French Polynesia
SHORES OF PARADISE
Tahiti, Bora-Bora, Moorea—just saying these names evokes the exotic, unspoiled islands that first entranced Gauguin and, later, in their 1970's heyday, the likes of Marlon Brando and the Hollywood set. A region, not a country, the Polynesian archipelago is located in the South Pacific, about halfway between South America and Australia and includes the triangular area roughly with corners at Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island. The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century; French Polynesia is now made of over 100 islands and atolls; each of indescribably beauty. These islands are not the Seychelles or the Galapagos. There are few birds and no giant tortoises. The joy is in the people and the rediscovery of their ancient culture. Choose a romantic island stay or a voyage by freighter through the Marquesas; remember - this is the place where many ended their search for paradise.
NO UPCOMING TOURS AT THIS TIME
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
French Polynesia is at its best between June and August.
GOOD TO KNOW
French Polynesia is an “overseas land” of France.
SIGNATURE MOMENTS
Seeing the inspiration for Paul Gauguin’s artwork
Discovering Tahitian joie de vivre
Hiking remote trails on Nuka Hiva
FUN FACT
The Pearl Museum in Tahiti is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to pearls!
RECOMMENDED READING
Early Tahiti As the Explorers Saw It, 1767-1797 by Edwin N. Ferdon
Tahiti Beyond the Postcard by Miriam Kahn
VISAS
American and Canadian citizens do not require a visa for tourism purposes under 90 days.