located at 16,000 km (9,950 miles) from France, is divided in 5 archipelagos :
The Society Islands , the largest, is composed of 9 high islands and 5 atolls split into 2 groups : the Windward Islands with Tahiti, Moorea, Maiao, Tetiaroa & Mehetia and the Leeward Islands with Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora, Maupiti, including the uninhabited islets of Tupai, Mopelia, Scilly & Bellingshausen.
While Bora Bora remains a favorite destination for thousands of visitors, the "Pearl of the South Seas" was able to encourage tourism in its neighboring islands. Huahine, Raiatea, and Tahaa have become privileged destinations with the rebirth of Polynesian tourism.
The Tuamotu Archipelago , often associated with the Gambier Archipelago, includes the low islands and all the atolls. Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi, Fakarava and so many other atolls will delight you by their serenity and amazing scuba dives.
The Australes Archipelago accounts 5 inhabited islands Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, Rimatara and Rapa in the south extremity of French Polynesia.
The Marquesas Archipelago is composed of 12 high islands, without lagoon which will seduce you by the power of its landscapes and its inhabitants.
Tahiti
Bienvenue Ă Tahiti !
190 000 Habitants/Inhabitants
Capitale : Papeete
Superficie/Surface : 1 042 km2
Point culminant/Highest point : Mt Orohena 2 241 m
Mythical island of the first discoverers, nicknamed the âNew Cytherâ by Bougainville, Tahiti is the beating heart of French Polynesia. 75% of the French Polynesian Population is concentrated in Tahiti & Moorea (more than 200 000 pers.). It is both the gate to the country with Tahiti Faaâa airport and the administrative center of Papeete, the capital and economic lung of the country with its harbor, its businesses and shops. Downtown, Papeeteâs market is a must-see for anyone visiting the capital island. It features a wide range of the archipelagoâs production, from local fish to a rich selection of handicrafts.
Yet Tahiti is so much more than Papeete: majestic valleys falling into the lagoon, rich, restored archeological sites, sharp-peaked volcanic mountains. It also is a big island with an infinite choice of exceptional land & nautical activities. Some of the hotels organize magnificent traditional dance shows. Tahiti Iti, the peninsula, holds some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Polynesia which lead to splendid and totally untouched sites, and of course Teahupoo, one of the best surf spots in the world.
French Polynesia is located in the middle of the South Pacific, covering some 5,5 millions square kilometers of ocean.
Latitude: 17°32.2398 S
Longitude: 149°33.99 W
This French Overseas Territoryâs dry land includes 5 archipelagoes: the Society Islands including the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands, the Tuamotu, the Gambier, the Australs and The Marquesas, which represent 118 islands and atolls with a superficy of emerged land of 4,200 km2.
Tahiti is the main island with 1042 km2. The island consists of 2 parts centered on extinct volcanos and connected by the isthmus of Taravao. Because of its extremely mountainous inside, vestige of the old volcanoes, the island is mainly inhabited on a narrow strip following the seaside. Tahiti is a volcanic high island with Orohena peaks in 2241 m of height.
The rate of exchange with the US$ is 1,000 Fcfp ± 10 US$
1 US$ ± 100 Fcfp
The exchange rate with foreign currencies is variable. The bank will change your money at the official rate with fees. Beware of the exchange rate in the shops.
Banque de Tahiti Corresp. Bank of Hawaii 40 41 70 00
Polynesia has Internet access in almost all islands and the mobile coverage has also expanded. To call using Whatsapp, dial mobile phone numbers starting with 87, 88 and 89 with the prefix +689. The numbers starting with 40 are landlines.
Tetiaroa is the only atoll, (Coral island in the form of ring, surrounding a lagoon) in the Society Islands. Tetiaroa, situated at 2h30 by boat ( 57km) from Tahiti. This private atoll, formerly owned by Marlon Brando has no pass. The beaches of the atoll are among the most beautiful of the Society Islands, Many birds took up residence on these motu, because of their tranquillity. Immerse you in a real postcard scenery.
Polynesia was populated as the result of successive waves of migration, coming from Southeast Asia and starting over 30,000 years ago. The Marquesas were the first islands to be settled by these fearless sailors on their sea canoes. Around 1300, these people settled there permanently. For 300 years they remain cut off from the rest of the world until the arrival of the first Europeans: Wallis who reached the shores of Tahiti in 1767, but Cook, Bligh, and Bougainville were right behind him. Papeete experienced its first growth during the London Missionary Societyâs early attempts to evangelize the population. In 1817, Reverend Crook settled in the heart of what became todayâs city. Following serious skirmishes with the British, France succeeded in imposing her protectorate in 1842. Wishing to anchor her power within the Pacific, France negotiated with King Pomare V the annexation of his kingdom to the French State in 1880.
Discover the traditional crafts, treasure of Polynesia
The traditional crafts of French Polynesia bring together ancient know-how, born and shaped in the heart of the archipelagos. Inherited from ancestors and passed down from generation to generation, these practices are distinguished by the richness of their techniques, the use of local natural materials and the presence of deeply rooted motifs in the Polynesian cultural heritage.
True expression of the identity and history of the islands, traditional crafts testify to a close link between man, nature and culture. Learn more: www.artisanat.pf
Regenerative care for the body and the soul, as legacy, the Mahoi tradition gave us a precious sacred oil: Monoi de Tahiti, the prodigious combination of fresh Tiare flowers and refined Coprah oil. Based on two unique ingredients, Monoi de Tahiti reveals the purifying and soothing virtues of Tiare Tahiti (Gardenia taitensis) in the silky caress of refined Polynesian Coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera).
Drawing from the sources of ancient knowledge and learning from the new extraction techniques, Monoi de Tahiti is precisely defined by an Appellation of Origin. The coconuts from the Polynesian coral soil, produce a refined first pressed oil which is appreciated by cosmetic laboratories for its unique silky and light feel. The Tiare flower is an endemic flower from French Polynesia.Symbol of beauty and purity, it has become the emblem of Tahiti. Beauty care as well as body & mind care, the MonoĂŻ is also a sacred oil used in many rituals and ceremonies.Tahitian monoi is now famous all over the world for its universally recognized qualities.
Even if Polynesiaâs capital city is known for its anarchic urbanization and its surprising traffic jams for such a small island, it is nevertheless full of places to discover. Moreover, since 2014, Papeete has hosted the Onou festival. You can discover the murals of international and local artists by strolling through the streets of the city.
From the west side, on the seaside, is the â Maison de la Culture â (House of Culture), with its library and its âTheaterâ built in the 1970âs.
Toâata Square and its open air theater that can handle up to 6,000 persons and tis restaurants.
Paofai Park, beautiful seaside garden ideal to walk, run or relax has also restaurants, playground, sanitary block.
From the seaside Jacques Chirac Esplanade , the Pouvanaa a Oopa avenue, goes trough the administrative district of Papeete: courthouse, CESEC, the High Commission and the Presidency .
the Paofai Church , built in the early 1980âs, Tahitiâs Protestantsâ place of worship.
the Pearl Museum by Robert Wan, will initiate you to the mysteries of this ancient gem.
Vaima Shopping Center : Many boutiques, bars, restaurants, offices etc
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete, the center of the islandâs Catholic community, built in 1875 and recently restored.
The marina, its walk and its fish traps
The Cruise Terminal on Vaiete Square where,every night, âroulottesâ (fast food on wheels) settle.
Le Fare Manihini, tourist information desk, is situated in the âquartier du commerceâ on the sea front. the Ferries Terminal to aboard to Moorea.
The French Navy base ends the touristic part of the waterfront. Beyond this point is the harbor of Papeete, with Motu Uta.
Prince Hinoi Avenue, perpendicular to the waterfront, takes you to the East coast. Through the âPont de lâEstâ, you reach the old Northern neighborhoods of Mamao and the Chinese temple guarded by its two dragons.
At the next intersection, turn right to discover the splendid Fautaua Valley, between Mount Aorai (2,066 m) and the âDiademâ mountain. This is one of the most beautiful hikes directly from the city to discover magnificent waterfalls. An authorization from City Hall is needed Papeete City Hall: Tel. 40 41 57 00
Lâartisanat de toutes les Ăźles : vannerie des Australes, sculptures marquisiennes, tifaifai (patchworks), bijoux de perles, nacres, os... monoi...Chacun y trouve son bonheur.
Ouvert au public du lundi au vendredi de 5h30 Ă 16 h, jusquâĂ 13 heures le samedi, et de 4h30 Ă 10h le dimanche.
Built in 1989, renovated for the first time in 2006 and modernized in 2015, the current covered market, with its mezzanine dedicated to crafts and its various sectors (fish and meat market, fruit and vegetables, flowers, pareos, etc.) is the heart of the city. Spread over 7,000 m2, it offers a full range of the authentic Polynesian life:
The fruits and vegetable: uru, taro, sweet potatoes, pota, bananas, pineapples, limes, mangoes...
The deep sea fish as well as lagoon fish: tunas, mahi mahi, swordfish, paihere, ature, parrot fish...
The flowers with wonderful bouquet and arrangement: Tiare Tahiti, taina, plumerias, pitate, orchids...
The handcraft from all the islands: woven hats & baskets, stone or wood carvings, tifaifai, monoi, jewelry...
Many items are sold by the unit so bring some change as the credit cards are not accepted !
Open to the public from Monday to Friday from 5:30 am to 4 pm, until 1 pm on Saturday, and from 4:30 am to 10 am on Sunday.
Pirae : The Belvedere at over 1,900 feet, with a restaurant at the top, offering a unique panoramic view on Papeete and Moorea. From there, a full day hiking excursions takes you to the summit of Mount Aorai (over 6,600 feet)
Arue : where the last King of Tahiti, Pomare V, is buried. It is an historical landmark. Visit the James Norman Hall House, where the famous writer of "Mutiny on the Bounty" spent his last years.
PK (kilometer point) 7.3, the Taharaâa vista point, a breathtaking view on the coast and mountains.
Papenoo : famous for its surfing beaches and for its river, Tahitiâs longest, which meet the ocean at PK 17. Driving through the valleys with a 4WD car, crossing the river, will take you to the heart of the island.
Tiarei : The âBlowholeâ, at PK 22.1 where the ocean water come out from under the road at the foot of the steep cliff with pressure. 100 yards further is the Three Faarumai Waterfalls in the Vaipu Valley.
Mahaena and Hitiaa : preserved authenticity and beautiful walks to waterfalls. At PK 43, a steep trail goes to the âLavatubesâ, natural grottos carved through volcanic rock by the river. It is necessary to hire a guide to venture on this hike.
Faaone : the waterfall, sacred to Polynesian culture... so please respect the area.
Itâs the last town on the East Coast before reaching the Taravao isthmus.
At PK (point kilometer) 6, is the International Airport of Tahiti-Faaâa, opened in 1961.
Punaauia : PK 10, the Marina Taina & its nautical activities centers and restaurants.
PK 14.6, âPointe des PĂȘcheursâ (Fishermenâs Point), the Museum of Tahiti and her Islands, essentially dedicated to Polynesian history and culture, is in the middle of a coconut garden on the ocean side.
Right after is the shopping center Tamanu PK 15.
The famous PK 18 white sand beach
Paea : The vegetation becomes denser and houses are further apart.
PK19.2, Marae Taata, restored in 1973
At PK 22.6 Marae Arahurahu is one of the most beautiful ancient Maâohi religious sites, it has been entirely restored. Each year in July, its grandiose decor is used as a backdrop to an historical reenactment or dancing shows.
At PK 28.7, the Maraa grottos: the underground Paroa grotto, the largest aquatic cave in Tahiti.
PK 51.2 the Botanical Garden, created in 1919 by American adventurer and early ecologist Harrison Smith. There he planted a large collection of tropical specimens.
Baie de PhaĂ«ton, the gate to Tahitiâs Peninsula.
The peninsula or Tahiti Iti deserves time to discover it. You will appreciate the authenticity of Polynesian life. FromTaravao, an inner road takes you to "Le Plateau", the platform which is Tahitiâs agricultural heart. From the top, you get a wonderful view on the isthmus. East Coast, the road leads to Tautira through Pueu: Sea and mountain panoramas mixed together. You can enjoy the new Parc Teafa open to public with 3ha between the sea and the river. West Coast, are the districts of Toahotu and Vairao, with peaceful white sand beaches and its seaside restaurant where the cruise ship «France» anchored in 1972 and 1974. Teahupoo, at tPK 18, is known for its mythical wave by surfers from all over the world (see page 38). At the end of the road, the rough coastline of the Pari or Fenua Aihere is a paradise for hikers or by boat. The Pariâs treasures, such as the Vaiote Petroglyphs, the Drums of God Honu Ura, the Queenâs Bathtub, illustrate the legends. To discover the Pari, you absolutely need an experienced guide. The Peninsula underwater world is beautiful too. It is a diverâs paradise with its drop-walls, full of gorgons, where an astonishing number of fishes, sharks, napoleon fishes, jack fishes and rays...
Teahupoo, at the end of the road, hosts the annual international surf competition, ASP World Championship Tour, which is part of the 11-event WCT World Tour. From 8th to 18th August 2026, on the mythical wave of Teahupoo, the best surfers in the world will compete at the ASP WCT with the trials system allowing Polynesian surfers to qualify for the main event. Teahupoo has a mythical reef-break wave famous worlwide. Kauli Vaast is Olympic Champion 2024.