Country book · Oceania

French Polynesia

Overwater bungalows over a much older Polynesian story

French Polynesia's 118 islands — including Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea — combine iconic lagoon luxury with deep Polynesian navigational heritage and French colonial influence. It's postcard scenery with genuine cultural depth beneath it.

Myths

What's true, what isn't

Actually true

It really is a French overseas collectivity
French Polynesia uses the Pacific franc, has representation in the French parliament, and French and Tahitian are both spoken.
Polynesian wayfinding heritage runs deep
Ancient Polynesian navigators settled these islands using stars, currents and wave patterns without instruments, a tradition still taught today.
Black pearls are a genuine national industry
Tahitian black pearls, cultivated in lagoon pearl farms, are a major export and cultural point of pride.
Overwater bungalows were invented here
The concept originated on Raiatea in the 1960s before spreading to Bora Bora and other luxury resort destinations worldwide.

Commonly believed, wrong

"Tahiti is a single island destination"
Tahiti is actually one island within 118 that make up French Polynesia, spread across five distinct archipelagos.
"It's all ultra-luxury resorts"
Most residents live simply on family land, and budget guesthouses (pensions) offer an entirely different, authentic way to visit.
"The culture is basically French, just tropical"
Indigenous Polynesian language, dance, tattoo tradition and navigation heritage remain the dominant cultural thread, with French as an administrative layer.
"Every island has the calm lagoon of Bora Bora"
The Marquesas Islands, for instance, have dramatic volcanic cliffs and rougher seas, with no surrounding barrier reef at all.

Highlights

The best of French Polynesia

Bora Bora's lagoon

A turquoise lagoon ringed by a coral reef, with Mount Otemanu rising dramatically at its centre.

Moorea's jagged peaks

Volcanic spires and pineapple plantations a short ferry ride from Tahiti.

The Marquesas Islands

Dramatic, rugged volcanic islands with deep Polynesian tattoo and carving traditions, far less visited.

Tahitian pearl farms

Lagoon-based farms where black pearls are cultivated, many open for visits near Rangiroa and Tikehau.

Culture

Cultural riches

Ori Tahiti dance

Fast hip movements and elaborate costume define this traditional Tahitian dance form, performed at festivals nationwide.

Traditional tattooing (tatau)

The word 'tattoo' itself derives from Polynesian tatau, a practice with deep genealogical and spiritual meaning.

Va'a outrigger canoe racing

A major competitive sport and cultural link to the islands' ancient seafaring navigational heritage.

Heiva i Tahiti festival

A major annual celebration of dance, sport and music held each July across the islands.

Food

What to eat

Poisson cru

Raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk with vegetables, the islands' signature dish.

Poe

A sweet pudding made from mashed fruit like banana or papaya, thickened with arrowroot starch.

Fafa

Taro leaves cooked with coconut milk, often served alongside chicken or pork.

Baguettes and French pastry

A daily colonial legacy — fresh baguettes and croissants are found on even the most remote islands.

Grilled mahi-mahi

Freshly caught reef and open-ocean fish grilled simply, a lagoon-to-table staple.

History

Important people in history

Pomare V

1877–1880

Last king of Tahiti, who ceded the kingdom to France, ending indigenous monarchy on the island.

Oscar Temaru

Multiple terms, 2004–2013

Pro-independence political leader who served multiple terms as President of French Polynesia.

Cities