Secret Polynesia: Unexplored Tuamotu, the Gambier Islands and the Austral Islands

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava’s coral ellipsis is a narrow stretch of land sitting on a crystal-clear sea. Travellers here are surprised by the immensity of the lagoon, whose colours evoke an infinite palette.The atoll, renowned for its pristine beaches and unspoiled nature, is also known for the Gombessa 2 and 4 expeditions, which focused on the study of camouflage groupers and reef sharks.

All the beauty of Polynesia is concentrated in Anaa Atoll, somewhere in the waters of the Pacific. Here, the most beautiful shades of blue and green are on display to create a heavenly setting. For the inhabitants of the Tuamotu archipelago, Anaa Atoll is intrinsically associated with the raids conducted by the so-called Parata warriors of old. In 1983, the island was completely destroyed by a cyclone that left behind only the Saint-Etienne de Tematahoa church, which remains standing elegantly on the edge of the beach to this day, against a backdrop of coconut trees. Featuring moments of relaxation and a dive into the history of Polynesia, the stop at Anaa promises to be unforgettable.

An isolated atoll in the Tuamotus, Hikueru’s charm stems from the beauty of its landscapes and the authenticity of its inhabitants. Its crystal-clear lagoon, bordered by beaches of white sand and coral reefs, offers ideal conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling. On land, Polynesian songs, dances and handicrafts set the rhythm of daily life. Facing a calm horizon, explore the island at leisure, from a dugout canoe or by following the many paths.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Located 5 kilometres southeast of Mangareva, Aukena is today the 4^th-largest of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia, with a population of around thirty inhabitants. This port of call will be an opportunity for you to dive into the past, to the era when Aukena was discovered by the sailor James Wilson in 1797. There are several remnants of this missionary period, such as the watchtower serving as a landmark on the southwest of the island or the Church of St. Raphael, constructed in 1839. These buildings nestling in the forest lead to sumptuous white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Take the time to explore this island in the Gambier archipelago, and get a taste of French Polynesia’s gentle way of life.

Discover Mangareva, which means “floating mountain” in Polynesian. Located in the Gambier Islands, surrounded by a magnificent coral reef and blessed with generous vegetation, this island, a cradle of Catholicism, has exceptional cultural heritage, with many vestiges of religious buildings dating from the 19^th century. Nestling in the heart of this historic site with idyllic landscapes, do not miss the small village of Rikitea, where one of Polynesia’s wonders, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, stands proudly, entirely built from coral and timber.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Wild and unspoilt Rapa is one of the best kept secrets of the Austral Islands. From majestic mountains to trails winding through lush forests and crystal-clear lagoons, everything here invites contemplation and exploration. In this mysterious land, Polynesian culture vibrates intensely to the rhythm of songs, dances and local traditions, and both the encounters and hikes immerse you in a timeless interlude.

Situated 730 km to the south-east of Tahiti, Raivavae is part of the Austral Islands. This volcanic island surrounded by a vast emerald-coloured lagoon has fewer than 1,000 inhabitants for four villages and two roads ─ one running around the island and the other through it. It is an island with an original culture and a still untouched environment, known for making sewn dugout canoes that are still used today. Often described as one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific, Raivavae comprises 28 islets where nest a multitude of seabirds. You will have the possibility of exploring the island during an enchanting ride aboard one of the island’s rare 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Located in the Austral Islands in French Polynesia, 640 km south of Tahiti, Tubuai is a 45 km² volcanic island situated just south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Very well preserved, it is ringed by a 85 km² lagoon, one of the vastest in the Austral Islands. As it is rather shallow, it gives the ocean waters a distinctive shade of turquoise blue. Eight islets surround Tubuai and, with their beaches of fine soft sand, offer a landscape that is unique in Polynesia. You will love basking with your feet in the warm, clear water, or discovering an exceptional underwater world with a multitude of colourful tropical fish as you spend unforgettable moments snorkelling or diving.

Far from the traditional tourist circuits, you’ll discover the wildest and most surprising parts of French Polynesia. In the heart of the Austral archipelago, over 500 km south-west of Tahiti, your ship will make a port of call at Rurutu, an elevated coral island of absolutely unique beauty. Carved with countless caves and surrounded by spectacular cliffs, this land of volcanic origin will reveal its mysterious and preserved landscapes to you. A real geological phenomenon, the troglodyte island also offers magnificent summits covered in lush vegetation that will delight hiking fans.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.