The Fenua of Polynesia

The Fenua (land) of Polynesia is a mythical destination. An idyllic paradise on earth. Its isolated, tropical, lush islands form a universe where dreams blend with reality.

Located in the middle of the Pacific, Polynesia covers a maritime area of over 5 million km², equivalent to the size of Europe. Its 5 archipelagos and 118 islands occupy an area of 4000 km².

• The Society Archipelago is composed of the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands, a group of 14 high islands distinguished by their coastal landscapes, surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. Here are the main ones.

Tahiti and Moorea are the two sister islands of French Polynesia. Both close and different, they are paradise destinations for travelers and families.

Tahiti, and Papeete, the capital, the economic and administrative heart of Polynesia, is the starting point for cruises or flights to the five archipelagos. It allows for a smooth transition from the Western world to Oceania to immerse in Polynesian culture. It also offers many activities available from the beginning of your stay.

Moorea, the little sister, is accessible by ferry or by air in a very short time. The warmth of human exchanges and the serenity of the tropical forest or the clarity of the waters with colorful fish will immediately infuse you with peace, allowing you to savor the present moment.

Huahine, known as the "Island of Women," is secretive and preserved, offering a friendly stay full of authenticity.

Raiatea and Taha'a, "sacred islands," are green jewels set on clear waters. Separated by a 3 km channel, they are considered the cultural and religious cradle of Eastern Polynesia. Its "marae" Taputapuatea is one of the most important and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Taha’a is also renowned for its vanilla plantations.

Bora Bora, an iconic island of Polynesia, is nicknamed "The Pearl of the Pacific." Its lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Maupiti, the little Bora Bora, with its rocky peaks and shallow jade-colored lagoon. Life flows peacefully here, away from large tourist crowds, in a few family pensions.

• The Tuamotu Archipelago consists of 76 atolls. They are presented in the form of a more or less circular ring of land that encircles the lagoon. These low islands rise only a few meters above the waves.

The most visited are:

Rangiroa, which means "vast sky," is the largest atoll in Polynesia. With its 80 km length and 30 km width, this gigantic lagoon does not allow you to see the other shore, where only the horizon reflects in the turquoise blue of its clear waters. The Tiputa pass offers an extraordinary spectacle teeming with marine life. On an islet off Avatoru, there is a vineyard grown on coral where a tasting can be served. Finally, the Blue Lagoon, a true natural pool, and the pink sand "motu" make this atoll a must-see for your stay.

Fakarava has, like Rangiroa, a gigantic lagoon. This atoll is renowned for diving in its two northern and southern passes. It was classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2006 due to its preserved nature. Also, do not miss the excursions on the fine sand motus, especially the green lagoon of "Teahatea." Finally, visit the old village of Tetamanu and its church built of coral (south pass) during an interval between two dives.

Tikehau has a ring 26 km in diameter, a postcard-like setting with its endless white and pink sand beaches, clear waters, and coconut trees leaning towards the shore. This atoll is a paradise for diving and offers an authentic stay in bungalows for nature and remote world lovers.

Manihi, nicknamed "the island of pearls," as pearl farming began on this atoll in 1968. It also has exceptional seabeds where you can practice line fishing and enjoy your catch on numerous motus with crystal-clear waters.

• The Gambier Archipelago is the easternmost of French Polynesia. It comprises 14 high islands, the main ones being Mangareva and Rikitea.

Mangareva is located 1,590 km southeast of Tahiti. The island is 8 km long with a total land area of 15.4 km². The island's highest points are Mount Duff at 441 m altitude and Mount Mokoto at 423 m. Polynesian mythology tells that Mangareva was raised from the ocean floor by the demigod Maui. The pearl industry is significant there, and many religious buildings from the 1800s, such as the Saint Anne Church in Rikitea with its iridescent mother-of-pearl inlaid altar, are still in use.

• The Austral Archipelago is the southernmost in Polynesia, a 1.5-hour flight and 1,400 km from Tahiti.

It includes a group of 7 high islands, 5 of which are inhabited. Rurutu, Tubuai, Rimatara, Raivavae, and Rapa. A unique change of scenery awaits you. Immerse yourself in the ancestral traditions of this people and experience your stay out of time.

Rurutu, located southwest of Tahiti, enjoys a cooler climate suitable for growing coffee, oranges, and lychees. Bordered by an almost uninterrupted reef close to the shore, it has long white sand beaches. Whales can be observed from July to October. In its upper part, dotted with historical and cultural interests, nature has shaped caves carved into the cliffs. The island's crafts are renowned for traditional basket weaving and cultural events such as the "Tere" (tour of the island), grand weddings, stone lifting, etc. The inhabitants are proud to welcome visitors and share their stories and legends.

Tubuai, about a two and a half hour flight and 670 km south of Tahiti, is the largest of the Austral islands. The Bounty mutineers settled here in 1789 and built Fort George, of which only the memory remains now. The island is bordered by a large lagoon and multiple deserted "motus" with white sand beaches. True postcard images, you can relax or practice many sailing sports on the lagoon. The island can be crossed on foot or by 4x4, discovering some archaeological sites. An original destination off the beaten path, Tubuai offers an unforgettable getaway in the heart of Polynesia.

Rimatara is the smallest of the Austral islands. Its airport, dating from 2006, and the development of accommodation facilities since 2008, have allowed it to increasingly open up to the outside world.

You can enjoy its white sand beaches, fringing reef, and small coves with "feo" (fossilized coral). Take a walk or bike ride in the center of the island to discover its lush vegetation and rare endemic birds such as the warbler and the "Ura" parakeet (red in Polynesian). Visit the island's three villages to see unique crafts such as weaving, copra, "fara" (pandanus), or the creation of elegant shell necklaces "pupu."

Raivavae is located 730 km southeast of Tahiti. Famous for its sandalwood in the early 19th century, it is often cited as one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific. It has twenty-eight islets housing numerous seabirds. Raivavae is known for its unique carvings of Tiki, drums, and sewn wooden canoes still used today.

• The Marquesas Archipelago is the largest in French Polynesia, with an area of 997 km² and 12 islands, six of which are inhabited. It is located north of the South Pacific Ocean, 1500 km from Tahiti. Almost all the Marquesas islands are of volcanic origin and have a landscape alternating between high, steep cliffs unprotected by a coral reef and black sand beaches. The main islands are Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata, and Fatu Hiva.

Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas islands and the second largest after Tahiti. Formed by basaltic ridges, deep canyons, and lush plateaus, this landscape covered by exuberant vegetation seems to want to keep all the secrets of this land of men. A preserved island with fantastic archaeological and natural sites, it takes you through the ages on the sites of Kamuihei and Taipivai, also by its waterfalls like Hakaui, dropping 350 meters. The bay of Anaho, accessible only by boat or on foot, offers its stunning white sand beaches. Crafts, tattoos, and sculpture are developed here, ensuring the transmission of an ancient art. You can walk on the black sand beaches and see riders still using horses as the main means of transport. Nuku Hiva offers an extraordinary environment for a different stay in Polynesia.

Hiva Oa, nicknamed the "Garden of the Marquesas," is the island of rugged terrain and beautiful black sand beaches. Located 1184 km northeast of Tahiti, this land has the impressive archaeological sites of Taaoa and Puamau, which have the largest Tikis in Polynesia. It has been and remains the resting place for Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel. Discover dance shows during the Marquesas festival, the Paul Gauguin museum, and the cultural center dedicated to Jacques Brel. Explore the Puamau valley, which leads to the Tikis and the sacred platforms of Ilipona. Meet the multitude of artists who highlight Marquesan culture and admire the crafts, sculpture, and tattooing specific to these islands. Finally, for diving enthusiasts, enjoy the particularly spectacular fauna and flora of the archipelago's waters.