Travel quotes
Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen. Benjamin Disraeli
In America there are two classes of travel - first class, and with children. Robert Benchley
Travelers never think that they are the foreigners. Mason Cooley
The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes "sight-seeing." Daniel J. Boorstin
There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror. Orson Welles

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French Polynesia : When and where to go ?
Click on a city for complete climate and weather tables
| Town | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Papeete (Tahiti) | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| Makatea (Tuamotu) | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
French Polynesia : Maps and Facts
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The Polynesian climate is tropical with two main seasons: The rainy season between November and April, when there is high humidity and stifling heat with temperatures of around 30°C; and the dry season between May and October, when there is scarce rainfall and a dry atmosphere with temperatures of around 25°C. In addition, the trade winds cool the daytime heat. |
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What to do in French Polynesia
French Polynesia consists of five archipelagos each with different attractions that have contributed to create its paradisiacal legend.
Tahiti is the most famous place, with its capital Papeete located on the coast: You will be seduced by its bustling harbour with sailboats and freighters, the town market with its diversity of local products, and the lively downtown districts. The Marquesas Islands bring to mind the landscapes of dreams: They are more rugged than Tahiti, their land consists of blocks of lava and valleys dotted with archaeological sites, and its culture is marked by traditional craftwork, folklore music, tattoos and sculptures. The Tuamotu Archipelago consists of 77 atolls with coconut tree plantations, white beaches and lagoons with clear water, it is ideal for scuba diving. The Austral Islands, the southernmost islands of French Polynesia, have a cooler climate: They also offer interesting caves to visit, archaeological sites, and are characterized by the richness of the traditional rituals, in particular the polyphonic singing. From one island to another, you will understand very quickly what makes this part of the world such a paradise that all the visiting artists have celebrated in their own way. |
French Polynesia : The basics
The airlines serve Papeete’s airport from France or from Great Britain.
You do not require a visa if you are a European citizen and if your stay is for less than three months. The currency in circulation is the Pacific Franc, aligned with the Euro. The budget required is quite high, unless you choose the campsite, where a night will cost you around €10 per person. Otherwise, you can find a double room in a homestay for €70 on average. The middle range hotels are few but also very expensive with very poor services (a double room costs around €130). Regarding the food, tourist restaurants offer dishes for around €20: The only way to eat cheaply is the market and snack stalls called roulettes. There is no need to take special health precautions, only protect yourself against sunburn. Flights are a good way to travel between the islands. The trucks (platform trucks) provide public transportation on land, for a very reasonable price. Avoid taxis which are very expensive. |
Towns in French Polynesia
The administrative capital of French Polynesia, Papeete has about 25,000 inhabitants. It includes most of the institutions and infrastructure of Polynesia. Located north of Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean, it enjoys a tropical climate.
It has an international airport, and tourist activity is mainly linked to its heavenly environment, and its beautiful beaches, but many other sites worth visiting tourists.
The Papeete Market is a must in particular, full of life, colors and friendly exchanges, where you will find various foods and crafts in an unforgettable atmosphere. You can also discover the unique architecture of the Municipality of the city, the cathedral Notre Dame in the center, the beautiful Queen's House Marau, the beautiful garden of the House with its many fruit trees, and the legendary Hotel Stuart where Matisse lived, without forgetting the famous 300 year old banyan tree towering over the square Tarahoi.
To get around the city, taxis and trucks shuttle service you will help. Hotels and restaurants are easily found throughout the city, and you can taste local delicacies or prefer traditional French cuisine, unless you ducked for Chinese and Japanese dishes.
Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia, has Makatea sixty inhabitants, who live on fishing, trade in coconut crabs and coconut cultivation.
Its area is 24 km2. Operated in the early 20th century for its phosphate, and still retains the remains of the ancient city of Vaitepaua, now abandoned.
It works everywhere on coral millennium which are inlaid shells and animal fossils, and you will also discover a palm endemic to this island.




