French Polynesia: Landscapes and Culture

French Polynesia offers a range of reasons to plan a trip: Tahiti draws visitors with its beaches, mountains and hiking trails, while the market in Papeete is central to everyday life in Tahiti. On Raiatea, Marae Taputapuātea tells the story of Polynesian history, while Bora Bora offers lagoon excursions and other activities. These places each offer a different focus. So, when deciding where to stay on your trip, it helps to first identify the experiences that interest you most.

Tahiti: Volcanic Island, Beaches and Hiking Trails

Tahiti is a volcanic island in the South Pacific, at the heart of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Its landscape includes lush, green hills and black and white sand beaches. Along the west coast, coconut palms line the white beaches, which are suitable for swimming and sunbathing. On the east coast, black sand beaches were formed by past volcanic activity; they offer a setting for relaxing and taking photographs. The coasts differ in more than just the color of the sand: swimming and sunbathing are the focus on the west coast, while the east coast is known for its dark volcanic sand and scenery.

Tahiti also offers a variety of sights for hikers. The high mountains provide opportunities for hiking, and numerous trails lead through lush green valleys to waterfalls and archaeological sites. Those who enjoy exploring on foot can take in a range of destinations, including waterfalls and places with archaeological significance. Together with the coasts, the landscape stretches from beaches and green valleys to the mountains.

Culture and Everyday Life in Papeete and on Raiatea

Raiatea is home to the sacred Marae Taputapuātea, which is listed as a cultural site. The extensive archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be visited on a guided tour. An audio guide is available at the entrance to the complex in French, English and Tahitian. Taputapuātea was added to the World Heritage List in July 2017 and is considered an exceptional testament to Polynesian society, its cultural values, history and development. One traditional account places the starting point of Polynesian expansion across the Pacific at Taputapuātea on Raiatea. The combination of an archaeological site and cultural tradition makes this place particularly interesting if you are interested in history and cultural heritage.

In Papeete, the Marché de Papeete is a two-storey market, regarded as the city’s central market and a hub of everyday life in Tahiti. Its offerings range from tropical fruits and fresh fish to Monoi oil, hand-dyed pareos and traditional handicrafts; the selection may vary. Culinary products sit alongside textiles and crafts. The market offers a different way to experience the destination than Tahiti’s landscapes or the archaeological site on Raiatea: the focus is on products and everyday life in the city.

Bora Bora: Lagoon and Excursions

Snorkelling excursions are offered on Bora Bora in the turquoise lagoon, where visitors can see manta rays and harmless blacktip reef sharks. There are also private trips with a tour guide; activities mentioned include scuba diving, sailing, surfing and canoeing. Excursions may include visits to historical and archaeological sites. When choosing an excursion, you can therefore choose between lagoon activities and visits with a historical or archaeological focus. Providers and availability may vary.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

These different highlights can help you decide where you would like to stay. Consider which of the landscapes, cultural sites or activities mentioned best fit your travel plans, and focus your search accordingly.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Îles Sous-Le-Vent, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Tuamotus Islands, Tubuai, Austral Islands, The Tuamotu And Gambier Islands, Îles Du Vent.