French Polynesia
Eco-friendly travel guide to French Polynesia advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in French Polynesia, Oceania.
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- Air quality: 3 / 5
- Bus connections: 4 / 5
- Train connections: 3 / 5
- Hitchhiking: 3/ 5
- National parks: 3 / 5
- Outdoor activities: 3 / 5
- Locals' English level: 3 / 5
- Safety: 3 / 5
- Accommodation: US$60 - $300
- Budget per day: US$50 - $200
Contents
Responsible Travel
The country of French Polynesia comprises more than 100 islands in the south Pacific region of France which has a surface area of more than 2000 kilometres. The country of French Polynesia is a very popular tourist attraction spot where every year more than a million people travel to this country so as to experience the beauty of this country. Tourists are requested to travel with all the responsibility when they are on a trip to the country of French Polynesia, tourists should try to travel green and should involve practices which are eco-friendly throughout their trip to this country. Tourists are required to follow all the rules which are made by the government of The French Polynesia, they should search over the internet regarding the rules and regulations so that they do not face problems. Tourists should not pollute the water bodies present in French Polynesia, they should also not throw garbage in the public places as there are dustbins which are present in every area of this country so as to keep the country clean.
Air Quality and Pollution
The air quality of French Polynesia is not so good and because of this so many local residents of this country are facing respiratory disorders, the government of French Polynesia is opting so many measures to improve the air quality of this country. The pollution rates of the country French Polynesia are also increasing by every passing day and the main reason behind increasing pollution rates in this country is the vehicles which are running on fossil fuels. Wearing pollution masks is a very effective way in French Polynesia if one has any kinds of allergies as the small air particles which are present in the air will definitely cause irritation in the sensitive groups. Air purifiers are also a very good option for the local residents of the country French Polynesia as they can put air purifiers at their houses or workplaces which will purify all the harmful chemical compounds and irritants which can affect the body adversely.
Respect the Culture
The country of French Polynesia has a very rich heritage of culture and the local residents of this country are also very devoted towards their culture. Tourists should be very careful when it comes to respecting the culture of French Polynesia, tourists should be aware of the cultural beliefs of this country so that they should know exactly about the things that can go against the culture of this country. Tourists should try to attend the cultural activities of the country French Polynesia as this will help them to understand the culture of this region better and thereby helping them throughout their trip from committing mistakes. There are various punishments which are being authorised by the government of French Polynesia which are based on the mistakes committed, tourists can also search the rules and regulations over the internet. Visiting museums of the country French Polynesia where tourists are on a trip is also a very good option for them to understand the cultural beliefs of this country.
Top 10 Places to Visit
The country of French Polynesia is filled with wonderful places for the tourists to visit, tourists will definitely enjoy their trip to French Polynesia as there is so much to explore for them. Names of top 10 places that tourists should definitely visit in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below.
- Maupiti Island - Maupiti Island is a small beautiful island which is present in the country of French Polynesia which comprises of a population of around 1200 people and has a surface area of about 11 square kilometres.
- Ōpūnohu Bay - Ōpūnohu Bay is a very popular bay which present in the island of Moorea of the country French Polynesia, Ōpūnohu Bayis spread in more than 3 kilometres and the water depth is about 80 metres so visitors have to stay away from water.
- Robert Wan Pearl Museum - Robert Wan Pearl Museum is the world's only pearl museum which present in the capital of Tahiti goof the country French Polynesia, this museum has so many varieties of pearls and tourists will definitely get astonished by this museum.
- Matira Point - Matira point is one of the most beautiful beaches which is present in the region of Bora Bora of the country French Polynesia, Matira point is a very picturesque place from where visitors to get to sunsets.
- Otemanu - Otemanu is a very small South Pacific island which is present at the northwestern side of the region Tahiti of the country French Polynesia, Otemanu is famous of its tortoise reserve which is favourite destination to visit for the visitors.
- Tiki Village - Tiki village is one of those places where so many cultural activities take place and tourists should definitely visit this village so as to gain knowledge regarding the culture of this country.
- Marae Taputapuātea - Marae Taputapuātea is a very popular historical site which is present in the region of Taputapuapea, this historical place has so many ancient stone structures which look very fascinating.
- Tūpai - Tupai is also a very beautiful heart shaped island which is present in the country of French Polynesia, the island of Tupai has a surface area of about 11 square kilometres and has a very less population.
- Rimatara - Rimatara is also a island which is present in the country of French Polynesia having the surfay area of about 8.4 square kilometres and has a population of around 900 as per the records in 2017.
- Nukutepipi - Nukutepipi is a beach which is present in the region of Atoll of the country French Polynesia, Nukutepipi is ideal place for bird watching as here the tourists will get to see so many different varieties of birds.
Explore
The more the tourists will explore the country of French Polynesia more they will enjoy their trip, they will get to see new places which will enhance their experience of the trip. The country of French Polynesia has so many wonderful places to explore for the tourists and this is the main reason that this country has so many visitors every year. Tourists can explore the various landmarks which are present in the country of French Polynesia, every landmark present in this country has its own story to depict and has its own significance. Museums are also a very good option for the tourists to explore as every museum has different information which will help the tourists to gain so much information after their trip to French Polynesia. Tourists should try to go on a walk as this will help them further to explore the country French Polynesia, going on a walk enhances the exploration and makes things interesting.
City Parks
In the country of French Polynesia the local residents are very fond of going to the city parks which are present in their locality, city parks are favourite amongst the nature lovers as these parks have a very peaceful environment where people can relax very easily. Names of some of the city parks which are popular in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Bougainville park - Bougainville park is a brilliant place to go on a walk which is present in the region of Papeete of the country French Polynesia. Bougainville park is maintained very nicely and is very neat and clean so visitors will be very comfortable in this park.
- Paofai gardens - Paofai garden is also a very good place for the nature lovers to visit which is present in the country of French Polynesia, these gardens are thickly covered by trees which help the visitors to reduce their levels of stress.
National Parks
There are several national parks which are present in the country of French Polynesia, people can visit the national parks very easily by opting for any one of the public transportation. Names of national parks present in French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Maraa Grotto - Maraa Grooto is a protected area which is present in the country of French Polynesia comprising of so many species of flora and fauna. Maraa Grotto is also perfect for the nature lovers as here there are so many trees and plants and the environment is also ideal.
- Bora Bora turtle centre - Bora Bora Turtle centre which is present in the country of French Polynesia is also a protected area where so many different species of turtles are kept away from the human interaction.
Beaches
There are so many beaches which are present in the country of the French Polynesia, names of some of the beaches of this country are mentioned below
- Matira beach - Matira beach is a wonderful beach to visit which is present in the country of bora bora of the country French Polynesia, at the Matira beach the visitors can do so many water related activities like deep sea diving and snorkeling.
- Fare beach - Fare beach is another very astonishing beach which is present in the region of Huahine of the country French Polynesia, the neat and clean water and the white sand enhances the experience of the visitors to this beach.
Landmarks
Tourists should definitely visit the landmarks which are present in the country of French Polynesia as they will definitely help them to gain so much knowledge regarding the last of this region. Names of the landmarks which are present in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Fautauà Falls - Fautauà Falls are one of the most popular water falls which is present in the region of Tahiti of the country French Polynesia, Fautauà Falls have a height of over 80 metres and the sound of water falling from this height is very soothing.
- Fortresses of Ra’ivavae - Fortresses of Ra’ivavae is a very ancient fortress which is present at the island of Austral of the country French Polynesia, toutotsy should be definitely visit fortresses of Ra’ivavae as they will definitely like the architecture of this fortress.
Museums
Museums are one of the most informative places which provide so much information to their visitors regarding the places at which it is present. Names of museums which are present in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Paul Gauguin Museum - Paul Gauguin Museum is a Japanese styled museum which is present in the region of Teva of the country French Polynesia. Right now Paul Gauguin Museum is closes for renovation but soon it will get reopen for the visitors.
- Museum of Tahiti - Museum of Tahiti was opened in 1974 for public display and the main reason behind opening this museum was to restore Polynesian artifacts, museum of Tahiti is present in the region of Puna'auia of the country French Polynesia.
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Eat
Tourists who are on a trip to the country of French Polynesia should definitely taste the local and traditional food which is eaten by the local people of this country, tourists will get to eat something new which will definitely amaze them as every cuisine has its own speciality. Tourists can taste the traditional and local food of this country in any of the local restaurants which is present in the country of French Polynesia, French Polynesian cuisine is not so much costly and everyone can afford to eat it, the difference in the rates will lie on the quality of the restaurant. Names of some of the traditional dishes which are consumed in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below.
- Poisson Cru
- Chevreffes
- Poulet Fafa
Names of some of the traditional and local restaurants which are present in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Restaurant La Grand Voile - Moorea
- La Matira Beach Restaurant
Drink
Consuming drinks in the country of French Polynesia is extremely often as the local residents of this country are very fond of consuming drinks whether it be alcoholic drinks or non alcoholic beverages. Although there is an age restriction in French Polynesia on consuming alcoholic drinks which is 18, anyone below 18 years of age is strictly not allowed to consume drinks which consist of alcohol. Consuming alcoholic beverages is extremely common in the country of French Polynesia and the local people are seen consuming them everyday, wine is one such alcoholic drink which is consumed by so many local people of this country. Beer is also a very popular drink of the country French Polynesia and the local people like to consume it everyday, due to its low alcohol percentage this drink is one of the most famous drinks amongst the teenagers in this country. Names of some of the bars where people can consume drinks in the country French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Millesime
- Bubbles bar
Tap-water
Tap water in some islands is safe to consume while in some islands tap water is unfit to consume in the country of French Polynesia, it is advised for the tourists to gain all the information regarding the safety of tap water in French Polynesia so that they should not face any kinds of health issues during their trip. It is advised for the tourists to drink bottled water during their trip to French Polynesia as it is completely safe to drink, the water is free from any kinds of harmful microorganisms which can cause various health complexities over the humans. For safety the local residents of the country French Polynesia have started using water purifiers which purifies everything which is harmful for the consumption of the human body. While the hotels which are present in the country of French Polynesia provide pure drinking water to their visitors, tourists can fill their bottles from their hotels as this water is safe for consumption.
Activities
French Polynesia is a country where both the local residents of this country and the tourists have so many activities to do, tourists will never get bored in this country as there are various interesting activities for them to do. The various water parks which are present in the country of French Polynesia are a very good option to visit during the summer season, going to water parks will definitely amaze the tourists as there are so many different kinds of water rides which will enhance their experience at the water parks. Tourists can also go on long boat rides in French Polynesia as water transportation is very well developed in this country. People who love to do adventurous activities will definitely enjoy visiting the country of French Polynesia as there are various centres where people can do adventurous activities like hiking, scuba diving and much more adventurous activities.
Accommodation
Tourists who are planning a trip to the country of French Polynesia search for an ideal mode accommodation for themselves firstly as this is the most important factor for the planning of the trip. There are various modes of accomodation which are available for the tourists in the country of French Polynesia and they can choose any one of them as per their budget and the number of people. Every mode of accommodation in French Polynesia has some advantages and some disadvantages and the accommodation which contains less number of disadvantages are preferred by most of the tourists. Hotels are the most preferred and most common mode of accommodation in the country of French Polynesia which is opted by most of the tourists during their trip to any of the regions of this world. All the hotels of the country French Polynesia are very convenient and have all the necessary facilities which the tourists require throughout their trip. the hotels of French Polynesia have facilities like swimming pools, parks, gyms, meditation centres for their visitors. Modes of accommodation which are available in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Hotels
- Guest houses
- Hostels
- Apartments
Green Hotels
Green hotels of the country French Polynesia are one of the best hotels for the visitors to visit as these hotels are completely eco-friendly, green hotels do not cause any kind of distress to the environment. The green hotels of French Polynesia have modern methods and technologies through which they can avoid pollution and contribute towards the environment. The food products used in the green hotels of French Polynesia are also made up from organic products. Organic products are unbounded from any chemicals and are not only good for the environment but they are also very advantageous for the consumption of humans. Green hotels of the country French Polynesia provide similar facilities than other hotels but the only difference is that green hotels are eco-friendly, some green hotels of French Polynesia have started using solar panels so as to make electricity out of that. Using solar panels is a very budget friendly method so as to make electricity and this method is eco-friendly and is very effective also for the environment. Names of green hotels which are present in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Green Lodge Moorea
- Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
Hostels and Guest Houses
Hostels are another very effective mode of accommodation which is present in the country of French Polynesia, this mode of accommodation is mostly chosen by the students who don't have any local friend or relative in the country of French Polynesia where they can stay. There are so many hostels which are present in the country of French Polynesia, names of some of the best hostels of this region are mentioned below
- Painapaopao Backpacker
- Hostel Teamo
Guest houses in French Polynesia are also very good when it comes to the facilities which they provide to their visitors, guest houses are also opted by the tourists who cannot afford to stay in the hotels of French Polynesia. Guest houses are also chosen by the people who are on an office trip to the country of French Polynesia although guest houses have quite less facilities than hotels but still are very comfortable to stay. Names of guest houses which are available in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Pension Te Miti
- Pension Tupuna
- Fare D'hôtes Tutehau
Apartments
Apartments is the perfect mode of accommodation for the people who are on a long trip to the country of French Polynesia, renting an apartment in French Polynesia is extremely convenient and comfortable as people get so many facilities in the apartments. There are so many apartment renting agencies which are available in the country of French Polynesia and interested people can contact any one of the agencies and rent an apartment from them. The rates of the apartments in French Polynesia are directly proportional to the number of bedrooms it has, more the number of bedrooms in the apartment, more the rent of the apartment will be. Locals can go through all the details of the agencies and the apartment on the website by surfing over the internet, over the website they will get all the obligatory information about the apartment and the provisions which they will receive there. There are so many astonishing apartments in this country, names of some of the apartments which are present in the country of French Polynesia are mentioned below
- Orio Papeete centre apt
- Un pied-à-terre au centre de Papeete
Couchsurfing
Couch surfing is a very usual practice which is done by so many local residents of the country French Polynesia, the local residents are very kind towards their visitors and try to help them throughout their trip to French Polynesia. Tourists who have local friends or relatives in the country of French Polynesia can do couch surfing at their accommodation which will save a lot of money. Couch surfing is a very budget friendly practice as it saves a lot of money over accommodation as tourists don't have to spend money over booking accommodations as they can stay over there relatives or friend's place in French Polynesia. Tourists will also save a lot of money over food as they will get to eat the food in couch surfing as tourists don't have to roam around in search of restaurants to consume the local and traditional food of the country of French Polynesia. The local people of the country French Polynesia will help them in making their trip exciting as they will let them know about all the interesting activities which they can do in this country, they will also help them in suggesting places that they can visit during their trip to French Polynesia.
Camping
Camping is a very exciting outdoor activity which people of the country French Polynesia love to do during their vacations or weekends, camping should only be done after consulting with a professional if anyone is practicing it for the first time during their whole life. In the country of French Polynesia there are various camping centres which help the people to have a good experience of camping. The camping centres in French Polynesia have made things extremely easy for their visitors and try to provide them with the best possible experience of camping. These camping centres of French Polynesia try to provide all the facilities and equipment which people require during camping, the expenses are also very affordable and anyone can afford it very easily. Camping requires a lot of equipment and one has to do all the things on their own while practicing this activity but if it is practiced in a group then this activity can be a little bit easier to do.
Regions
| Society Islands Most-inhabited western island group, a group of high tropical islands encircled by coral reefs and lagoons (divided administratively into Windward Islands and Leeward Islands). Among the Leeward Islands Bora Bora is outstanding, Huahine, Maupiti and Raiatea are especially remarkable, in the Windward Islands Moorea is spectacular and Tahiti is a classic beauty with the capital Papeete. |
| Tuamotu Islands Vast central archipelago of coral reefs. It is a collection of low islands or atolls. Rangiroa is outstanding. |
| Marquesas Islands Northeastern archipelago, a group of high islands near the equator, whose steep mountains are inhabited by wild horses, goats and pigs. Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa are outstanding. |
| Gambier Islands To the south-east, rarely visited, consisting of the high island of Mangareva and its fringe of islands which are the eroded remains of its former gigantic crater, is in the far eastern corner of French Polynesia. |
| Austral Islands Small southern archipelagos (includes Tubuai Islands and Bass Islands). Last inhabited islands of the South Pacific, these ancient volcanoes with soft relief are far off the beaten track. |
Cities
- Papeete - capital, which is on the island of Tahiti.
Getting There and Moving Around
Tourists will not face any kinds of difficulties in getting to the country of French Polynesia as there are so many modes of transportation available for them to travel to this country. Tourists who are traveling from another country mostly use air transportation so as to travel to the country of French Polynesia as air transportation is the most ideal mode of transportation to get to the country of French Polynesia. If tourists want to move around in the country of French Polynesia then they do not have a better option than buses as traveling in the buses is not only convenient but also very budget friendly. Tourists can also move around in the country of French Polynesia by renting a taxi, tourists can rent taxis from any of the renting agencies which are present in the country of French Polynesia. Boats and ferries are also available in the country of French Polynesia and water transportation is also one of the most developed modes of this country and also quite convenient.
Air
Air transportation of the country French Polynesia is the most developed mode of transportation as it has so many international and domestic airports which help people travel from one place to another in this country. Air transportation is not only very convenient but it is also quite comfortable and is a very good option in French Polynesia as if any one has to travel for a very long period of time. Airplanes of French Polynesia have so many necessary facilities to provide for their passengers like they serve food to eat at regular intervals, airplanes contain washrooms, airplanes have a convertible seat where they can sleep also. Passengers get the facilities of pre-booking their flight tickets in French Polynesia on the websites online very easily. There they will get all the information regarding the flight in French Polynesia like the timing of the flight, seat number and the price of the ticket. The flights in the country French Polynesia are mostly on time and they try their level best to follow the time table so that their passengers never face any kind of difficulty. Names of some of the international airports of this region are mentioned below
- Tahiti - Faa'a International Airport
- Rimatara Airport
[[File:Aéroport_international_Tahiti_Faa'a.JPG|center|900px|thumb|The Aéroport international de Tahiti Fa’a'ā]
Bus
If anyone wants to travel to any of the nearby places or islands in the country of French Polynesia then he/she should definitely use this mode of transportation as it is not only budget friendly but also very rapid. Traveling in buses is very effective in the country of French Polynesia as this region has a very good network of roadways, the good condition of roads in French Polynesia also make this mode of transportation extremely effective. Every route has a different bus in the country French Polynesia and people should be aware of the bus terminals and bus stops so as to board a particular bus, tourists can ask any of the local residents of French Polynesia regarding the buses and the bus stops of this country. Buses running in the country French Polynesia are very punctual as they give their best to follow a time table which reduces the chance of getting late and thereby helps the passengers to reach their respective destinations on time. Passengers don't need to wait for so long for the local buses when they are in French Polynesia and the ticket price of the buses are also very affordable which makes this mode of transportation most ideal.
Train
There are no trains in the country of French Polynesia as this country comprises of islands which makes train transportation very challenging. Although there are other modes kd transportation in the country of French Polynesia like water transportation, air transportation and road transportation which makes transposition convenient.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is a very effective practice if done in a correct way and in the country of French Polynesia this practice is extremely common and so many locals can be seen asking for help from their fellow residents. The practice of Hitchhiking is also very effective for the tourists who are on a trip to French Polynesia as they are not aware regarding the routes of this country, the good network and connectivity of roadways and also the good conditioning of roads makes this practice much more effective in the country of French Polynesia.
Others
There are several other modes of transportation also which are present in the country of French Polynesia, taxi is one such mode of transportation which the local people and tourists can opt if they are not aware of any other mode of transportation in French Polynesia. There are so many private taxi renting companies which are present in the country of French Polynesia which provide their taxis on rent at affordable prices to the passengers, although hiring a taxi is very expensive in French Polynesia but taxis are very effective and convenient for the passengers in this country.
Sustainable Shopping
As the days are passing the rates of environmental degradation is increasing very quickly and the concept of sustainable shopping brought in French Polynesia has shown some positive results on the environment. In sustainable shopping people of French Polynesia get to purchase products which are purely from organic substances, organic food products are also on a trend nowadays in French Polynesia as they do not contain chemical compounds which may harm human beings in so many ways.
Recycling
Recycling is one of the sole ways through which one can easily decrease the rates of environmental degradation in French Polynesia. The method of recycling has proven very effective in French Polynesia as it works brilliantly against environmental degradation, in this effective process waste which cannot be decomposed by the natural means of the environment are recycled. Non biodegradable waste is the main reason behind environmental degradation in not only French Polynesia but in the whole world and if any country manages to recycle such kind of waste then it will definitely work in the favour of the environment.
Waste
Waste management is one of the most important factors in the country French Polynesia as it is directly proportional to the health of the people of the particular country, if there is no proper techniques and methods for waste management then the chances of getting some of the chronic diseases are very high as cleanliness is very important. The country of French Polynesia has a very good waste management system as the waste management companies are doing exceptionally well to manage the waste developing in this country.
Work and Study Abroad
There are a lot of job opportunities for the locals who are residing in the country of French Polynesia although it is comparatively quite less than the number of people living in this country. So many local people of French Polynesia are doing business so as to earn money, business is also a very good option in French Polynesia if anyone is deprived to get a job in this country. Some people in French Polynesia have to also do odd jobs to earn their daily expenses as they are unable to get a respectable job in this country due to competition.
Exchange Student
The universities which are present in the country of French Polynesia provide good quality education and have a good placement record in the past, they try their level best so as to provide best jobs for the students who want to study in French Polynesia and become successful. There are so many such universities in the country French Polynesia which carry out exchange student programs annually, such programs are only for the students of another region or a country and students can fill the registration from online.
Au Pair
Au pairing companies and agencies of the country French Polynesia have done a really good job by providing employment to the people who need money to live their lifestyle. These companies are doing a brilliant job by helping so many locals of French Polynesia to get a job and earn money to make their day to day expenses in this country. Au pair companies which are present in the country of French Polynesia are helping so many of the local residents by providing them with jobs or employment, procedure of registration in au pair agencies is very easy and one can very easily register themselves into these agencies.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a very common practice which is done by most of the people living in the country of French Polynesia as they know the benefits which they will receive when they will do volunteering in any of the well known companies. Volunteering is a very wonderful opportunity for the locals of French Polynesia which requires a lot of hard work, dedication and devotion so as to get a fixed place in that particular company, although getting a permanent place in the companies and industries of French Polynesia is not at all easy.