In French Polynesia, in the heart of the Pacific, Tahiti Island is part of the Society Archipelago. It is the largest of the Polynesian islands (1042 square kilometers), with Papeete as administrative capital. This territory is in the form of two volcanic lands glued together. On one side Tahiti Nui, crowned by Mount Orohena which culminates at 2241 meters of altitude and on the other Tahiti Iti, topped by Mount Mairenui at 1306 meters. The two islands are connected by the isthmus of Taravao. All these islands were born from a series of gigantic underwater volcanic eruptions.

Tahiti is surrounded by a lagoon whose barrier is pierced by 33 passes, the most important being that of Papeete. The climate is tropical maritime, with temperatures varying between 24°C and 30°C all year round and humid but tempered by the ocean and the trade winds. There are two seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the wet season (November to March) when tropical lows can form and winds can peak at 220km/h and rarely turn into cyclones. For this reason, prefer a flight to French Polynesia during the dry season and especially the cooler months of July-August. All year round, the water temperature in the lagoon varies between 23 and 26°C. What to remain quietly at the edge of water and to decompress while admiring the beauty of the landscape.

Don't miss the sunsets, they ignite the sky with amazing colors! You probably arrive on the island at Papeete, so come and see the market, but you have to get up early because the atmosphere is at its peak every day from 6 in the morning. You will see the colorful stalls with exotic fruits and vegetables: tubers and local fruits such as breadfruit, wild bananas, taro roots or sweet potatoes. There are still some buildings from the colonial era, such as the home of Queen Marau and the house of the Vaimi hospital pharmacist, but apart from that, you will quickly want to leave the warmth of the city to find yourself in contact with nature. Just go to the coastal community of Mahina to discover Venus Point, a cape next to which lies a beautiful black sandy beach where James Cook dropped anchor when he discovered Tahiti Island.

Why don't you go up to Tahara'a Pass? A belvedere offers you a magnificent panorama on the bay of Matavai, from Mahina to the capital Papeete and an exceptional view on the island of Moorea. Between two swims, numerous excursions are possible to discover caves, waterfalls and places of rite (called Maraes). For example along the Tuauru valley, where the Vaipat river flows, you will reach a natural site where there are amazing basalt organs. It takes two hours to walk to reach the cliff which stretches about forty meters high. Another escapade leads to Tiarei, where the three waterfalls of Te Fa'aurumai are located, accessible by a path laid out in the forest. One of them rises almost 100 metres high.

Another natural curiosity worth a visit: the hole of the blower, still in Tiarei. At first glance, it is a simple hole on the side of the road, facing the sea. The howling breath coming out of this hole is caused by the swell of the waves filling a cave below. The noise is surprising and the wind can become violent in rough seas.

Other excursions possible if you book a hotel in French Polynesia the cave of Maraa. Never leave a stay in Tahiti without visiting the Gauguin Museum, located in Papeeari. The museum evokes the life of the painter through documents and preserves a collection of modern paintings. Just next door, visit the botanical garden where you will get to know tropical plants and flowers as well as trees that are nothing like ours. Take the opportunity to go up to the plateau of Taravao dedicated to cattle breeding and fruit and vegetable crops, from where you will have a beautiful view of the isthmus that connects the two islands and the two volcanoes that make up the island of Tahiti. Enjoy the night skies, here no light pollution: the stars seem within reach...

Art and culture in French Polynesia
The museum of Tahiti and its islands, installed in a park by the sea in Punnauia, a few kilometres west of Papette, traces the history of Polynesia and houses many ancient art objects, including a very beautiful collection of tikis: these sacred statuettes, carved with the effigy of the gods and endowed with supernatural powers, were intended to protect the enclosure of temples (maraes). These sacred buildings were built outdoors, away from frequented places. They were surrounded by trees that the Polynesians considered sacred. Weddings were celebrated there.