Islands of French Polynesia: description and photos. French Polynesia What does Polynesia include?
In no other place on our planet are there such beautiful, black and perfect-looking pearls as on the islands of French Polynesia. And this is not surprising: it is black pearls that are the first flashes of light, presented by the Creator to Tanya, the ruler of the ten highest levels of the holy Heavens.
Tane made stars out of them and presented them to Ruahata, the lord of the ocean, so that he would illuminate his possessions with them. And then the unique light ended up in the hands of Oro, the god of war, who, having fallen in love with a princess from the island of Bora Bora, decided to give her something beautiful - and created a pearl, enclosing it in a beautiful shell. And when he went down the rainbow, the light of its darkest tones fell directly on the unique case, and the milky-white oyster in it became completely black.
Thus, the most beautiful pearl of our world was created, and the oyster Margarita settled in the warm waters of the Polynesian islands and has been living here for several millennia (and she liked the local habitat so much that she would never agree to live anywhere else).
The name “Polynesia” is translated from Greek as “many islands”, and the modern name was fixed already in late XIX c., when the French Republic took the islands under its protectorate.
So at the moment French polynesia is an overseas community of France, i.e. has broader rights when compared with ordinary departments of this state. It has customs and fiscal autonomy, a separate security system and its own government, which can independently sign international treaties.
Despite the fact that it officially belongs to France, it is not part of the EU and is not automatically included in the international treaties that the French Republic signs.
Where are the Polynesian islands
If you look closely at the world map, you will notice that the islands of French Polynesia are located in the Pacific Ocean, between Australia (5.2 thousand km to the west) and South America(6 thousand km in east direction). It consists of five archipelagos, total area which exceed 4 thousand km² on land and 2.5 million km² on water, and they unite about one hundred and eighteen islands:
- Societies - in the west;
- Tuamo - in the center;
- Marquesas - in the north;
- Tubuai - in the south;
- Gambier is in the east.
Due to the strong remoteness from the continent, despite the fact that the Polynesian islands are extremely beautiful, there are few endemic animals here: there are almost no mammals, only lizards, insects and birds.
How the islands were formed
Almost all the islands of French Polynesia appeared approximately 50-60 million years ago and, despite the fact that most of them are of volcanic origin, there are also many coral islands, they are easy to distinguish by appearance.
Coral islands (primarily this applies to the Tuamotu archipelago) have an oval, round shape or resemble semirings. They rise only a few meters above the sea, the lagoons are surrounded coral reefs, and the land consists mainly of sandy plains covered with thickets of coconut palms.
At the same time, the Polynesian islands, which are of volcanic origin, are characterized by: the presence of a volcano and mountainous terrain (the highest point in French Polynesia is Mount Orohena, located in Tahiti, whose height is 2241 m), dense tropical vegetation, great amount palm and coconut trees and the presence of valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, lagoons.
Geologists have recently discovered that these volcanoes are moving. Together with tectonic plates, they shift several centimeters in a northwestern direction every year. Many of them go under water - so geologists put forward the assumption that in a few million years the islands of volcanic origin will disappear completely and only atolls will remain, which, on the contrary, are increasing their area every year (both in height and in length).
Population
Seventy eight percent local population are Polynesians (78%). They began to settle here in the first century AD. Scientists have suggested that, most likely, these were settlers from Samoa (if you look at the map, it is located 3.5 thousand km to the west, closer to Australia). First, the aborigines settled the Marquesas Islands, then the Communities.
Despite the considerable distance from the continent, the population of the French community exceeds 28 thousand people. The Society Islands are considered the most populated archipelago (about 87% of the population lives here), and the main city of Polynesia, Papeete, is home to more than 26 thousand people (this is 7.5% of the total population). Settle local residents They prefer near the coast, and almost no one lives in the mountains.
Climate
Despite the fact that local residents are convinced that there are two seasons here - warm (from November to May) and cool (from June to October), in fact, the difference between them is noticeable only in the south.
The Polynesian islands are located mainly in the tropical zone, and only the Marquesas are in the subequatorial zone. So it is not surprising that the weather here is almost always good (the average annual temperature is approximately +26°C), the sun shines brightly, and there is little precipitation (however, tropical hurricanes and powerful storms are not uncommon here, and in January quite a few -destructive cyclones).
Thanks to such magnificent weather, plants on the Polynesian islands bloom throughout all year round, and during the cool season, flowering reaches its maximum size.
The most famous islands of Polynesia
The largest island of French Polynesia, Tahiti, the island of lovers, Moorea and Bora Bora, with magnificent resorts, where the most rest famous people planets are considered the most famous islands in the world.
Tahiti
Magnificent nature - waterfalls, rivers, streams, dense forests, Mountain peaks, glades with tropical flowers, magnificent beaches, coral reefs that separate the lagoon from the ocean - volcanic island Tahiti is rightfully considered one of the most famous islands world (if you look at the map, it is located in the east of the Society archipelago).
Today, it has the highest standard of living throughout Oceania. Since Tahiti has an area of 1 thousand km², it is the largest island of French Polynesia. Here on the northwestern coast is The largest city French community and its political administrative center- Papeete.
Moorea Island
The heart-shaped island of amazing beauty attracts the attention of newlyweds from all over the planet - and those who can afford it come here to get married (especially since Moorea wedding ceremonies here are extremely beautiful and interesting).
Since local marriage documents are written on the bark of a palm tree, they do not have legal force, so before visiting Moorea it is better to take this into account and get married in advance in your country (or later, as it turns out).
If you look at the Society's map, you will notice that Moorea is located 17 km from Tahiti in a northwest direction. This island is not very large - its width is 10 km, and its amazing shape is given by two small bays in the north, which are symmetrically located in relation to each other.
They appeared, as geologists explain, as a result of a natural disaster: Moorea used to be much larger, but after the volcano located in the northern part of the island collapsed during strongest eruption, half of Moorea went under water. And the rim of the crater that remained on the surface was eroded, forming jagged peaks and spiers that gave the island an interesting shape. Despite its small size, there are eight mountains on the island.
Moorea will be interesting to visit not only for lovers, divers or those who like to relax among magnificent nature, but also for historians and cultural experts: here are the ruins of the ancient Polynesian temple - Marae Titioroa, and also located Cultural Center, where you can see what the local village looked like at the time the island was discovered by Europeans (1521).
A visit to the reconstructed village of Moorea will be quite educational, as here the center workers will demonstrate to tourists:
- the art of tattooing by the ancient inhabitants of Moorea;
- will show how tapa fabric is made;
- will introduce you to wood and stone carving;
- will demonstrate how the people of Moorea prepared their own food;
- will conduct a master class on making musical instruments;
- They will teach you how to weave wreaths from tiares - this flower has long become a symbol of French Polynesia.
Bora Bora
On the island of Bora Bora (on the map it is located in the northwest of Tahiti, at a distance of 240 km), celebrities like to relax - here are the most comfortable, luxurious, and therefore the most expensive hotels French Polynesia. If you wish, you can stay here in bungalows located over the water.
The island itself is mountain range with three peaks that were formed in the crater long ago extinct volcano. Bora Bora consists of several islands - one central one and motu (small coral islands).
The main attraction of Bora Bora is a lagoon surrounded by coral reefs with an extremely rich underwater world: in its center there is an open aquarium (lagunarium), behind the glass of which you can see barracuda, huge stingrays and even sharks, which tourists are allowed to feed under the strict supervision of an instructor.
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French polynesia- an overseas community of France located in 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: Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tubuai Islands.
The islands of French Polynesia are either volcanic or coral in origin. Most of the Society Islands and Tubuai, 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.
Main Ponesia includes:
French Polynesia includes:
Marquesas Islands
Norfolk Island
Gambier Islands
Society Islands
Rotuma
Tuamotu
Tubuai
Wallis and Futuna
French Polynesia Weather
The climate in most of French Polynesia is tropical, trade wind. In the southern part there are noticeable differences between warm winters and hot summers. The hottest and wettest season is from November to May, when northwest winds often blow. During the hottest months, temperatures usually reach 32°C. 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). The islands of French Polynesia are subject to the invasion of tropical cyclones, sometimes of a destructive nature.
Language of French Polynesia
Official language: French, Tahitian
English is understood in all hotels and most restaurants.
Currency of French Polynesia
International name: XPF
The French Pacific Franc is equal to 100 centimes. In circulation there are banknotes of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500 francs, as well as coins of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 franc. US dollars and euros are accepted almost everywhere on the islands.
Currency can be exchanged at the airport, in banks, in some shops or in hotels.
Credit cards are accepted for payment in hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist establishments. American Express and Diners Club are somewhat less widespread than other payment systems; they can be used mainly in large hotels, car rental companies and some restaurants. ATMs are widespread in Tahiti and other large islands, in the periphery they can only be found at bank offices. Use on small atolls credit cards almost impossible.
Travel checks are accepted for payment at most banks and large organizations. It is recommended to use checks in US dollars or euros. All banks charge a certain amount for check cashing.
Customs restrictions
The import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited. Only if the amount exceeds 7622 €, then it must be declared.
Without taxation, persons over 17 years of age can import: up to 500 grams of coffee, 250 ml of eau de toilette and up to 50 grams of perfume, 100 cigarillos or up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco, up to 100 grams of tea, up to 2 liters of wine and up to 1 liter of alcoholic beverages with a strength of more than 22 degrees. You can import other goods worth up to CFP5000 (CFP2500 for persons under 15 years of age). If they come from Fiji and Samoa, then the imported luggage is disinfected.
It is prohibited to import into the country: all food products of animal origin; plants; fruit; weapon; ammunition; drugs; counterfeit products; artificial pearls.
Mains voltage
Purchases
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.
Prices are fixed everywhere. You cannot bargain - according to local standards, such a ritual insults the honesty of the seller, especially if he is a resident of Polynesia.
Office hours
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 07.45-08.00 to 15.30. Some large banks are open on Saturdays from 7.45 to 11.30.
Safety
You should always take precautions against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas, keep an eye on your belongings and take normal precautions.
Code of the country: +689
Geographic top level domain name:.pf
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.
Emergency numbers
The single emergency phone number is 15 or 423-456.
Police - 17.
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 available in all hotels and exchange offices exchanged at the 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 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 fees for conversion, 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 locals settlements carried out directly, without using codes, using single 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. A direct call to any country in the world is possible from almost anywhere, starting with the number local hotels, and ending with 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 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.
Accommodation
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.
Story
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 high temperature create hot stones.
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 very dear 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 Moscow - Tokyo flight on Aeroflot or JAL plus airlines connecting flight airline 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 on Delta Airlines + connecting Air flight 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 Air Tahiti Nui or New Zealand(Auckland) with Air airlines New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui.
Polynesia. Traditional wedding dance. POLYNESIA, one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central Pacific Ocean. Stretches from north to south from Hawaiian Islands to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia). Square … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
Polynesia- a general name for the islands in the center, parts of the Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian, Cook, Line, Marquesas, Society, Easter, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai, Tuvalu, Wallis, Fu Tuna and ... Geographical encyclopedia
POLYNESIA- “multi-island”, otherwise called. Oceania, the islands of the Great Ocean lying to the north and east of Australia. A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. Popov M., 1907. POLYNESIA (Greek, from polys many, and nesos... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
POLYNESIA- French (Polynesie Francaise) possession (from the 19th century) of France (in 1885-1958 it was called the French possessions in Oceania, in 1958 it received the status of an overseas territory of France) in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia. Includes islands: Societies (in... ...
POLYNESIA- one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. Stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New. Zealandia (sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. Area (excluding New Zealand) approx. 26 thousand km². Main groups... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
Polynesia- I one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. Area (without New Zealand) is about 26 thousand km2.… … encyclopedic Dictionary
Polynesia- noun, number of synonyms: 1 Australia (8) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Synonym dictionary
POLYNESIA- (French). Territory 4.2 thousand sq. km, population 150 thousand people. The economy is based on agriculture, fishing and the mining of mother-of-pearl shells and pearls. The number of sheep is 3 thousand... World sheep farming
Polynesia- I Polynesia (from Poly... and Greek nesos island) islands of Oceania (See Oceania), located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, between 23°30 N. w. 28° S w. and 176° E. 109°20 W D. includes: Tonga Islands ( independent state With… … Great Soviet Encyclopedia
POLYNESIA- French Polynesia Official name Territory of French Polynesia (French Territoire de la Polynésie Française, English Territory of French Polynesia, Tait. Pōrīnetia farāni). Located in the extreme east of Oceania.... ... Encyclopedia of countries of the world
Books
- Board game "Polynesia" (8783), Knizia Rainer. Where the sun always shines, the endless ocean roars, and houses stand right on the water, cheerful Polynesians live. They are not only skilled hunters and artisans, but also nimble traders. You -… Buy for 2192 RUR
- In the South Seas, Stevenson Robert Lewis. True, not fictitious adventures of the best of the authors of English historical and adventure prose. Exotic Polynesia through the eyes of the great Robert Louis Stevenson, who...
French Polynesia is located in the South Pacific region. Her maritime boundaries intersect with the Republic of Kiribati, Cook Island and the Pitcairn Islands - an overseas territory of Great Britain. This exotic archipelago tourist map planet is widely known. He is famous as perfect place For luxury 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 today among Russian travelers, 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 Maldives, which decorate the surface 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 for 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. 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 animal world lacks diversity. It is represented mainly only by insects, birds and lizards. Much more rich and bright colors The expanses of coastal waters are filled with 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. Here official language is French, although local residents also communicate with each other in Polynesian dialects. In famous tourist centers English is also very common at resorts. 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 customs regulations which 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 make long flights with transfers to different cities peace. 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 a land transport public transport, but only where there are asphalt roads. Between the nearest islands there is ferry service In addition, you can always rent a boat or motorboat. 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.
Tall mountains of palm trees rise above tropical forests, together with the low-lying green part, they form 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, pure, possessing great beaches from crumbly white sand with fancy corals scattered across the warm surface of their waters.
Island lagoons with amazing beauty coastline- a rare, unforgettable sight. Here you can admire the views underwater world, feed tame sharks, watch huge leopard rays.
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 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 around Pacific Ocean, do water sports or swim in clear, clean 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.