French Polynesia and the great wonders of the Society Islands

In order to better immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, a visit to the Papeete market is mandatory. Here are sold souvenirs, fruits and local food for modest prices. The town hall of Papeete is also worth a visit (architecture). The day continues in Arue, in front of the tomb of King Pomaré V, then at kilometre point (KP) 22, east coast, in front of the famous blower hole. These first discoveries end in the south of the island, at the magnificent H. Smith Botanical Garden (Motu Ovini), adjacent to the Paul Gauguin Museum (closed in January 2016).

The second day is still a long way from the postcard image of French Polynesia as it devotes itself to the interior of the island: A busy day in 4 x 4 on the scenic road of Tahiti. After going through the Pautona site and then by Lake Vaihiria, discover the Marae and Farehape, then the waterfall of La. Other waterfalls are more northerly, before joining Papeete for a well-deserved night.

No need to wait any longer to discover these dream landscapes that brought you to Polynesia. Nearly 50 minutes of flight lead to the pearl of the Pacific, Bora-Bora. This island is famous for the majesty of its lagoon with its many blue shades and its many magnificent bungalows on stilts. Then indulge in one of your favourite activities: scuba diving, jet-skiing, or even lagoon observation in a semi-submersible. Moments of happiness that will remain etched in our memories for a long time.

The morning starts early as you have to fly to the small island of Maupiti. This area, which is still hardly touched by mass tourism, presents a lagoon as beautiful as Bora Bora, and enjoys a much warmer reception from its inhabitants. Go lunch in one of the family pensions on a motu, then take the tour of the main island by bicycle... Magical moments! The Maupiti Express will then return you to Bora Bora Island to spend a sweet night... but perhaps you will be tempted by a stay in Maupiti?

Only 15 minutes by plane and you are already in Raiatea. On this first day, rent a car and discover the splendour of the island. In the centre, there is an agricultural and archaeological site, while in the east, you will discover the marae Taputapu?tea. Ask the locals to show you some private beaches, which are worth a few hours' walk.

A boat comes to pick you up at your hotel and you are here to discover Raiatea and Tahaa. The day begins with a visit to a perlible farm and a vanilla, then runs with a snorkeling near a majestic motu. A delicious lunch awaits you on another motu, close to which you can put your feet in the water with pastry lines. One last round of Tahaa by boat, and back to the hotel.

The green of the vegetation and the blue of the lagoon give you the desire to discover an even more wild Polynesia? Welcome to Huahine. There are many activities on the island. It'll be hard to bother you. This island also offers numerous hiking opportunities.

In Huahine, a pearl farm also offers the sale of beautiful pottery. His visit is certainly necessary. Then go to the river Eel. Young children will come to you for a few cents to buy a canned fish box that they will give to strong eels. A show that is cheap and very attractive. Do not forget to return to the plane for Papeete at the end of the afternoon!

Two more days will allow you to discover the beautiful Moorea, a few cries of birds from Tahiti. A magnificent and touristic island, it is an excellent compromise between the tranquility of the most distant islands and good hotel and gastronomic infrastructures. Let's face it: we love Moorea very much. Don't forget Tahiti, whose peninsula is well worth a long visit. If you have two weeks in the Society Archipelago, feel free to spend more time in Maupiti, for its imperturbable and regenerating calm; in Tahaa, for its equally peaceful atmosphere; and in Huahine, the favourite island of many travellers. With a sizeable budget, and the desire to discover "as much as possible", we can include a week on the Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea and Bora-Bora for example), three days in Tuamotu (Rangiroa or Fakarava) and four days in the Marquesas.