From my original archive
French Polynesia
Destination overview
About this destination
French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific. Its islands are spread across several archipelagos. Papeete, on Tahiti, is the main administrative centre.
High volcanic islands contrast with low coral atolls. Lagoons, reefs and ocean passages form a central part of the landscape. Polynesian cultural traditions include navigation, dance, language and craft.
French is the official language, alongside Tahitian and other Polynesian languages in everyday use. Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora are familiar names, but the territory also includes more remote island groups with their own identities and histories.
My connection
I served in Tahiti during two military assignments, in 1982–1983 and 1992–1993. French Polynesia is therefore part of my French Navy service, rather than a tourist destination in my journey. My original photographs and notes preserve memories of these two periods, including the vessel La Punarru during the later assignment. Returning to Tahiti brought the islands into two distinct chapters of my life at sea, separated by a decade.
Travel notes and photographs
My travel notes
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of more than 100 islands and atolls, including Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. It has a population of about 280,000 people and its capital is Papeete. It has a high degree of autonomy from France and its own local assembly. It is also part of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association with the European Union.
Personal memories
I served in Tahiti during two military assignments: 1982–1983 and 1992–1993.
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