Marquises, Tuamotu et larchipel de la Société

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava’s coral ellipsis is a narrow stretch of land sitting on a crystal-clear sea. Travellers here are surprised by the immensity of the lagoon, whose colours evoke an infinite palette. The atoll, renowned for its immaculate beaches and preserved nature, is home to rare bird species, plants and crustaceans. You’ll disembark in a Zodiac® and berth in front of the Veke Veke guesthouse, where you will be welcomed with garlands of flowers and traditional music. You will then be able to go for a walk along the beach or put on flippers, mask and snorkel to make the most of the warm waters of Fakarava and observe its brightly coloured coral.

Grandioses, percutantes et puissantes, les Marquises sont plus rudes que leurs sœurs polynésiennes. Le charme de l’archipel réside dans son extraordinaire beauté sauvage : cascades descendant des pics vertigineux, falaises déchiquetées s’enfonçant dans la mer indigo, et végétation luxuriante. Sur l’île de Fatu Hiva, vous découvrirez la célèbre baie de Hanavave, considérée comme l’une des plus belles du monde. Profitez de votre temps libre pour vous promener parmi les maisons et les jardins du village. Ses habitants, spécialisés dans la fabrication de tapa (tissu d’écorce), vous accueilleront avec de la musique de ukulélé et des chants traditionnels. Vous aurez également le plaisir de déguster les agrumes doux et juteux qui poussent sur l’île.

You’ll immediately understand why this remote and unusual chain of islands bathing in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean inspired Jacques Brel’s final album. During your cruise, we will stop at Hiva Oa, considered to be the “garden of the Marquesas Islands.” A special kind of power and charm emanate from its craggy skyline and black sand beaches. This port of call will provide you with an opportunity to visit the small village of Atuona, home to the tombs of Jacques Brel and Paul Gauguin, as well as a cultural centre devoted to the memory of the famous French painter.

Situé sur Tahuata, la plus petite des îles habitées des Marquises, le village de Hapatoni vous ouvrira ses portes. Une route construite en vieilles pierres vous mènera du bord de mer à la cathédrale du village. Vous y trouverez également un centre d’artisanat présentant diverses sculptures et gravures en os ou en bois. L’art marquisien est, en effet, reconnu dans toute la Polynésie française. Plus loin, la végétation prend le dessus, vous invitant à vous promener dans ses belles vallées verdoyantes. Ici, la population vous accueillera comme il se doit, avec des chants et des danses traditionnels. Un moment de convivialité dont vous vous souviendrez !

Rangiroa or Te Kokōta is the largest atoll in the Tuamotus and one of the largest in the world. It is part of the Palliser group.

Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo’orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo’orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook’s Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.