The term French Polynesia refers to five archipelagoes spread over an expanse of the South Pacific approximately the size of Western Europe (2,000,000 square miles or approximately 5,000,000 square kilometers). The region includes the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, the Society Islands, the Australs and the Gambiers. Each of these archipelagoes has its own culture, ethnicity and climate. 

Just 7 1/2 hours from California, you'll find the crystal clear turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches of the islands where love lives. To discover more about the 118 breathtaking islands that make up Tahiti, just click on the words above and begin a dazzling journey through this exotic Eden. French Polynesia was the natural backdrop for the legendary paintings of Paul Gauguin. Like the vast majority of visitors to the region, Gauguin has inspired by French Polynesia's turquoise lagoons, multi-colored reef fish, volcanic peaks, lush valleys and white-sand beaches.

Tahitian culture is a lively fusion of ancient Polynesian lore and European contemporaneousness. The mixture of Polynesian and French cultures has resulted in a fertile culinary environment. There is a variety of splendid foods available in Tahiti ranging from traditional Tahitian fare to fine French cuisine, and tempting combinations thereof. The Tahitian diet consists mostly of fish, shellfish, breadfruit, taro, cassava, pork, yams, chicken, rice and coconut.

Visitors will also find any number of Italian, Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants of various price categories and quality. For Americans accustomed to fast-food, Papeete and some of the outer islands serve hamburgers, steaks, fries and similar staples.

In terms of art and culture, upper-class Tahitians have adopted western pop culture. French Polynesians wear the most chic fashions, listen to the latest pop music and drive the latest Bavarian cars and Japanese automobiles. Yet despite this obvious affection for Western style, the proud people of French Polynesia still have their own language and customs.

The area has inspired a host of legendary artistic works. Tahiti has captured the imagination of European intellectuals and artists ever since Rousseau waxed about the "Noble Savage." French Polynesia was the setting for Herman Melville's groundbreaking book, "Typee," which was the first novel about a romance between a white man and a Polynesian native. The region was also the inspiration for the popular theatre production, "Bali Hai."

Temperatures average about 79° F year around, both the air temperature and the water temperature.  French Polynesia is a tropical destination blessed with lots of sun and enough rain to keep the waterfalls flowing and the flowers blooming!