Les Personnes d’un Certain Âge Aiment Bien La Polynésie Française

In French this means…“Older Folks Like French Polynesia a Lot” and they do indeed. Senior travelers  will have a choice from the 118 islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti and the Society Islands.

Historically the French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. 280,000 people now inhabit the many islands that make up Polynesia. The islands are found about halfway between California and Australia.

Wikitravel notes that Tahiti and her islands cover four million square kilometers of ocean, which is the same area as the European Union. However the land above sea level accounts for only some 7,000 square kilometers consisting of 118 islands, grouped into five archipelagos (4 volcanic, 1 coral).”

The Polynesians inhabited these islands for several hundred years before their discovery by western explorers. Several marae (religious sites) still exist, scattered throughout the islands as evidence of this inhabitation.

The British discovered Tahiti in the mid 1760′s and Captain Cook visited there in 1769 to observe the Transit of Venus before sailing on to the south and west in search of the fabled Terra Australus Incognita with the assistance of a Polynesian navigator.

Seniors Enjoy Picture Perfect Beaches and Georgous Scenery

Papette, the capital, is a long haul, about eight hours, from LA. French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic. Visitors will find a wide array of nationalities: Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%, with French the official spoken language.

Moorea, loaded with outstanding scenery, is highlighted by green mountains that descend to Cook’s Bay. Balai Hai (remember those words?), is that mountain made famous in the movie “South Pacific”. Dotting the countryside are bunkers built by American servicemen during WW II.

Read what TripAdvisor has to say about French Polynesia. They note that Tahiti and Bora Bora are the most well known French Polynesian islands, thanks to their picture-perfect beaches and romantic ambiance. Be sure to check out their Things to Do link.

Tropical flowers abound and in every color, shape and size. Hibiscus, plumeria, orchids and dozens of other species are found everywhere you look. Seniors, think and dream about a trip to the south Pacific and enjoy everything about French Polynesia.  It might be a trip of a lifetime.  -jeb