The ultimate Pacific paradise — Bora Bora's Mount Otemanu reflected in a lagoon of impossible colors, overwater bungalows hovering above coral gardens, and Paul Gauguin's inspiration for an entire artistic style.
- Capital
- Papeetē
- Population
- 279,500
- Area
- 4,167 km²
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- CFP Franc (CFPF)
Good to know
Driving side
Right
Annual visitors
89,400 (2020)
Safety
Very low (0.37/100k)
Avg temp
24.3°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18
Travel guide
French Polynesia (French: Polynésie française) is a collection of over 100 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, halfway between California and Australia. It is an overseas country (pays d'outre-mer), the only French territory with this status. French Polynesia is and has been the dream destination of travellers for many decades; you don't get much more beautiful—or expensive—than this.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore French Polynesia
Best time to visit
May–October is the dry season with less humidity and clearest water for snorkeling. Bora Bora is beautiful year-round. July hosts the spectacular Heiva Festival of traditional Polynesian dance. November–April is wetter but warm.
Visa
Citizens of most Western countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia receive 90 days visa-free in French Polynesia (as a French overseas collectivity).
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Major cities
Bora Bora
The Pearl of the Pacific — Mount Otemanu rising above a lagoon of impossible turquoise, with overwater bungalows.
Tahiti
The main island of French Polynesia, with Paul Gauguin's legacy, black sand beaches, and the capital Papeete.
Moorea
A heart-shaped island of dramatic peaks and turquoise bays, easily combined with Tahiti for the ultimate French Polynesia experience.