Islands of Oceania Polynesia. Islands of French Polynesia

Since 2004, French Polynesia has the status of an overseas community of France.

During the colonial expansion, 12 powerful empires shared power over the world. One of them - France - even before the start of the First World War, subjugated territories with a total area of ​​10.6 million sq. km.

In 1842, under the protectorate of the metropolis, which occupied a total of 500 thousand km. sq., hit the islands French Polynesia located in the water area Pacific Ocean.

In 1880 they were granted colony status. In 1946 former colony turned into an overseas territory.

A small dot in the Pacific Ocean

Islands of French Polynesia

The territory, located in the south Pacific Ocean, is formed by archipelagos: the Society Islands, Marquesas, Tuamotu, Gambier and Tubuai. Only 76 of the 121 islands overseas are inhabited. With a population of more than 260 thousand people.

Numerous islands of five archipelagos (on the left - Tahiti and main airport Papeete or Faaa)

How to get there - flight from Moscow

Due to the considerable distance There are no direct flights to French Polynesia from Moscow. The most popular route involves a flight from Moscow to Tokyo on Aeroflot or JAL flights and a connecting flight with Air Tahiti Nui to Tahiti.

Other flight options: Moscow-Paris-Los Angeles-Tahiti flight operated by Air France, and Moscow-New York-Tahiti (Delta Airlines and Air Tahiti Nui).

Duration of any flight: 24-26 hours, not counting time spent on connections (or 35-47 with connections).

They are heading to French Polynesia and cruise ships, departing from Genoa (Italy) and Santiago (Chile).

Climate

The islands of French Polynesia have a tropical maritime climate. The air temperature throughout the year fluctuates in the range from +20 to +30.

During the warm and humid season, which lasts from November to May, precipitation in the form of tropical downpours, hurricanes and storms is possible. Air humidity reaches 92%.

During the dry season, covering the rest of the year, stormy maraamue and toerau winds blow from the northeast and southeast. In the evenings the air temperature can drop to +17.

General information

The population of French Polynesia speaks French and Tahitian. English is also spoken in tourist areas.

The main payment currency is French Pacific francs (1000 XPF is approximately equal to 8.30 euros). Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are widely used.

Roaming large operators mobile communications carried out via local network Tikiphone SA.

• Transport
  Travel between the 35 largest islands of French Polynesia is provided by airliners of the Air Tahiti company and the cruise ship Paul Gauguin.Travel by private jet, helicopter and catamaran is common. Some archipelagos have public transport, however, for greater mobility it is recommended to use a bicycle or rent a car.
• Visa and customs requirements
  To visit, you must obtain a visa to visit the overseas possessions of France (TOM) in the French visa centers or in the relevant departments of the Consulate General. When crossing the border, you must declare cash, exceeding 7500 euros. The import of weapons, drugs and livestock products is prohibited.
• Safety
  When planning a trip to French Polynesia, there is no need to worry about vaccinations: there is a well-developed healthcare system and no dangerous plants and living creatures. It is allowed to drink tap water. Although there are no restrictions in terms of clothing, for safety reasons it is recommended to swim in rubber slippers.

Best beaches

According to a survey conducted by CNN among Facebook users, best beach in the world - Snow-white Matira Beach– located on the island of Bora Bora.

Soft White sand and the azure waters of Matira beach

Its competitors for unforgettable relaxation on the shores of the Pacific Ocean are: Fakarava beach, located on the atoll of the same name,

Pink Coast of Fakarava

And black Pointe Venus, who took East Coast Tahiti.

Black Lava Pointe Venus

The Sigon rowing center, the beach at the Sofitel Hotel, located on the Moorea coral reef, and the white beach are also popular Nuku Hiva, lying at the feet of the smallest Polynesian Catholic church.

Deserted, but no less beautiful slopes Wa-Huka, divided between the sandy Manihina, the small Motu Papa and the long Hatuan.

And the most fantastic beaches, strewn with fine pink sand, are located on Tikehau Atoll.

Excursions and attractions of the mysterious islands

You shouldn’t pay all your attention to just one of the Polynesian islands: each captivates with its unique charm.

Recreation, sports and entertainment

Extreme surfing in Tahiti

A string of islands lost in the Pacific Ocean promises many adventures for lovers active rest. Novice divers go exploring galleon sunken off the coast of Raiatea, sink into the shallow Tetopa Grotto, which is not far from Tahiti, and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the lagoon of Hua Hin Island.

A deep-sea fresh spring awaits their more experienced comrades "The Spring" and well "Hole in the Lagoon", located near Tahiti, passage "Teavapiti Pass", What east of the island Raiatea, and the reefs of Tupitipiti and Muri-Muri, located near Bora Bora.

In May, when the waves reach their maximum strength, Tahiti hosts international surfing competition “Billabong Pro Teahupoo”. On June 14 he accepts sailing regatta "Tahiti Nui", and from June 21 to 24 – international golf tournament.

Organized in Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and Tahiti cycling and jeep safaris, and guests of Maupiti can climb to Piku Hotu Parata, famous for its excellent views.

Traditional Polynesian cuisine

Polynesian cuisine is based on ancient ways of cooking. in an earthen oven - ahimaa. The ingredients of the dish are rolled into banana leaves and slowly baked on hot stones.
Fresh produce and seafood are widely used.

The most popular dishes are raw fish Tahitian style, marinated in coconut milk and lemon juice, Chinese ma'a tinito, made with pork and pasta with beans and Chinese cabbage, and poe - air pudding made from taro roots, bananas and pumpkin, flavored with vanilla and coconut milk sauce.

The best place to experience the island delicacies of French Polynesia is the ethnic Tiki Village located on Moorea.

Authentic Polynesian Village (Flickr/ Greg Putrich)

Hotels in Polynesia - accommodation in a panoramic bungalow

At the resorts of French Polynesia, the traditional “star” classification of hotels does not apply.

Most of the hotels here are resort complexes consisting of Polynesian-style bungalows. Elite cottages located over the water are equipped with a transparent panoramic floor.

You can swim directly from your room

On the large islands there are hotels of extensive international chains that have their own SPA complexes and swimming pools: Novotel, Sofitel, Radisson Plaza, InterContinental.

Guest houses and family boarding houses offer relatively inexpensive accommodation. Hotels in French Polynesia charge Resort tax: per day 1.5 euros from one guest. Breakfast in all hotels except chain hotels is charged separately.

Shopping and souvenirs - extraordinary gifts for friends

Guests of French Polynesia will not leave hospitable islands"Bounty" without Monoi oil, skin softeners, fruit liqueurs and crafts made from shards of hardened volcanic lava, shells and wood.

At the Pearl Market of Tahiti and Bora Bora, in mall"Vaima" and in shops along Pomare Boulevard you can buy jewelry with black pearls. The two-tiered Central Market of Papeete also offers a wide range of souvenirs.

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Polynesia. Traditional wedding dance. POLYNESIA, one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central Pacific Ocean. It extends from north to south from the Hawaiian Islands to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia). Square … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Polynesia- a general name for the islands in the center, parts of the Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian, Cook, Line, Marquesas, Society, Easter, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai, Tuvalu, Wallis, Fu Tuna and ... Geographical encyclopedia

POLYNESIA- “multi-island”, otherwise called. Oceania, the islands of the Great Ocean lying to the north and east of Australia. A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. Popov M., 1907. POLYNESIA (Greek, from polys many, and nesos... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

POLYNESIA- French (Polynesie Francaise) possession (from the 19th century) of France (in 1885-1958 it was called the French possessions in Oceania, in 1958 it received the status of an overseas territory of France) in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia. Includes islands: Societies (in... ...

POLYNESIA- one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. Stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New. Zealand (sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. Area (excluding New Zealand) approx. 26 thousand km². Main groups... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Polynesia- I one of the main island groups in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the Hawaiian Islands in the north to New Zealand (which is sometimes included in Polynesia) in the south. Area (without New Zealand) is about 26 thousand km2.… … encyclopedic Dictionary

Polynesia- noun, number of synonyms: 1 Australia (8) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Synonym dictionary

POLYNESIA- (French). Territory 4.2 thousand sq. km, population 150 thousand people. The basis of the economy is Agriculture, fishing and mining of mother-of-pearl shells and pearls. The number of sheep is 3 thousand... World sheep farming

Polynesia- I Polynesia (from Poly... and Greek nesos island) islands of Oceania (See Oceania), located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean, between 23°30 N. w. 28° S w. and 176° E. 109°20 W d.P. includes: the islands of Tonga (an independent state with ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

POLYNESIA- French Polynesia (French Polynesia) The official name is the Territory of French Polynesia (French Territoire de la Polynésie Française, English Territory of French Polynesia, Tait. Pōrīnetia farāni). Located in the extreme east of Oceania.... ... Encyclopedia of countries of the world

Books

• Board game "Polynesia" (8783), Knizia Rainer. Where the sun always shines, the endless ocean roars, and houses stand right on the water, cheerful Polynesians live. They are not only skilled hunters and artisans, but also nimble traders. You -... Buy for 2192 RUR
• In the South Seas, Stevenson Robert Lewis. True, not fictitious adventures of the best of the authors of English historical and adventure prose. Exotic Polynesia through the eyes of the great Robert Louis Stevenson, who...

French Polynesia on the world map

French Polynesia is an overseas representation of France. This cluster of small islands is located in the South Pacific Ocean. The place is represented by several archipelagos, such as the Gambier, Tubuai, Marxist, Tuamotu Islands, and the Community Islands. Their origin is usually coral or volcanic.

French Polynesia on the world map
The map can be enlarged or reduced

French polynesia. Map from satellite

Map of French Polynesia

The climate in French Polynesia is trade wind and tropical. However, there are differences between winter and summer, although the temperature certainly does not drop below zero. The vegetation of the island depends on the origin of the island itself. On the volcanic islands you will find dense, evergreen forests, among which there are plantations of bananas and coconut palms. Also on the islands you will find many rivers enclosed in deep narrow valleys, and, of course, a huge number of tropical waterfalls.

The population is about 300 thousand. The majority are Polynesians, much less Chinese. Only 6% are French. The cuisine is mainly represented by fish. You will be gladly offered crustaceans and other seafood. French Polynesia is a paradise for lovers, spouses and newlyweds. People who care about beauty also come here underwater world and marine fauna. Also, many people are attracted to weddings under the mysterious ceremony of the Polynesian rite.

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French Polynesia has the status autonomous territory. The French government is represented by the High Commissioner. The legislative body is the Territorial Assembly, elected by the population for a period of five years. Executive power belongs to the Government of Polynesia. The territory is represented in the French Parliament by one senator and two deputies of the National Assembly.

Islands scattered over an area of ​​more than 4 thousand square meters. km. in the eastern South Pacific, worn official name French polynesia. The main attractions of French Polynesia are its islands! This unique enclave unites 118 islands and atolls and is divided into five archipelagos: the Society Islands, the Astral Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Tuamotu Islands and the Mangareva Islands. Tahiti, often called the "Island of Love", covers an area of ​​about 700 square meters. km. Deep green valleys are completely covered with thick tropical forests, thickets of soft ferns, among which cool waters of mountain streams flow, cascading into rivers rushing to the ocean.

The islands are divided into so-called “high” and “low” islands. The "high" islands present a very rugged landscape. The peaks of the mountains in some places are higher than 2,000 meters, as, for example, in Tahiti. "Low" islands, or atolls, are surrounded by lagoons with a very rich and specific flora and fauna.

Islands of French Polynesia: map

1. Tahiti Island

Most big Island in the Windward group of islands in French Polynesia. Tahiti is the economic, cultural and political center of French Polynesia. Tahiti is part of French Polynesia, a semi-autonomous territory of France. Tahiti, the word evokes visions paradise island. Tahiti boasts high, majestic mountains, coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons, white sand, beaches with palm trees and luxury resorts.

Fascinating video about Tahiti

2. Tetiaroa Island

The island is famous for being purchased by Marlon Brando, who fell in love with the island during the filming of the film “Mutiny on the Bounty” in 1966. heavenly beauty French Polynesia and was fascinated by the island of Tetiaroa. After the death of Marlon Brando, the island became the property of the Tahitian Development Company and in 2014 an upscale premium resort was opened on the island.

3. Maputi Island

Maputi Island is located in the far west of French Polynesia, approximately 300 km from Tahiti. This is a small island with a surface of about 9 square meters. km and about 1,200 inhabitants. Lying 40 km west of Bora Bora, Maputi is a miniature version of its larger neighbor. Like Bora Bora, a coral atoll surrounds an island of volcanic origin.

4. Tahaa Island

Situated between the islands of Bora Bora and Huahine, Taha shares its surrounding coral reef with the nearby island of Raiatea. Taha is known as the capital of vanilla, and due to this smell, "Vanilla Island". Taha has an economy that is not as dependent on tourism as other islands and therefore has fewer resorts and tourists. This is an ideal destination for travelers interested in native Polynesian life, however, it beautiful place to buy exquisite black pearls.

5. Raiatea Island

Sharing a surrounding coral reef with the island of Taha, Raiatea is the second largest of the French Polynesian islands and administrative center archipelago of the Leeward Islands. Often referred to as the “Sacred Island”, Raiatea is believed to be the place where migration to Hawaiian Islands and to other parts of Eastern Polynesia. Tourists can see here ancient shrines and artifacts, which are the best preserved of all the islands of French Polynesia.

6. Huahine Islands

There are actually two islands, big and small Huahine. Huahine is surrounded by a coral reef and connected to each other by a tiny bridge. Huahine is replete with secluded coves and some of the coves are best places for surfing. On the southwest coast of Little Hua Hin there is one of the most beautiful beaches in French Polynesia with crystal clean water, ideal for scuba diving.

7. Moorea Island

Moorea means yellow lizard in Polynesian. Located just a 30-minute catamaran ride from Tahiti, Moorea boasts some of the most spectacular scenery of the French Polynesian islands. The island is located ancient volcano. Mount Tohiwea was torn in half by a catastrophic explosion centuries ago, earning it the nickname “Shark Tooth” for its appearance. The hike to the top of the mountain offers hikers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and nearby islands. Moorea along with Bora Bora and Tahiti main tourist destination in French Polynesia, a third of all tourists come to this island.

8. The famous island of Bora Bora

The idyllic island of Bora Bora gained its fame thanks to its tranquil turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches, which are protected by a coral reef that surrounds its perimeter. Bora Bora is a major international tourist center, famous for its luxury resorts. Snorkeling and diving among lemon sharks, green turtles and other marine life inhabiting the coral reefs are the most popular activities in Bora Bora.

Video: Paradise Polynesia