Polynesian countries. French Polynesia - the pearl of the Pacific

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French polynesia- French overseas community located in the South Pacific. It borders in the west with the waters of the Cook Islands, in the northwest - with Kiribati in the north, east and south - with neutral Pacific waters, in the southeast - with the waters of Pitcairn. Includes archipelagos: Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tubuai Islands.

The islands of French Polynesia are either volcanic or coral in origin. Most of the Society and Tubuai Islands, the Gambier and Marquesas Islands are volcanic; coral atolls form the Tuamotu archipelago and are part of several other island groups.

The volcanic islands are mountainous. Highest point Tahiti (and all of French Polynesia) - Mount Orohena - rises 2241 m above sea level. Coral islands usually rise only a few meters above sea level.

The main Ponynesia includes:

French Polynesia includes:

Marquesas islands
Norfolk Island
Gambier Islands
Society Islands
Rotuma
Tuamotu
Tubuai
Wallis and Futuna

French Polynesia Weather

The climate in most of French Polynesia is tropical and trade winds. In the southern part, there are noticeable differences between warm winters and hot summers. The hottest and wettest season is from November to May, when northwest winds often blow. In the hottest months, temperatures typically reach 32 ° C. In the dry season (June to October), southeastern trade winds prevail. The lowest temperatures fall in July-August (in the south - up to 18-21 ° C). The islands of French Polynesia are prone to invasion by tropical cyclones, sometimes destructive.

Language of French Polynesia

State language: French, Tahitian

English is understood in all hotels and in most restaurants.

Currency of French Polynesia

International name: XPF

The French Pacific Franc is equal to 100 centimes. There are 10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500 franc notes in circulation, as well as 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 franc coins. US dollars and euros are accepted for payment on the islands almost everywhere.

Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, some shops or hotels.

Credit cards are accepted for payment in hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist establishments. American Express and Diners Club are somewhat less widespread than other payment systems; they can be used mainly in large hotels, car rental companies and in some restaurants. ATMs are widespread in Tahiti and others large islands, on the periphery they can only be found at bank offices. On small atolls, use credit cards almost impossible.

Travel checks are accepted for payment in most banks and large organizations. It is recommended to use checks in US dollars or euros. All banks charge a certain amount for cashing checks.

Customs restrictions

Import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited. Only if the amount exceeds € 7622, ​​then it must be declared.

Tax-free persons over 17 years of age can import: up to 500 g of coffee, 250 ml toilet water and up to 50 grams of perfume, 100 cigarillos or up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco, up to 100 grams of tea, up to 2 liters of wine and up to 1 liter of alcoholic products with a strength of more than 22 degrees. You can import other goods up to CFP5000 (CFP2500 for persons under the age of 15). If they come from Fiji and Samoa, then the imported baggage is disinfected.

It is prohibited to import into the country: all food products of animal origin; plants; fruit; weapon; ammunition; drugs; counterfeit products; artificial pearls.

Mains voltage

Purchases

Shops are open from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00-17.30. Private shops and shops on the outskirts are usually open until 22.00. Large shops close at 11:00 on Saturdays.

Prices are fixed everywhere. Bargaining is prohibited - according to local concepts, such a ritual offends the honesty of the seller, especially if he is a resident of Polynesia.

Opening hours of institutions

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 07.45-08.00 to 15.30. Some large banks are open on Saturdays from 7.45 am to 11.30 am.

Safety

You should always take security measures against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas, watch your belongings and take normal precautions.

Country code: +689

Geographic first level domain name:.pf

Despite the fact that tap water is chlorinated, all water should be regarded as potentially unfit for consumption, especially during the first days of being on the islands.

Emergency phones

The unified telephone number of the rescue service is 15 or 423-456.
Police - 17.

French Polynesia is the overseas mission of France. This cluster of small islets is found in the South Pacific Ocean. The place is represented by several archipelagos, such as the Gambier Islands, Tubuai, Marxis, Tuamotu Islands, as well as Community Islands. Their origin is usually coral or volcanic.

The map can be enlarged or reduced

French polynesia. Map from sptunik

The climate in French Polynesia is trade wind, tropical. However, there are differences between winter and summer, although the temperature certainly does not drop below freezing. The vegetation of the island depends on the origin of the island itself. On the volcanic islands You will come across dense, evergreen forests among which there are plantations of bananas and coconut trees. 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 basis is made up of Polynesians, much less than the Chinese. The French are only 6%. The cuisine is mainly represented by fish. You will be happy to be offered crustaceans and other seafood. French Polynesia is a paradise for lovers, spouses and newlyweds. Also, people who are not indifferent to beauty aspire here. underwater world and marine fauna. Also, many people are attracted by the wedding under the mysterious ceremony of the Polynesian rite.

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Since 2004, French Polynesia has had 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 outbreak of the First World War, subjugated the territory. with total area 10.6 million sq. Km

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

In 1880 they were given the status of a colony. In 1946, the former colony became an overseas territory.

Small dot in the Pacific Ocean

Islands of French Polynesia

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

The numerous islands of the five archipelagos (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 is one that involves a flight from Moscow to Tokyo on Aeroflot or JAL flights and a connecting flight of Air Tahiti Nui to Tahiti.

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

The duration of any of the flights: 24-26 hours, excluding the time spent on connections (or 35-47 with connections).

They are on their way 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, rainfall is possible in the form of tropical showers, hurricanes and storms. The air humidity reaches 92%.

During the dry season, which covers the rest of the year, the rainy 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 uses French and Tahitian languages ​​in everyday life. English is also common in tourist areas.

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

Roaming of large mobile operators is carried out through the local network Tikiphone SA.

• Transport
  Move between 35 largest islands French Polynesia provide Air Tahiti liners and the Paul Gauguin cruise ship. Travel by private jets, helicopters and catamarans 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
  For a visit, you must apply for a visa to visit the French overseas possessions (TOM) at the French visa centers or in the relevant departments of the Consulate General. When crossing the border, you must declare funds in excess of 7500 euros. The import of weapons, drugs and animal products is prohibited.
• Safety
  When planning a trip to French Polynesia, do not worry about vaccinations: there is a developed healthcare system and there are no dangerous plants and living creatures. You are allowed to drink tap water. Although there are no restrictions on clothing, it is recommended to swim in rubber slippers for safety reasons.

The best beaches

Based on 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 azure waters of Matira beach

Its competitors for an unforgettable relaxation on the Pacific coast have become Fakarava beach located on the atoll of the same name,

Fakarava Pink Coast

and black Pointe Venus ranked East Coast Tahiti.

Black Lava Pointe Venus

Popular are the Sigon rowing center, the Sofitel beach on the Moorea coral reef, and white coast Nuku Hiva lying at the feet of the smallest Polynesian Catholic Church.

Deserted, but no less beautiful slopes Wah-huka, divided between sandy Manikhina, small Motu-Papa and extended Khatuana.

And the most fantastic beaches, covered with fine pink sand, are located on Tikehau atoll.

Excursions and attractions of the mysterious islands

You should not pay all attention to just one of the Polynesian islands: each one captivates with its unique charm.

Recreation, sports and entertainment

Extreme surfing in Tahiti

A string of islets lost in the Pacific Ocean promises a lot of adventure for lovers active rest... Novice divers set off to explore sunken galleon off the coast of Raiatea sinking into shallow grotto Tetopa, which is not far from Tahiti, and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the lagoon of Huahin Island.

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

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

On Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and Tahiti, bike rides 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 the ancient way of cooking in an earthen oven - ahimaa... The ingredients of the dish are rolled into banana leaves and slowly baked on hot stones.
Fresh products and seafood are widely used.

The most popular dishes are raw Tahitian fish seasoned in a marinade of coconut milk and lemon juice, Chinese ma'a tinito made with pork and pasta with beans and Chinese cabbage, and poe - air pudding 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)

Polynesia hotels - accommodation in panoramic bungalow

The resorts of French Polynesia do not have the traditional "star" classification of hotels.

Most of the hotels here are resort complexes consisting of polynesian-style bungalows. Elite cottages located above the water are equipped with transparent panoramic floors.

You can swim right from your room

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

Relatively inexpensive accommodation is offered by guest houses and family boarding houses. Hotels in French Polynesia are charged 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 the hospitable Bounty Islands without monoi oil softening the skin, fruit liqueurs and handicrafts made from fragments of solidified volcanic lava, shells and wood.

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

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Welcome to the best Oceania travel blog.

Oceania - a million islands scattered in the South Pacific Ocean between Australia and South America, and the most rarely visited by tourists part of the world, so the editors of our site traveled for you to the most distant archipelagos and brought photographs and stories (almost guidebooks!) about the most powerful tics and the most sacred marae.

Oceania is divided into three regions: Micronesia (in the north-west; it is here - and), Melanesia (in the west; here - Papua, and) and Polynesia (in the east and south; here, for example, and). The division is not based directly on geography, climate, or geology, but ethnographic - the boundaries of the parts run along the boundaries of races, peoples and linguistic groups.

This is a directory page and a guide page: here full list states of Oceania (large ones are divided into archipelagos), and further - links to stories about the islands:

Polynesia

Hawaii, USA

Cook islands

New Zealand

Pitcairn Island

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Samoa

Tonga

Tuvalu

Wallis and Futuna

French polynesia

Usually no one knows what French Polynesia is and where it is, but in reality everything is simple: French Polynesia is a grand island country the size of Western Europe, an overseas territory of France in the South Pacific Ocean, consists of approximately 6 (six) archipelagos scattered across the Pacific Ocean. From the westernmost archipelago of the Society (where the capital island of Tahiti is) to the extreme eastern archipelago of Gambier - 4 hours of turboprop flight.

Society Islands

Marquesas islands

Tuamotu Islands

Rapa Iti Island

Micronesia

Guam, USA

Kiribati

Marshall Islands

Federated States of Micronesia

State in the Caroline Islands, shares them with Palau. Not to be confused with the geographic region of Micronesia. F.Sh.M., in the manner of S.Sh.A., has 4 states: Yap, Koshrai, Pohnpei and Truk / Chuuk. F.Sh.M. islands are connected only by a common colonial past, first under Spain, then Germany, Japan and the United States (from which they gained independence en masse and became, in fact, Federated States Micronesia).

Yap Island

Truk Island (Chuuk)

The most dangerous place in Oceania: the local people, when they drink in the evening, are very unkind. But, at the same time, this is the coolest diving place in all of Oceania: at the bottom of a crystal-clear lagoon, ships and planes sunk in World War II lie on white sand.

The population of French Polynesia in 2009 is 287,032 people. Urban population: 52% of the total population.

Ethnic composition: Polynesians 78%, Chinese 12%, local French (mainly Franco-Polynesian mestizos) 6%, French (from the metropolis) 4%.

Protestants 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, atheists 6%.

Official language- French (61.3%), the indigenous population speaks Polynesian languages. French and Tahitian (31.4%) languages ​​are taught in schools. English is understood in all hotels and in most restaurants.

Currency

French Pacific Franc (CFP), 1 EUR ≅ 130 CFP.

In circulation there are coins in denominations: 1 franc, 2 francs, 5 francs, 10 francs, 20 francs, 50 francs, 100 francs. Banknotes in denominations: 500 francs, 1,000 francs, 5,000 francs, 10,000 francs.

Banks are open from 7:45 am to 3:30 pm from Monday to Friday, some are also open on Saturday mornings.

US dollars and euros are accepted for payment almost everywhere, but the exchange rate is different everywhere. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, bank or hotels. It is most beneficial to have euros with you, which are changed at the official rate in all hotels and exchange offices. Dollars are often accepted at a not very favorable rate.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted for payment at hotels, restaurants, shops and other travel establishments. ATMs are widespread in Tahiti and other large islands, and in the periphery they can only be found at bank offices. It is almost impossible to use credit cards in small atolls. ATM operating instructions are usually in French and English.

Travel checks are accepted for payment in most banks and large organizations. Travel checks are often recommended as the best way to bring foreign currency into a country. To avoid additional conversion fees, it is recommended to use checks in US dollars or euros.

Communication and communications

Phone code: 689

Internet Domain: .pf

Unified phone number of the rescue service: 15 or 423-456

Police: 17

Communication between local settlements carried out directly, without the use of codes, using single six- or eight-digit numbers.

How to call

To call from Russia to French Polynesia, you need to dial: 8 - 10 beeps - 689 - the subscriber's number.

To call from French Polynesia to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Fixed connection

French Polynesia has a powerful and modern telecommunications system. A direct call to any country in the world is possible from almost anywhere, from local hotel numbers to street telephones. Telephone booths operate by card ("telecarte"), which can be purchased at post offices, hotels and shops.

mobile connection

Cellular communication of the GSM 900 standard on the developed islands is excellent. The main islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahaa, Raiatea, Huahin and Rangiroa) are fully covered, the smaller islands are often out of coverage, but even there communication is relatively stable thanks to powerful central repeaters. Roaming with the local Tikiphone SA network is available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators. Local SIM cards can be purchased at Tikiphone SA offices, but it is recommended to check the card directly on your phone before purchasing, as some GSM phones are not supported by local operators.

Internet

The Internet is developing quite intensively in French Polynesia. There are a large number of internet cafes in Papeete and the main cities of the islands. However, the connection is rather slow and expensive.

Shopping

Shops are open from 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00-17.30. Private shops and shops on the outskirts are usually open until 22.00. Large shops close at 11:00 on Saturdays.

From French Polynesia, they usually bring "monoi" (a special oil to strengthen the tan and soften the skin), shell crafts, mother-of-pearl, fruit liqueurs. And, of course, black pearls are included in jewelry and valuable trinkets.

Local handicrafts are popular among other souvenirs. The culture of the Polynesians is wide and varied. Various ritual, military and household products made of wood, stone, bone, etc. were produced on different islands. Utensils, jewelry, key rings and other trinkets made of mother of pearl, wood, stone or bone will be offered to you in souvenir shops. One of the favorite motives of the natives is the sea turtle.

Residence

Hotels on the islands of French Polynesia are mostly four or five stars. These are real "stars", without deception and even with greater luxury than provided for by the European standard, this applies to both the service and the rooms. Usually these are bungalows, some of which are located on the shore, and some on platforms that go into the sea.

Most hotels in French Polynesia have two rate periods: high: from July 1 (June) to October 31; low from November 1 to June 30 (May).

Sea and beaches

The places here are not just beachfront with a capital letter, but also exclusive by all resort items. Long beaches of white soft sand, turquoise lagoons surrounded by thickets of exotic plants. At the same time, all beaches are considered public, and access to them is completely free.

History

Polynesians began to settle on the islands of what is now French Polynesia in the first centuries AD. NS. Presumably, the migration took place from the Samoa islands. First, the Marquesas and Society Islands were inhabited. From the islands of the Society, the Polynesians at the end of the 1st or the beginning of the 2nd millennium AD. NS. migrated to the islands of Tuamotu and Tubuai.

By the time Europeans appeared on the islands among the population of present-day French Polynesia, the most developed socio-economically was the people who inhabited the island of Tahiti - an early class state arose there at the beginning of the 19th century.

The first island discovered by Europeans was Puka Puka in the Tuamotu archipelago (Magellan, 1521). The Marquesas Islands were discovered in 1595 by Mendanya, Tahiti in 1606 by Pedro Fernandez de Quiros, Tubuai in 1777 by James Cook, Gambier in 1797 by Wilson.

In 1842, France took under its protectorate the island of Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Tubuai Islands and the Marquesas Islands.

Since 1880, the protectorate status was abolished, and colonial status was introduced. The power of the Pomare dynasty was destroyed.

In 1946, French Polynesia received the status of an overseas territory of France. All the natives of the islands became French citizens.

Since 2004, it has received the status of an overseas community.

Many islands of French Polynesia bear the second, Russian, names: Rurik, Lazarev, Kruzenshtern, Raevsky and others. The Tuamotu archipelago itself has a second name - the Russians Islands. These islands were discovered and described by Russian navigators - F.F. Bellingshausen, M.P. Lazarev, O.E. Kotzebue.

The ceremonies in French Polynesia are extraordinarily beautiful. One of the most beautiful ceremonies is the wedding ceremony. The groom arrives in a canoe, and the bride meets him on the shore. Playing musical instruments, the shore is decorated with flowers. Then the bride and groom are wrapped in a wedding towel, and palm leaves are given as a marriage certificate. After the celebration in honor of the newlyweds, they board a canoe and sail to a neighboring island.

The culture of French Polynesia has largely lost its identity. The most Europeanized island is Tahiti, especially the capital Papeete. The houses in this city are predominantly European in style, the clothes of the townspeople are also of European style.

The tradition in the construction of dwellings on the Tuamotu archipelago and other islands on the periphery of French Polynesia has been preserved more - there you can still find huts, the walls and roofs of which are made of palm leaves. However, traditional clothes are no longer worn there.

Traditions are held more firmly in the way of cooking. In particular, the natives still eat raw fish and shrimp (although they are pre-soaked in lemon juice). Many islanders still stew roast meat in earthen ovens, where hot stones create a high temperature.

It is worth grabbing shoes with reliable soles on the islands: there are enough sharp pebbles in many reef areas, and thorny marine animals live in the coastal zone. It is better to enter the water in plastic slippers - to avoid cuts and burns on the corals. There are no poisonous animals and insects on the islands.

French Polynesia is a very expensive country. There are no taxes on personal income, but indirect taxes and duties are high, and most items and food are imported from nearby countries, the nearest of which is more than one and a half to two thousand kilometers. Many goods and services cost 2 times more than, for example, in Australia or 3 times more than in the nearby Cook Islands.

A characteristic feature that determines the level of prices in a particular establishment is the designation of its category with dollar signs - an expensive restaurant is denoted with the words "$$$$", and an inexpensive budget one - "$".

The system of measures and weights is metric.

Tap water in hotels and restaurants is safe to drink.

Despite the fact that tap water is chlorinated, all water should be regarded as potentially unfit for consumption, especially during the first days of being on the islands. All water used for drinking, brushing teeth, or making ice must be pre-boiled. Milk and dairy products are usually pasteurized and safe to consume. Meat, seafood and fish are considered safe, but it is still recommended to consume them only after preliminary heat treatment, preferably hot. Vegetables must be thoroughly washed and pre-processed, and fruits must be peeled.

Most of the islands do not have any animals that are hazardous to health. Some atolls have mosquitoes and sand flies, but their bites are relatively harmless. There are several species of sharks in the lagoons, as well as stingrays, moray eels, barracudas, sea ​​urchins and other relatively dangerous animals. On the outside of the reefs, the fauna is more aggressive, but for the entire 20th century in French Polynesia, not a single case of shark attacks on people was recorded.

Since the climate is very hot and solar radiation is aggressive, it is necessary to take certain measures against solar radiation, heat damage and dehydration.

Nuclear weapons have been tested on the atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa for nearly 40 years. The French government recommends refraining from visiting these areas. However, ships simply do not go to those areas, and it will be difficult to rent an airplane.

How to get there

There is no direct flight between Russia and French Polynesia.

The most popular, shortest and, moreover, visa-free option (but more expensive than flights of other airlines) is the Moscow-Tokyo flight of Aeroflot or JAL, plus a connecting flight of Air Tahiti Nui Tokyo-Tahiti with an overnight stay in Tokyo. A Japanese visa is not required if you stay in the country up to 72 hours.

Less popular (due to the need to obtain an American visa), but a relatively inexpensive flight by Air France Moscow - Paris - Los Angeles - Tahiti (Papeete). On the way back, there will be a stopover for at least one night in Paris (it is inevitable when flying with Air France, if you wish, the duration of your stay in Paris can be increased), so you will also need a French one. transit visa... The flight time is more than a day.

Delta Airlines Moscow - New York flight + Air Tahiti Nui New York - Tahiti connecting flight: an American visa is also required. Duration: 24-26 hours excluding connection times.

You can also get to French Polynesia through Australia (Sydney) with Air Tahiti Nui or New Zealand(Auckland) with Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui.