Tahiti, Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea ... French Polynesia contains all those superb tropical islands in the South Pacific, the largest of which is the island of Tahiti with its capital Papeete. These well known islands also make up what are known as the Society Islands (named by Capt James Cook in the 18th century), a major part of French Polynesia. Other not as well known island groups making up French Polynesia are the Gambier, Austral, Tuamotu and Marquesas islands. Much of the population lives on Tahiti with many smaller islands less populated or uninhabited.

Jutting out of the blue Pacific, these rocky islands are volcanic in origin with towering peaks or calderas but what makes them enchanting are the surrounding coral atolls with their strips of striking white sands. This is where the well known resorts are located with bungalow and villa accommodation situated just above the water. After flying into Papeete, access to these resorts is via boat just like Venice, or helicopter.

French Polynesia is officially an overseas territory of France so the people of French Polynesia speak French but also Tahitian and of course English (for us tourists). They have their own currency, the CFP (Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc) aligned to the Euro but US dollars are also accepted. The summer months of November - April are hot and humid. The balance of the year is slightly cooler and drier. May and June or October are probably the best times to visit. So go and visit a tropical paradise.