French Polynesia, whale sanctuary

In the heart of Austral winter in the South Pacific, flowers the AETE, also called “whale tree”. From the Austral islands to the Marquesas, passing by the Gambier archipelago, the Society Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago, the humpback whales arrive in Polynesian waters for their yearly migration … On a calm day, during the season,…

Poe Rava, a pearl named desire

On the Boulevard Pomare, on the seafront of Papeete, one finds the “Musée de la Perle” a museum dedicated the Emperor of the pearl, Robert Wan, one who has made his fortune and reputation of this illustrious gem. The museum is an ideal place to discover the mysteries of the famous Tahitian pearl. The pearl…

French Polynesia, at the whim of the winds

Each year, hundreds of sea faring folk leave the European continent by sea to brave 2 of the world’s most beautiful oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific. Most of them are moved by the beauty of the Polynesian water, the center of world traveling sailors. And like them, how would you like to discover French…

Discovering the Polynesian Mana

French Polynesia has recently devoted an extensive publicity campaign on Tahiti and her “Mana Islands”. Another way of saying that, beyond picturesque postcards and overwater bungalows, the ancestral Polynesian culture is in itself an undeniable fascination. But what is this famous Polynesian mana? Mana, a word that can be found in accounts of early anthropologists…

Heiva the heart of Polynesian rhythms

The Heiva, literally “celebration” has already started in Bora Bora and is poised to conquer Papeete at the To’ata square transformed into vast scenes in open air. A grand event significant to the Polynesians, the Heiva is the perfect opportunity for visitors to take the pulse of Polynesia, for a month following the frantic pace…

The M/S Paul Gauguin, Cruising French Polynesia

The M/S Paul Gauguin cruises ranks as the 2nd best Polynesian cruise for readers of Travel + Leisure 2015 as well as in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Magazine 2015 rankings. It has become a must for cruise travelers and has well earned its 5 star rank for its expansive cruise circuit and authentic Polynesian touch….