French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France in the South Pacific, spread across more than 100 islands in Oceania. Its best-known islands, Tahiti and Bora Bora, are the names most visitors arrive with, but the wider archipelago offers a range of quieter atoll and island settings for those willing to travel further.
What draws visitors
- Overwater bungalows, with direct lagoon access, which many travellers come for above all else.
- Crystal-clear lagoons, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and simply sitting on the water's edge.
- Black pearl farms, where you can learn how the pearls are cultivated and, if you wish, buy one.
Planning a visit
Because the territory is made up of so many islands, the experience changes considerably from one place to the next. Tahiti is the main hub and gateway, while Bora Bora suits travellers seeking the classic lagoon scene. Moving between islands is part of the journey, and it is worth allowing time for it rather than trying to see everything at once.
The territory's French and Polynesian heritage shows in its language and daily life, which adds a distinct character to any stay. Whether you come for a honeymoon, a slow beach holiday or a close look at pearl farming, French Polynesia rewards a visitor who plans around the islands they most want to reach.
