Why go to French Polynesia in 2018

Traveling to French Polynesia, a French overseas territory on the other side of the world, is a dream for many travelers. A hundred islands in the middle of the Pacific stretch over more than 2,000 km. Since spring 2018, the dream is a little closer thanks to the arrival of a new airline, French Bee, which offers flights from Paris to Papeete via San Francisco. The Pacific is now more accessible. So, ready for a trip to French Polynesia?

When to go to Polynesia?

You will often hear that in paradise, the weather is beautiful every day. Certainly, the climate is quite exceptional in this part of the Pacific, with an average of 25° all year round... it's a pretty nice temperature. However, like any tropical region, there is a rainy season. The rainy period extends from November to March, with also the risk of cyclones in Polynesia from December to April.

The ideal period to go to Polynesia is therefore from May to November. This is the dry season in Polynesia and temperatures hover around 24°. To perfect this idyllic weather, the trade winds blow from July to September.

Another important element in choosing your stay in Polynesia: the whale season. Indeed, the territory is also renowned for whale watching. The best period to observe whales is generally from July to November throughout Polynesia.

Tahiti, does every trip start here?

The island of Tahiti is inevitably your starting point for any stay in French Polynesia, as this is where all international flights arrive. Located in the Society archipelago, the Windward Islands include Tahiti and Moorea. Many travelers do not linger here, wrongly, preferring to continue to the other archipelagos. Yet, a trip to Tahiti is worth the journey on its own.

An immersion in authentic Polynesia

The Papeete market is the historical and cultural center of the city. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and from 3 am to 9 am on Sundays. Go there to find authenticity and Polynesian gastronomy. You will taste raw fish or i.

The beaches of Tahiti

In Tahiti, there are only a few beaches, and they are mainly black sand beaches on the east coast, such as those of Taanoe and Papenoo. But the paradisiacal effect is still there, with palm trees, surfers, and water at 26°. On the west coast, there are white sand beaches.

The most legendary surf spot

At the very south of Tahiti, about sixty kilometers from Papeete, you will find the Teahupoo wave, which has even been called "the most dangerous wave in the world." In August, the Billabong Pro Tahiti takes place, where the best surfers from around the world come to compete.

Teahupo’o and @matehau.tetopata 🙂 #teahupoo #tahiti #lovetahiti

A post shared by Teahupoo Tahiti Surfari (@teahupoo) on July 26, 2018 at 10:37 PDT

Hiking to the summit

Climb Mount Aorai, which peaks at over 2,000 meters. The summit of Aorai is easily accessible by a well-maintained trail starting from the Le Belvédère restaurant, at 600 m altitude, in the commune of Pirae.

A rather surprising landscape

The Taravao plateau will transport you to an atmosphere more reminiscent of Norman bocages or Swiss plateaus, with farms and dairy cows!

Going to Polynesia means discovering Bora Bora and the Leeward Islands

Moorea – Windward Islands Bora Bora, the most famous island, needs no introduction as it is synonymous with paradise. Its exuberant tropical flora, its exceptionally blue lagoon, and its volcanic peaks have earned it the nickname "Pearl of the Pacific."

Disembarking from the plane will be by catamaran…

Go see the sunset on Pointe Matira beach

Bora Bora – Leeward Islands This magnificent beach owes its name to a whaler that ran aground not far from there, the Matilda or Mahira. The Polynesians, having difficulty pronouncing this name, quickly transformed it into Matira. A very beautiful white coral sand beach, with crystal clear and shallow water. You can go up to the coral reef on foot and swim with rays or even turtles that come to stroll in the lagoon.

If time allows, let yourself go: a week on a catamaran visiting the Leeward Islands (Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora). This experience will remain unforgettable in your traveler's life.

The Marquesas, an isolated and authentic archipelago

Another world again, that of the Marquesas, or the archipelago of all superlatives: the northernmost, the most isolated, the wildest charm, and the harshest beauty. More than 1,600 km from Tahiti, the Marquesas never disappoint.

I leave to be at peace, to be rid of the influence of civilization.

These are the words of Paul Gauguin when he left Tahiti for the Marquesas Islands. The Marquesas are the lands furthest from any continent. The vegetation is lush and the grandiose reliefs plunge into the ocean. Discovering the Marquesas by cruise is ideal.

Discover one of the most beautiful bays in the world: Fatuiva

It is the most remote of the Marquesas Islands, with barely 600 inhabitants. But its wild beauty is spectacular and its crafts are renowned far beyond the Marquesas.

Go hiking in the valleys of Nuku Hiva

The Hakaui waterfall, 350 m high, is located at the end of an ancient royal valley. The path to get there is lined with tikis. Stop at the village of Taipivai, where the writer Herman Melville stayed.

Hiva Oa, land chosen by Gauguin and Brel

Luxuriant valleys and oversized peaks, you will follow in the footsteps of these genius artists. Gauguin did not wait for the arrival of air transport to go to Polynesia... but also to the most beautiful archaeological sites in Polynesia. In Ipona, you can admire the largest Tikis in French Polynesia.