Official name - French polynesia. The overseas community and constituent country is located in the center of the South Pacific Ocean. The area is 4,167 km2. Population - 273,777 people. (as of 2011). Official language- French. The capital is Papeete. The monetary unit is the French Pacific franc.
It borders in the west with the waters of the Cook Islands, in the northwest - with, in the north, east and south - with neutral Pacific waters, in the southeast - with the waters of Pitcairn.
Includes the archipelagos: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Tubuai Islands, and the Gambier Islands, which are located near the Tuamotu, and are actually a separate part of the Tuamotu.
The climate in most of French Polynesia, mainly in the center, is tropical, trade wind. In the north (Marquesas Islands) - subequatorial. In the southern part there are noticeable differences between warm winters and hot summers. The southern islands of Tubuai have a subtropical humid climate. The hottest and wettest season is from November to May, when northwest winds often blow. In the hottest months, the temperature is usually +27+32°C and the air humidity is very high (about 92%), and precipitation falls up to 1700 mm (75% of the annual norm). Precipitation at this time falls mainly in the form of powerful but short-lived evening showers, or prolonged drizzling rains lasting up to several days.
During the dry season (June to October), southeast trade winds predominate. Temperatures drop lowest in July-August (in the south - up to +18+21°C).
Average annual temperatures on most islands range from +22 to +26°C, with slight variations between months. Trade winds and the exposure of the island (slope) determine the climatic conditions and weather on the Polynesian islands. Precipitation - 1500 - 3500 mm.
Story
Some of the islands of French Polynesia are of volcanic origin, some are the tops of large underwater volcanoes. These include most of the Society Islands, Tubuai, Gambier and Marquesas.
Other islands are of coral origin and are atolls formed as a result of the growth of corals on volcanoes that have sunk under water, for example, the Tuamotu Islands. The latter are characterized by large lagoons surrounded by numerous small islands, called motu, about three meters high.
The Norwegian anthropologist and traveler Thor Heyerdahl defended the theory of the American origin of the Polynesians. According to another theory, the ancestors of the Polynesians arrived on the islands from Southeast Asia. Both sides agree that the settlement of Polynesia took place in the X-V centuries. BC. In conditions of relative isolation, a separate Polynesian people, as well as a Polynesian culture, formed here.
The Polynesians did not know metals. They made tools from stones, bones, shells and wood. However, they were skilled sailors and knew how to use the fertile volcanic soil for farming. Fishing, crop production and livestock farming (raising pigs, dogs and chickens) were their main activities, which have largely survived to this day.
Despite the noticeable scarcity of natural resources, the Polynesians managed to create a fairly high culture and, in their knowledge of the surrounding world, developed their own mythology, describing all natural phenomena (the first day, earth, sky, etc.), as well as heaven and hell. Polynesian society was built along class lines: the entire population was divided into four main castes: Aryans (leaders), Tohunga Ahureva (priests), Raatira (landowners) and Manahuna (commoners and slaves). The main concepts of Polynesian life were mana and taboo. Mana - supernatural power, and the leaders and priests had the most mana. Other people lived under a complex system of prohibitions and taboos.
In the XVI-XVII centuries. Europeans visited here: Spaniards, Portuguese, Dutch. Many islands were discovered by Russian navigators and bear unofficially Russian names.
Officially Fr. Tahiti was discovered by the English captain Samuel Wallace in 1767. After him, Polynesia was explored by the Frenchman Louis-Antoine de Bougainville and the Englishman James Cook. They were surprised to discover that on about. The beginnings of a class state had already appeared in Tahiti and the surrounding islands.
The British showed little interest in the distant islands, and France gradually took possession of the latter. Many years of colonization led to a significant decrease in the number of Polynesians, their loss of the best lands and the almost complete destruction of their original culture. Europeans brought with them dysentery, smallpox, typhus and tuberculosis. At the beginning of colonization, the population of the Marquesas Islands was about 100 thousand people, but by the beginning of the 20th century. decreased to 2 thousand people. There are now only 8,632 indigenous Polynesians living here (2007).
In 1946, the archipelago received the status of an overseas territory of France and all Polynesians became French citizens. Since 2004, French Polynesia has the status of an overseas community.
Sights of French Polynesia
The black pearl is the symbol of Tahiti. The island has a world famous Black Pearl Museum. Tahiti is the only place on the planet where black pearls are found in such quantities and of such excellent quality.
Tahitian pearls are a national pride, grown in warm water heated by the bright rays of the sun. Even those, which are famous for the industrial production of pearls, could not achieve such high-quality pearls that come from Tahiti. Accordingly, a holiday in French Polynesia should definitely be crowned with the purchase of first-class jewelry, especially since Tahitian black pearls are several times cheaper in Tahiti and, at the same time, on the island they are naturally of high quality. But there are many fakes of black Tahitian pearls in the world.
When visiting the Black Pearl Museum in Tahiti, you will learn that the pearls of this amazing island are not only black, but also gray, olive, blue, green and even red and purple. And at the Black Pearl Museum you will be taught how to distinguish real pearls from fake ones. The museum also has exhibits telling the history of pearl mining and processing.
Tahiti, which is often called " Love Island", is the largest of the islands of French Polynesia (area about 1045 km 2). Volcanic in origin, the island is a mountainous area formed by the slopes of several dozen peaks, whose peaks rise to a height of more than two thousand meters (the highest point is Mount Orohena, 2241 m ), and a network of deep green valleys between them.Two cones of ancient volcanoes form the vast peninsulas of Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti, connected by the isthmus of the Taravao plateau.
The capital of the island and the entire territory is the city Papeete. Of undoubted interest is a visit To"ata Square, where all cultural events of the capital take place - this auditorium was specially built for various ceremonies and can accommodate up to 5,000 people. Almost all government institutions are located along Bruat Avenue - the office of the High Commissioner, several ministries and the Presidential Palace of French Polynesia. Bougainville Park is framed by the General Post Office building, and in Tarahoi Square rises Pouwanaa Oopa statue - "spiritual father"internal autonomy, as well as the Polynesian Territorial Assembly. A little further along the coast lies the main trading district of Papeete - Vaima-Center, in which many shops, bars, restaurants, etc. are concentrated. Behind the Vaima Center rises Cathedral of Notre Dame Papeete, built in 1875, and restored in the late 90s. Behind the cathedral begins the Missy District, the center of the Catholic Church of French Polynesia, with the Bishop's Residence (XVIII century - one of the oldest buildings in the city).
Moorea Island, formerly bearing the names Eimeo or Aimeho, is located 17 km northwest of Tahiti, and covers an area of 136 km 2 with a population of only 14 thousand people. Moorea is an island of volcanic origin that “grew up” on the surface of the ocean approximately 2 million years ago. Its eight jagged peaks form a true mountain landscape, with the highest point being Mount Tohie (1207 m). Other volcanic cones form several branched ridges that drop into the ocean in numerous capes and bays, which gives the island the appearance of a bird spreading its wings. The island's unique geology forms two large bays - Opunohu on the western side of Mount Rotui, which was once a volcanic crater, and Cook Inlet on the eastern side. The mountain slopes are covered with forests and fruit plantations, and snow-white sandy beaches border almost the entire island. The coral reef is located very close to the shore and has seven channels, three of which are accessible to large vessels.
Tetiaroa Located approximately 40 km north of Tahiti, the island of Tetiaroa is better known as "Marlon Brando Island", in honor of its former owner. This is the only coral atoll in a series of volcanic Windward Islands, small but very beautiful, with magnificent beaches, crystal clear lagoon water and thousands of migrating birds. No more than 50 people live here, but there is a real hotel in the village of Tetiaroa and thousands of people who want to come here on vacation.
Beaches Bora Bora Beach- dream come true. White sand, coral reefs, they make everyone fall in love at first sight. William Blythe, on the famous frigate "Bounty", and Captain Cook: the one who was killed (but not eaten!) by the natives of Tahiti visited this resort. The artist Paul Gauguin was so captivated by the breathtaking nature of the archipelago that he never returned from here to his native France. And this is understandable - it is impossible not to admire the beauty of the many kilometers of beaches of Bora Bora, Burea and Marquis, stretching along the world's largest transparent turquoise lagoons, and the riot of tropical forests, under the black slopes of extinct volcanoes - it is impossible.
Cuisine of French Polynesia
The originality of the cuisine of the islands of French Polynesia lies in the unique combination of cooking traditions of the sea tribes who lived in the south Pacific Ocean and European peoples (the French and Italians). Mixed with all this are recipes from oriental, mainly Chinese, cuisine.
Most French Polynesian recipes contain fresh ingredients. First of all, it grows here in abundance tropical fruits: papayas, pineapples, coconuts, mangoes, bananas, breadfruits, etc. A very important product that makes up the Polynesian menu is fish. It is eaten here in many forms: fried, boiled, cheese, grilled, etc.
A specific feature of national Polynesian cuisine is the method of preparing food. As in ancient times, local dishes are wrapped in banana leaves and baked on hot stones in an earthen oven called Polynesian " Ahimaa". Dishes prepared using this method are called "tamaaraa", and they are present on the tables of both village canteens and refined expensive restaurants.
The most popular dish of the Polynesian people is fish a la tahitienne, which, when raw, is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice and coconut milk. The dish is often prepared Chinese ma'a tinito made from a mixture of pork, beans, Chinese cabbage and pasta.
Few feasts are complete without smoked breadfruit, as well as bananas in all kinds of forms (for example, fried). A beloved dish called " fafa", which is suckling pig with spinach, as well as Tahitian pork, small shish kebabs containing meat, fish or seafood, and pork in a curry and taro root sauce.
Beefsteaks and fried chicken, which have already become international, are common. Don’t forget about the sea creatures cooked in a variety of ways. For dessert, restaurants will offer papaya, mango or banana puddings, as well as papaya salad.
As for alcohol, the choice of drinks is completely unlimited; here you can find a lot of imported alcoholic products.
French Polynesia on the map
4 616It 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. Largest quantity precipitation occurs between December and 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 be more pleasing to surfers and other lovers active rest 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
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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%.
Official language- French (61.3%), indigenous people speaks Polynesian languages. The languages taught in schools are French and Tahitian (31.4%). English is understood in all hotels and most restaurants.
Last changes: 28.04.2013Currency
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 all hotels and exchange offices official rate. 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 ATMs usually provide information in French and English.
Travel checks are accepted for payment at most banks and large organizations. Travel checks are often recommended as the best remedy import foreign currency to 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 system telecommunications. 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. In Papeete and the main cities of the islands there are a large number of Internet cafe. 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 included 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.
Last changes: 05/01/2010Where 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 expected 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.
Last changes: 09/01/2010History 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.
Last changes: 04/28/2013Many 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 wedding ceremony. The groom arrives in a canoe, and the bride meets him on the shore. playing musical instruments, 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 high temperature create red-hot stones.
When visiting the islands, it is worth bringing shoes with reliable soles: in many reef areas there are plenty of sharp stones, and in coastal zone spiny sea animals live. 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 aggressively, it is necessary to take certain measures against solar radiation, heat injury 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.
Last changes: 01/20/2013How 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 .
Last changes: 03/19/2017The end of the world... No other place on the planet deserves such a definition more than French polynesia. Located 4,000 kilometers from the nearest mainland, these 118 islands are in apparent isolation and reliably protected from mass tourism.
However, we have a whole website to talk about tourism. And in this article let's talk about how it works French polynesia geographically, geologically, socially, administratively and economically. To be honest, we know very little about this part of the planet.
French Polynesia: geographical information
French polynesia extraordinarily beautiful. This is a land where the amazing forms of tropical mountain landscapes gently flow into the vastness of the sea and the purity of the sky. This is a single complex in which nothing, not a single small detail, is discordant with the others.
Its size (taking into account the water surface, of course) French polynesia comparable to the EU. It’s just that significantly fewer residents live here permanently - only about 260,000 residents.
Each island of French Polynesia belongs to one of five archipelagos:
- Marquesas Islands - 14 islands;
- Society Islands - 14 islands;
- Tuamotu Islands - 69 islands;
- Tubuai Islands - 7 islands;
- Gambier Islands - 14 islands.
In total, there are 118 islands in French Polynesia, as we noted earlier, and 67 of them are inhabited. The total land area of these islands is 3660 km². Water surface - 507 km². Sea area - 4.8 million km²
The very name - Polynesia— translated from Greek means “many islands.” It may be simple and not particularly creative, but it accurately conveys the essence.
French Polynesia: geographical map
Here is a detailed static map of the archipelagos of French Polynesia. To view a zoomable satellite map, follow the link:
French Polynesia: natural resources
Timber harvesting for domestic consumption and cobalt mining are carried out on the islands. The abundance of fish in coastal waters contributes to successful fishing. Ditto natural resources French Polynesia should be credited with the possibility of generating electricity (hydropower).
Forests cover just over 30% of the islands, and for the needs Agriculture About 12% of the area can be used one way or another. This is arable land and pastures, mainly.
French Polynesia: geology
As you would expect, the islands of French Polynesia are either volcanic or coral in origin. Thus, most of the islands of the Society Islands, Tubuai, and Gambier archipelago are volcanic. But the Tuamotu archipelago is formed by seven dozen coral atolls, which are present to a lesser extent in other archipelagos.
Volcanic islands have a mountainous topography, as expected, with a hill (a former volcanic crater) in the center. Many islands, like Bora Bora, are at that stage of geological formation when the crater is almost destroyed and flooded. Although in outline mountainous terrain The silhouette of the former caldera can still be discerned.
A characteristic feature of coral islands is that they rise above the ocean surface by only a few meters. While the highest point in French Polynesia is considered to be the top of Mount Orohena (2241 meters).
French Polynesia: soils and hydrology
The coral islands are covered with amazing white sand, which is absolutely not suitable for anything except for the development of tourism. Volcanic islands have volcanic soil, which allows banana and coconut plantations to grow here.
On more or less large islands of volcanic origin there are rivers, and on Tahiti and Huahine even lakes. On the coral islands this is very bad, that is, there are no rivers or lakes.
French Polynesia: flora and fauna
The fauna of the land part of French Polynesia is poor and, as a result of long-term isolation, endemic. There are absolutely no large mammals here. There is some diversity among reptiles, such as many species of lizards. Seabirds are also present in some numbers. In general, the animal world could be called poor, but the motley variety of inhabitants of the underwater world helps out. These guys are at arm's length here in the lagoons everywhere.
As for the flora of the land part, it is as endemic as the fauna. There is a sharp difference in vegetation between coral islands and volcanic ones. So, if volcanic forests are covered with dense tropical vegetation, where plantations of fruit trees abound, then for coral islands small thickets of unpretentious coconut palms are already a luxury, although they do occur.
French Polynesia: population
According to the census, the population of French Polynesia in 2012 was 268 thousand people. Of which about 78% are ethnic Polynesians, 12% Chinese, 6% descendants mixed marriages Polynesians and French from the metropolis and 4% are actually these French themselves. About 95% of the population stated that they can speak, read and write fluently. French, although only 70% speak it at home in the family circle. 29% speak Thai and various local dialects at home.
98% of the country's population is literate.
54% of the population consider themselves Protestants different trends, 30% are Catholics, 10% are other religions and 6% are completely atheists.
The population has a solid increase of about 1.4% per year, but recently there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people wishing to immigrate to France or New Caledonia, where the standard of living is somewhat higher. The next wave of immigration is caused by unemployment doubling in 5 years from 11 to 22%.
The population gravitates towards larger settlements such as the capital Papeete, resulting in the area being unevenly populated.
Some household statistics:
- 90.3% of homeowners have running water in their household;
- 95.7% - electricity;
- 17.5% - sewerage;
- 93.6% - toilet in the home;
- 92.8% - shower in home;
- 91.0% - refrigerator;
- 91.4% - dishwasher;
- 18.9% - at least one room with air conditioning;
- 57.2% - at least one computer;
- 42.7% - access to the Internet;
- 89.9% - mobile communications;
- 77.1% - at least 1 car; (but on Tuamotu - 38.5%)
- 12.4% - at least 1 boat (but on Tuamotu - 32%).
Folk crafts in Bora Bora include weaving hats and baskets.
French Polynesia: administrative and political structure
French polynesia administratively divided into 5 administrative districts, which in turn consist of 48 communes. Administrative districts:
- Windward Islands;
- Leeward Islands;
- Tuamotu-Gambier;
- Marquesas Islands;
- Tubuai Islands.
Citizens of the territory are full citizens of France. Throughout French Polynesia, the laws of France prevail.
French Polynesia is governed by a High Commissioner appointed by the President of France. Executive branch- Council of Ministers of the Territory. The local parliament is called the territory assembly. Residents of the islands also elect one French senator and two parliamentarians.
French Polynesia: economy
Tourism is the main economic sector, contributing about a quarter of French Polynesia's GDP. In general, 68% of the working population is one way or another employed in the service sector and, for the most part, in tourism.
About 13% is involved in agriculture. In French Polynesia, vegetables, vanilla, coconuts, bananas, and coffee are grown. They are engaged in breeding meat and dairy cattle and raising chickens. Chickens, by the way, enjoy eating crumbled bananas...
The territory's industry focuses on processing agricultural products. Stream production of souvenirs has been established. Industry employs 19% of the total working population.
The following items are exported: vanilla, coconuts, shark meat and souvenirs.
Imported to French Polynesia: machinery, equipment, fuel, industrial goods and food.
The difference between imports and exports is negative, so if goods worth $200 million are exported, then $1.7 billion worth of goods are imported. The difference, as they say, is obvious. The dependence on the metropolis is colossal, which is emphasized by regular subsidies to the island economy.
French Polynesia: education
All children in French Polynesia receive compulsory and free primary education. Then they can study in 18 secondary schools and vocational schools. The best go to study at:
- Lyceum Paul Gauguin;
- Higher technical school.
It is also worth noting the French Pacific University, which opened its doors not so long ago - in 1987.
French Polynesia: culture
In many ways, Aboriginal culture has been superseded by European and American culture. If in the Tuamotu and in remote parts of French Polynesia you can still find national round huts covered with palm leaves, then in large settlements residents have long preferred European dwellings. National clothes completely out of fashion, they wear strictly European clothes.
The surroundings, of course, are preserved for tourists (25% of GDP after all), but Europeanization is gaining momentum every year. Is it good or bad? The question is philosophical. Rather, it is inevitable.
Tours to 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, total number one hundred 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, - fair 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, invariably lush everywhere in 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 on the coral atolls, coconut palms grow in abundance.
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" - largest city 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 can boast big amount motu along the 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 calls lovers of a relaxed 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 the five major motus and 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, with several motu on the 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 nationality ( 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 total area 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 of volcanic origin, but its most high mountain inferior highest point Society Islands: Oave rises just over 1200m 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. Furthermore, the Marquesas Islands are the main Cultural Center 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! Amazing diving and incredible beauty landscape 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 several south of the Islands Society. 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 water on the spot. drinking water. 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 contact 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!
