French Polynesia Travel OverviewThe 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; with Tahiti and Bora Bora as the best known islands; the Australs and the Gambiers. Each of these archipelagoes has its own culture; ethnicity and climate; all of them are unique travel destinations with beaches of unrivaled beauty; many activities and a very friendly population. 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-coloured reef fish; volcanic peaks; lush valleys and white-sand beaches. Popular Destinations | 