Have you ever wondered where do coconuts, vanilla or black pearls come from? French Polynesia, off course! At least some of them do. French Polynesia is a mosaic of islands, islets and atolls in the eastern South Pacific and it is, as the name suggests, French overseas territory.If you are looking for an ideal place for a romantic and exotic holiday, search no more. Many people say French Polynesia is the most beautiful place in the world... but you cannot be really sure until you see for yourself...

French Polynesia consists of several groups of islands - Austral Islands, Bass Islands, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago and Society Islands including the most famous island of French Polynesia, Tahiti. It is also the largest island in French Polynesia, it is created from volcanic mountains rising from dense rainforest and its capital is Papeete, biggest city in all French Polynesia. Other well-known Social Islands are Bora Bora, Moorea or Huahine. The Tuamotu Islands are less mountainous, lets mention here at least Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in the world, Tikehau and Manihi.

Flora & Fauna

Due to its geografical diversity, French Polynesia exuberates with rich and assorted natural beauties. Dense and lush forests alternate exotic flowers of wonderful colors or plantations of utility plants. A flower called Tiare Tahiti and a fern maire are symbols of French Polynesia and are used by natives for necklaces and headcrowns. Mount Temehani located on the island Raiatea conceals very rare Tiare Apetahi, which is endemic - cannot be found anywhere else in the world! Coconut palms, bamboo, mango, breadfruit, oleander, ginger, hibiscus and many others belong among common trees and plants of French Polynesia. As for animals, the most busy are off course lagoons. Various species of colorful tropical fish, rays, turtles, sharks, dolphins and whales see to it. Even the omnipreset coral reefs are consist of living creatures. Worth mentioning is also Pinctata Margaritifera, an oyster that produces famous black pearls.

Culture

The mixture of elegant French culture and cheerful and easy-going natives create sensational atmosphere in French Polynesia. The history of French Polynesia is not one of the brightest, it includes human sacrifices, mutiny onboard Bounty or testing of nuclear weapons. Those times are fortunately gone and you can experince French Polynesia peacefully and undisturbed. When you visit a village of native inhabitants, you can leave problems of modern world outside and enjoy their customs and traditions, such as preparation of food wraped in banana leaves in an underground oven or traditonal Tahitian dancing.

All in all...

French Polynesia is very picturesque and joyful country. It is ideal for visitors with passion for sea life, exotic beauties in nature and among people and for those who wish to escape the rush of modern civilisation. The experience of going around the whole island in just one day or being all alone on one of the islets surrounded by clear, blue lagoon can be found in very few corners of the world.