French Polynesia Heaven on earth in the South Pacific
Sitting on the deck of your overwater bungalow, you have a front-row view of turquoise waters. Behind you are milky-sand beaches and swaying palms. Ahead of you are days of unparalleled bliss. Welcome to French Polynesia. This French overseas territory isn’t only Tahiti and Bora Bora: there are actually five archipelagos, offering you the opportunity to discover a rich and fascinating culture. Sure, reaching the tropical islands involves sitting in a plane for many hours but as Cosa can attest: it’s worth it.
Where it is
Oceania
When to go
May to October
Why go there
Beautiful beaches
Surfing and snorkelling
A taste of paradise
What to see
Matira Point
Moorea
Teahupo’o
Chill out in a hammock
French Polynesia is home to some of the best beaches on the planet but picture-perfect Matira Point is arguably the South Pacific of your dreams.
Go wild in Moorea
Moorea is famed for its mountainous interior so active types can hike, with an expert guide, up some of the island’s iconic mountains and volcanic peaks. Your reward? Arresting views.
Surf’s up at Teahupo’o
Teahupo’o has been welcoming surfers from around the world since the 1960s and Cosa can arrange a private surf lesson so that you can learn to ride the waves like a local.
Stay in an overwater bungalow
Overwater bungalows, the brainchild of three American expats, were born in French Polynesia – and a stay in one is akin to heaven on high water.
Travel in French Polynesia
French Polynesia’s 118 islands may be scattered across four million square kilometres of the Pacific – an area that’s roughly the size of Western Europe – but getting around the atolls need not be a headache. Planes, boats and ferries are frequent while on land, let us arrange a private car. Or, for an authentic experience, take ‘Le Truck’ – an open-air truck that has been converted into a bus. However you travel, brush up on your French: it’s the official language although Polynesian is spoken widely.
French Polynesia facts
It is said that Hawaii receives more visitors in ten days than French Polynesia gets in an entire year, making this South Pacific idyll a great place to play at being Robinson Crusoe. Alongside the lack of crowds, don’t expect any post: residents have to collect their letters at the local post office. So why do some homes in Tahiti have letterboxes? Easy: they’re for French bread delivery. A fresh loaf will be dropped off not once but twice each day.
Time zone
UTC -10
Flight time
22 hours from Switzerland
Local currency
French Pacific Franc
Dialling code
+689
