. e. Presumably, the migration occurred from the Samoan Islands. The Marquesas and Society Islands were settled first. From the Society Islands, Polynesians at the end of the 1st or beginning of the 2nd millennium AD. e. migrated to the Tuamotu and Tubuai islands.

By the time Europeans appeared on the islands, among the population of what is now French Polynesia, the most developed in socio-economic terms were the people inhabiting the island of Tahiti - an early class state arose there at the beginning of the 19th century.

The first island discovered by Europeans was Puka Puka in the Tuamotu archipelago (Magellan, 1521). The Marquesas Islands were discovered in 1595 by Mendaña, Tahiti in 1606 by Pedro Fernandez de Quiros, Tubuai in 1777 by James Cook, and Gambier in 1797 by Wilson.

In 1842, France took under its protectorate the island of Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Tubuai Islands and the Marquesas Islands.

Since 1880, the status of protectorates was abolished and colonial status was introduced. The power of the Pomare dynasty was destroyed.

In 1946, French Polynesia received the status of an overseas territory of France. All natives of the islands became French citizens.

Since 2004, it received the status of an overseas community.

Many islands of French Polynesia bear second, Russian names: Rurik, Lazarev, Kruzenshtern, Raevsky and others. The Tuamotu archipelago itself has a second name - the Russian Islands. These islands were discovered and described by Russian navigators - F.F. Bellingshausen, M.P. Lazarev, O.E. Kotzebue.

The rituals in French Polynesia are incredibly beautiful. One of the most beautiful rituals is the wedding ceremony. The groom arrives in a canoe, and the bride meets him on the shore. Musical instruments are playing, the shore is decorated with flowers. The bride and groom are then wrapped in a wedding towel and given palm leaves as a marriage certificate. After the holiday in honor of the newlyweds, they get into a canoe and sail away to a neighboring island.

The culture of French Polynesia has largely lost its identity. The island of Tahiti, especially the capital Papeete, is most Europeanized. The houses in this city are predominantly of a European style, and the clothes of the townspeople are also of a European style.

The tradition has been preserved more in the construction of dwellings on the Tuamotu archipelago and other islands on the periphery of French Polynesia - there you can still find huts whose walls and roofs are made of palm leaves. However, traditional clothes are no longer worn there either.

Traditions in food preparation methods hold tighter. In particular, the aborigines still eat fish and shrimp raw (though they are pre-soaked in lemon juice). Many islanders still stew roast meat in earthen ovens, where hot stones create a high temperature.

When visiting the islands, it is worth bringing shoes with reliable soles: many reef areas have sharp pebbles, and the coastal zone is home to prickly marine animals. It is better to enter the water in plastic slippers to avoid cuts and burns from the corals. There are no poisonous animals or insects on the islands.

French Polynesia is a very expensive country. There are no taxes on personal income, but indirect taxes and duties are high, and most items and food products are imported from nearby countries, the closest of which are more than one and a half to two thousand kilometers away. Many goods and services cost 2 times higher than, for example, in Australia or 3 times higher than in the nearby Cook Islands.

A characteristic feature that determines the price level in a particular establishment is the designation of its category with dollar signs - an expensive restaurant is indicated by the inscriptions “$$$$”, and an inexpensive budget restaurant - “$”.

The system of weights and measures is metric.

Tap water in hotels and restaurants is safe to drink.

Although tap water is chlorinated, all water should be considered potentially unfit for consumption, especially during the first days of your stay on the islands. All water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled first. Milk and dairy products are usually pasteurized and are safe for consumption. Meat, seafood and fish are considered safe, but it is still recommended to consume them only after preliminary heat treatment, preferably hot. Vegetables must be thoroughly washed and pre-processed, and fruits must be peeled.

Most islands do not have any dangerous animals. Mosquitoes and sand flies are found on some atolls, but their bites are relatively harmless. The lagoons are home to several species of sharks, as well as rays, moray eels, barracudas, sea urchins and other relatively dangerous animals. On the outer side of the reefs, the fauna is more aggressive, but throughout the entire 20th century, not a single case of shark attack on people was recorded in French Polynesia.

Since the climate is very hot and solar radiation is aggressive, it is necessary to take certain measures against solar radiation, heat damage and dehydration.

Nuclear weapons tests have been conducted on the atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa for almost 40 years. The French government recommends against visiting these areas. However, ships simply do not go to those areas, and it will be difficult to rent a plane.

How to get there

There are no direct flights between Russia and French Polynesia.

The most popular, shortest and also visa-free option (but more expensive than flights from other airlines) is the flight Moscow - Tokyo airlines Aeroflot or JAL plus connecting airline flight Air Tahiti Nui Tokyo - Tahiti with an overnight stay in Tokyo. A Japanese visa is not required if you stay in the country for up to 72 hours.

Less popular (due to the need to obtain a US visa), but relatively inexpensive airline flight Air France Moscow - Paris - Los Angeles - Tahiti (Papeete). On the way back there will be a stopover for at least one night in Paris (it is inevitable when flying with Air France; if desired, the period of stay in Paris can be extended), so you will also need a French transit visa. Flight time is more than a day.

Flight Moscow - New York company Delta Airlines+ connecting flight Air Tahiti Nui New York - Tahiti: an American visa is also required. Duration: 24-26 hours excluding connections.

You can also reach French Polynesia via Australia (Sydney) with the airline Air Tahiti Nui or New Zealand (Auckland) with airlines Air New Zealand , Air Tahiti Nui .

Among the island states of our planet, the community of French Polynesia occupies a special place. Its rich underwater world is especially attractive for divers, and the local beaches and tropical exoticism are to the taste of newlyweds.

French Polynesia on the world map

French Polynesia, as a separate island component of the French state, is located in the south of the endless ocean.

This community does not have common borders with other countries. However, it has joint maritime possessions: the country is considered the western neighbor, Pitcairn is the southeastern neighbor, and the northwestern regions have access to Kiribati. French Polynesia also borders the neutral waters of the Pacific Ocean. The coastline of French Polynesia is 2,525 kilometers long.

French polynesia

French Polynesia occupies a relatively small land area of ​​4,167 square kilometers and is home to almost 270 thousand people. The capital of the state is considered to be a city called Papeete. The overseas community includes more than 100 islands, most of them are distributed among:

• 1) Society Islands - this archipelago is considered one of the most densely populated areas of French Polynesia and the most popular resort area of ​​the community. It is located in the west of the country in the tropical zone, so tourists come with special pleasure to the local beaches. The highlight of the archipelago can also be considered the volcanic origin of its islands. The most famous among them have long conquered the hearts of travelers: Tahiti, Moorea, Manuae and Raiatea.
• 2) Tuamotu - the islands of this archipelago are located in the heart of French Polynesia near the sunny island of Tahiti. Sailors consider the local islands to be a particularly dangerous zone, since they are quiet, at first glance, sea and are fraught with a lot of mysteries and troubles: coral reefs, shoals, lowlands and other dangerous obstacles.
• 3) The Marquesas Islands are picturesque expanses of volcanic origin, concentrated in the center of the Pacific region. The mountainous terrain of the islands is responsible for the natural diversity of the territories, and the altitude maximum is called the peak of Oave, reaching 1230 meters above sea level. To reach the archipelago, you will have to travel enormous distances by sea or water, as the Marquesas Islands are among the most remote points in the world. The largest island is Nuku Hiva. Currently, the local government is especially concerned about the problems of drought and soil destruction, so a significant part of the archipelago is designated as nature reserves and natural parks.
• 4) Tubuai - this archipelago is also called the Austral Islands. Almost all of them were formed due to the eruptions of ancient volcanoes, based on magma. These also include the islands of the Bass group, namely Marotiri and Rapa Iti.
• 5) Gambier – The small group of Gambier Islands covers only 31 square kilometers, but they definitely have something to attract the attention of travelers. The Cote d'Azur and the velvety sandy beaches of the archipelago are connected through a sun-drenched lagoon. Unlike the other islands of French Polynesia, the Gambier Islands are not only formed by volcanic activity, but also by coral reefs.

As you know, mountainous, hilly terrain is characteristic of all territories of French Polynesia, which is quite common for volcanic islands. The highest peak of the community is considered to be the peak called Orojena, which rises 2241 meters above sea level. Coral islands have a more flat terrain, since they rise above the sea only a few meters.

French does not lack freshwater sources, since the local islands boast a well-developed river network. Rivers descend from the mountains into picturesque valleys, and elevation changes lead to the formation of low rapids and majestic waterfalls. On some islands you can even see luxurious emerald lakes, we are talking about the island of Hua Hin and Tahiti.
As for the flora of French Polynesia, the volcanic islands are characterized by lush tropical forests, represented by evergreen trees, among which local residents cultivate entire plantations of banana trees and coconut palms. The islands of coral origin are distinguished only by palm thickets. Since the French archipelagos are far from the mainland, the country's fauna is characterized by an abundance of endemic species, although the local fauna is not as rich as the flora. Birds, lizards and insects are especially common.

National flag of French Polynesia

The color scheme of the main national symbol of French Polynesia has much in common with the official flag of France, as it contains elements of blue, red and white. In the center of the rectangular canvas there is a wide horizontal snow-white stripe along the entire length of the flag. On the sides of it you can see two identical horizontal stripes, also red, which also extend the entire length of the rectangular canvas. In the center of the white color element is a traditional Polynesian canoe. It is depicted on small Pacific waves framed by the golden rays of the sun under blood-red sails.

On board the canoe you can see the images of five people who personify all the island archipelagos of French Polynesia. Ocean waves show the grandeur and richness of the Pacific Ocean, and golden rays represent the triumph of life. The red and white elements on the flag symbolize that these lands belong to France. The basis for the creation of this national symbol of French Polynesia was the traditional flag of Tahiti. It acquired its modern appearance in November 1984.

Climate features of French Polynesia

The climate of French Polynesia was formed based on the geographical location of the community in the tropics, as well as under the influence of trade winds. However, the length of the archipelagos has led to significant weather differences between the northern and southern regions of the country. The northern Marquesas Islands are generally dominated by a subequatorial climate, and in the south there is a serious temperature difference between summer and winter.
The Tubuai Islands have humid subtropical weather. Maximum temperatures occur in November-May under the influence of northwestern winds. In addition, during the same season there is a maximum precipitation - about 1700 millimeters over six months. The wet period is characterized by heavy rainfall, which can last even for several days. Sometimes strong ocean storms and powerful tropical hurricanes occur, which greatly spoil life for the population of the Tuamotu and Tahiti islands.
June is the dry season in French Polynesia, when temperatures even drop to 21 degrees Celsius. Average annual temperatures in the archipelagos range from 22-26 degrees plus, and annual precipitation often reaches 3.5 thousand millimeters.

Holidays in French Polynesia
and local attractions

French Polynesia is included in the list of the safest, because here you can enjoy amazing tropical exoticism, presented with the chic of French manners. The only thing you should pay special attention to on the beach is your shoes, since on wild beaches you can injure your feet on the sharp corals protruding from the sands. Fortunately, in the local forests and palm thickets there is no need to be afraid of poisonous insects and snakes. You should not forget about hats to avoid dizziness and loss of consciousness from excess bright sunlight.
As souvenirs from French Polynesia, you can always bring a nice pearl necklace or any other pearl-based jewelry. The local Pearl Museum is definitely worth a visit. All kinds of skillful crafts made from wood are also considered a popular purchase. If you love seafood and fish dishes, then the local traditional cuisine will definitely suit your taste. The local chefs prepare truly unique sauces and marinades that you simply cannot help but fall in love with. Many hotel complexes of the overseas community practice luxurious buffets in the evenings, which are accompanied by colorful traditional events and national dances.
As for local attractions, there is definitely no time for boredom. During the day you can visit the colorful markets. The variety of products provided will definitely suit your taste. It is worth making time to visit the sacred mountain called Mt. Rotui. Connoisseurs of ancient architecture will be interested in visiting the ruins of an ancient temple.
However, the real highlight of French Polynesia is the underwater world of the surrounding areas. It is the coastal zone of the country that accounts for the lion's share of local attractions. If you love diving and appreciate high-quality service, then such an underwater trip will be the most unforgettable. Not only is the colorful ocean floor strewn with corals and colorful pebbles impressive, but also the inhabitants of this fairy-tale world: colorful schools of miniature fish, huge spotted stingrays and old turtles. Almost every major island in French Polynesia has a professional diving center, so you'll have plenty to choose from.

Moscow tour operator AS-travel received the Travel.ru Star award in the category The best travel agency operating in Russia across Oceania(including French Polynesia) according to the results of an all-Russian vote among tourists held in 2011.

All you have to do is say: “ Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora..."- and a turquoise lagoon framed by coconut palms will open before your eyes, and the mysterious smiles of Tahitian girls from the paintings will flash Paul Gauguin. Open Polynesia, its hospitality, culture, flowers, scents, songs and dances, white and sandy beaches, Tahitian friendliness and French " art de vivre"(the art of enjoying life), water sports and amazing mountain excursions! You are transported from island to island, like in a fairy tale from one wonderland to another. These are the colors of paradise landscapes and the sweet smell of tropical flowers, these are unforgettable adventures on the other side of the Earth.

Geographical location of the Tahiti Islands

French Polynesia is part of Polynesia proper, which in turn is part of the global region of Oceania. Possessions France in the eastern part Pacific Ocean make up 118 luxurious islands. The islands are united into 5 archipelagos: Societies, Tuamotu, Marquesas Islands, Tubuai, Gambier.

IN archipelago of the Society the most famous islands: Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine.

Tiare ( Tiare) – the name of a plant whose flowers are considered a symbol French Polynesia. According to the legend of local residents, the tiare is a sacred flower, loved by the gods. Captain Cook and captain Bly The aborigines also encountered tiares. Jack London wore a tiara crown. AND Paul Gauguin, And Somerset Maugham, And Pierce Brosnan, And Jack Nicholson. This is not surprising: all tourists wear tiaras with delight. It's surprising that despite this, residents still wear them Tahiti. When you see this, you understand: they don’t lead you by the nose, they don’t put exotic things on your ears, they really share life with you. And tourists are put garlands of tiaras around their necks right at the airport. To each! Tiare Tahiti, Tahitian gardenia, - main flower Polynesia. Obviously: you are already in heaven.

From 5 to 8 December on Tahiti a holiday is taking place that has already become traditional. It is based on the women's movement Tahiti, which originated back in 1962. The first flower festival was timed to coincide with the opening of the first nurseries in the country. Since 1985 feminists Tahiti They hold the Tiare festival every year. Today it is a kind of floristry competition in which both amateurs and professionals take part. Competitions are held in two categories – small composition and large. In the second category, the area of ​​the flower garden must be at least 50 square meters! Naturally, an indispensable condition for the competition is the use of the Tiare flower in the compositions. Recently, foreign companies specializing in floristry and local travel agencies have drawn attention to the festival. The latter is due to the fact that the flower festival invariably attracts tourists, many of whom claim that they have never witnessed such a colorful and cheerful holiday before.

It is interesting that Tahitian men usually wear a bud behind their ear, while women wear an open flower. A bud is something brutal, a flower is feminine and delicate. If a pregnant Tahitian woman sees herself plucking a tiare flower from a bush in a dream, it means that she will give birth to a girl. And if it’s a bud, then, on the contrary, it’s a boy. And if, not in a dream, but in reality, a man walks around the city with a blooming flower behind his ear, this leads to corresponding thoughts. So, in order to avoid any kind of ambiguity, check at what stage of opening the tiara with which you decide to decorate your ear is. A tiara can also tell you something about your temperament and marital status. If, for example, you wear it behind your right ear, it means you are alone and ready for adventure. If you are on the left, you are married or engaged, and any coquetry is inappropriate. And if you have a flower behind both ears, it means you are married and despite this, you are ready for any adventure. Finally, a tiara flower in the hair of a young girl hints to all interested parties that this girl has matured. And if she is pretty, then it’s better not to hesitate, but to start by asking her some international stupidity. For example: “Girl, what time is it?”

By the way, until the missionaries introduced the aborigines to the dial and hands, they recognized the time by the flowers of the tiara: the buds open between twelve and two o'clock in the afternoon. And they still didn’t need a more precise time.

Population of Tahiti

In French Polynesia Home to about 270 thousand people. The ethnic composition is very diverse - Polynesians make up up to 78% of the population, ethnic French - 10% (6% live here permanently, and 4% permanently live in the metropolis and come to the islands to work), as well as Chinese and people from other countries of the Southeast Asia - up to 12%. The population is mainly very young - up to 43% of local residents are under 20 years of age.

Features of French Polynesia

Time: the difference with Moscow is minus 13 hours in winter and minus 14 hours in summer. When on Tahiti Sunday noon at Moscow Monday 01:00 in winter and 02:00 in summer.

Cloth: IN Polynesia locals and tourists dress simply. Bring beach and summer cotton clothing. For sea travel on a ship, clothes made of linen and wool are suitable, as it can be cool in the evening.

Languages: French and Tahitian are the official languages. English is also widely spoken.

Currency: The official currency is the Pacific Franc (CFP): 1 Euro ~ 150 CFP. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at a bank or in hotels. Credit cards can be used in hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist establishments.

Transport: The main way to travel between islands is by plane. The local airline company Air Tahiti connects 35 islands with regular flights. There are airports on all the main islands. Between Tahiti And Moorea It is convenient to travel on large passenger catamarans and boats. You can also sail from one island to another on a high-speed catamaran.

Telephone: International telephone service is available on all islands. From a hotel room, 1 minute of conversation with Russia costs an average of 8 euros.

Safety: To enter the country, you do not need to do any vaccinations. The healthcare system is at a high European level. There are no poisonous animals or insects in Polynesia. Tap water in hotels and restaurants is safe to drink.

Car rent: from 55 to 100 euros depending on the class of car.

Banks: open from 7:45 to 15:30 from Monday to Friday, some are also open on Saturday mornings. US dollars and euros are accepted almost everywhere.

Shopping: Shops are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30.

Present: Monoi body butter, shell crafts, fruit liqueurs, black pearls.

Jpg" width="192" height="138" border="0" align="LEFT" style="margin-right:1em; alt=">Nowhere in the world are there such large, such black and such perfect pearls as in Tahiti and its islands. They are incredibly beautiful. And incredibly expensive. Tourists are taken to Pearl Farms - pearl plantations, they explain in detail why even a small round pea costs about $200, how to avoid running into fake pearls and how to store real ones so that your great-great-granddaughter can flaunt them in two hundred years.In short, the point is this: only here, in the lagoons off the islands of French Polynesia, do people live unique oysters called Margarita, whose inside body is black, and not milky gray-white. It is not suitable for food or snacks with wine, but it does an excellent job of giving an ordinary white pearl a shade that car manufacturers call “wet asphalt color” The Japanese, of course, tried to breed such oysters in their own country, as did the Australians, but it didn’t work out: it turned out that these Margaritas are terrible patriots, and they don’t live in other seas.

Just 50 years ago, black pearls grew randomly in lagoons. That is, it could grow, or it could not, depending on whether the wave carried a lucky grain of sand into the oyster, which was destined to become a treasure. But then one wise Chinese named Robert Wang arrived in Tahiti and put this matter on stream: they began to carefully place a white mother-of-pearl core into each suitable Margarita, observe its transformations, provide it with unhindered access to the black body... And so on for 6 -8 years. Of course, this is manual, painstaking and hard work. Of course, at first it seemed to Robert Wang that the carefree Polynesians could not cope with it. Of course, he made sure that his compatriots, who were much more diligent, tinkered with the oysters. And of course, he became fabulously rich. Now this process is led by his son, Bruno Wang. In Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, there is a Black Pearl Museum where Bruno can sometimes be found. He wears moccasins on bare feet and gives no indication that he is a multi-billionaire.

Tips: are not part of Polynesian culture. A smile or nice words will bring more pleasure than leaving a coin.

Customs formalities: Duty-free transportation of 2 liters of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes is allowed.

Required telephone numbers:

• Tahiti Tourist Office: 505-700
• Bora Bora Tourist Office: 677-636, 677-031, 677-236
• Moorea Tourist Office: 562-909
• Hua Hin Island Tourism Office: 688-634
• Single emergency phone number: 15 or 423-456
• Police: 17

Sights of French Polynesia

Flights to French Polynesia

1. airline flight Air France, on the route Moscow - Paris - Los Angeles - Tahiti (Papeete) takes more than a day (American visa required)
2. airline flight Aeroflot" or " JAL"(Japan Airlines) + connecting flight Tokyo - Tahiti airlines" Air Tahiti Nui"with a possible overnight stay in Tokyo on arrival or departure (a Japanese transit visa is not required for a stay of up to 72 hours).

Visa information

The visa is issued at the French embassy, ​​at the Department of Overseas Territories of France. The regular French Schengen visa is not valid.

Consular fee - 45 euros. The minimum processing time is 15 days.

Photo galleries

• Hotel Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa (French Polynesia)
• Hotel Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa (French Polynesia)
• Hotel InterContinental Le Moana Beach Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
• InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea (French Polynesia)
• InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Hotel, Bora Bora (French Polynesia)