Bora Bora, the star of the Pacific
Is it really necessary to make presentations?
Bora Bora is so obvious, a myth so anchored in the collective imagination, the source of so many exotic fantasies... The indisputable star of the Pacific owes its fame to the beauty of its lagoon.
Just arriving by plane bombards the retina with unforgettable images.
Through the portholes you can see an immense swimming pool in extraordinary shades of blue and turquoise, surrounded by a string of islets fringed by white coral sand.
In the middle of the lagoon stands the main island, a fortress of volcanic origin covered with bright green vegetation, which pierces the sky from its height of 727 m at its highest point.
Anchored 270 km northwest of Tahiti (a little less than an hour by plane), Bora Bora is the most touristic island in Polynesia, but it has managed to maintain a certain tranquility.
If the joys of the water (snorkeling, diving, canoe excursions) inevitably take center stage, exploring the interior of the island reserves divine surprises.
With a guide, you discover exceptional panoramas from the heights, archaeological sites lost in the lush forest, and even vestiges of the Second World War.
To discover
Travel in Polynesia: tailor-made tours, hotels and stays from our partners
GOOD ACCOMMODATION DEAL IN BORA BORA
At Alice and Raphaël's
Three beautifully finished bungalows isolated on a
motu
(island) planted with coconut trees, with direct access to the lagoon.
Loan of kayaks and paddles, coral gardens nearby.
From €235 for 2 people.
pensionaliceetraphaelborabora.com.
Maupiti, the perfect island
The little island wonder of Maupiti brings together all the ingredients of a dream stay.
Jean-Bernard Carillet / Le Figaro
Welcome to Paradise !
The little sister of Bora Bora, 40 km to the west, has been a hit for several years, so much so that you have to book your plane ticket and accommodation months in advance.
You have been warned.
This enthusiasm is not usurped.
This little island wonder brings together all the ingredients of a dream stay: a lagoon with infinite variations of blues and greens, a gentle way of life, activities geared towards nature.
And everything remained on a human scale.
In Maupiti, there is only one road, which goes around the island for 10 km, and we travel by bike.
No hotels, just guesthouses, on the main island or on one of the
motu
(islets) of the coral reef.
On the program: relaxing on Tereia beach, kayaking on the lagoon, hiking to the summit of Mount Teurafaatiu (380 m) to admire one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the archipelago, and snorkeling with manta rays.
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Pension Papahani (tahititourisme.fr/location/pension-papahani)
Simple but well-kept bungalows, on one of the most beautiful islets on the island, facing a light sand beach and a translucent lagoon area.
From €120/person half-board.
tahititourisme.fr.
Rangiroa, in the Tuamotu archipelago
Rangiroa in the Tuamotu archipelago is the kingdom of atolls.
Jean-Bernard Carillet / Le Figaro
Change of scenery !
Rangiroa is in the Tuamotu archipelago, an hour's flight northeast of Tahiti.
Here, no high island, not the slightest relief, it is the kingdom of atolls.
Atoll?
Understand, a coral crown at water level, planted with coconut trees which surrounds a lagoon.
That of Rangiroa, the largest in Polynesia, is a real small inland sea, which communicates with the ocean by two “passes” (channels).
A paradise for divers, but not only.
Book an excursion to the Blue Lagoon, to the west of the atoll, a wild and unique natural site: a lagoon within the lagoon, lined with light sand and perfectly clear water.
There, we indulge in relaxation, we taste grilled fish on the beach, we swim in an aquarium at 29°C among tropical fish.
Another lagoon excursion not to be missed: Ile aux Récifs, to the south of the atoll.
At this location, imposing basalt resurgences, with jagged shapes, give the impression of evolving in a lunar universe.
We immerse ourselves as in a spa in the small channels and turquoise pools scattered in the middle of this landscape which is both idyllic and strange.
An unforgettable experience.
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The Coconut Lodge
A beautiful address, intimate and pleasant, on the edge of the lagoon.
The 6 bungalows are distinguished by their wooden architecture, their beautiful volumes and their romantic touch.
Kayaks and paddles available.
Double bungalow from €340/person breakfast included.
lecoconutlodge.com.
Fakarava, then we dive
Fakarava turns the heads of divers around the world thanks to the richness of its seabed.
Jean-Bernard Carillet / Le Figaro
Like Rangiroa, Fakarava is an atoll in the Tuamotus.
Like Rangiroa, it turns the heads of divers from all over the world thanks to the richness of its seabed.
The comparison ends there.
What makes Fakarava so unique is the presence of numerous natural sites bordered by small beaches with delicate colored nuances.
At Les Sables Roses, in the very south of the atoll, you have the impression of entering a giant postcard.
The site owes its name to the small sandy tongues which jut out into the lagoon, with slightly pink or orange hues depending on the sunshine.
A delight!
Sports enthusiasts will opt for Hirifa, a place of incredible beauty.
Imagine a coconut grove bordered by a long clear beach, a strip of sand that cuts through the turquoise shine of the lagoon, a few sailboats anchoring offshore and kitesurfers gliding across a crystal clear body of water... We end with the Blue Lagoon, to the north of the atoll, which designates a superb lagoon surrounded by a string of islets, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, before enjoying a dish of freshly caught fish on the beach.
The definition of Eden, isn't it?
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Havaiki Fakarava
A benchmark accommodation on the atoll, with around fifteen good quality bungalows, most of which overlook a superb beach facing the sparkling lagoon.
Restaurant and beach bar.
Kayaks available.
Double bungalow from €310/pers.
havaiki.com.
Raivavae, the pearl of Polynesia
The island of Raivavae offers the face of an endearing, secret and intimate Polynesia Jean-Bernard Carillet / Le Figaro
What if it was the most beautiful lagoon in Polynesia?
Banco!
600 km southeast of Tahiti, in the Austral archipelago, the island of Raivavae offers the face of an endearing, secret and intimate Polynesia.
“This is Bora Bora 30 years ago,” say those in the know.
The feeling of change of scenery is maximum as soon as you leave the plane.
Around the main island, with its powerful volcanic silhouette, unfolds a resplendent lagoon, delimited by a chain of coral islets.
The must: hike to the summit of Mount Hiro (437 m) to enjoy a breathtaking view of the island and the entire lagoon area.
We can see the Motu Piscine, a popular place for excursions and picnics, a large islet surrounded by a beach of light sand, licked by a palette of striking blues.
And not a soul in sight... Ideal for playing Robinson.
Back on the island, we let ourselves be lulled by the tranquility of village life.
Disconnection guaranteed.
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Raivavae Tama
A welcoming guesthouse, on the edge of a small shaded beach.
The three bungalows are simple but welcoming, and the hostess's cuisine, based on local products, is delicious.
From €90/person in half-board.
raivavaetama.com.