Barely visited islands
The Merquesas or Marquesas archipelago is the most remote archipelago on Earth. It consists of a dozen barely visited islands with sharp silhouettes of forest-clad basalt peaks and perpendicular cliffs bordering bays covered with arcades of white and black sand. You will take some of the most spectacular nature walks in French Polynesia, and history is almost tangible thanks to a wealth of archaeological remains.
Main islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa
Taiohae is the capital of the archipelago, a charming port city with a stunning location on a crater rim on Nuku Hiva. It is the center of Polynesian art where you can find the carvings of traditional artists in studios. The nature of the main island is overwhelming and is characterized with flowering valleys, undulating jungles and towering waterfalls cascading down vertical canyons. Through caves and caverns, the ocean finds a way into the land; naturally formed waterways where wild dolphins also find their way.
The fertile and rugged Hiva Oa is known for its many archaeological sites that are still hidden even after hundreds of years. Spend a day in the Puamau Valley and visit Iipona sites. Wandering among the banyan trees, you will stumble across the beautiful tiki statues and ancient rock paintings. The lonely hills of the enchantingly beautiful island have exerted attraction on many famous writers, musicians and artists for decades. You will find the final resting places of Paul Gaugain and Jacques Brel in the village of Atuona.
The smaller pearls
Besides Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, would you like to visit the smaller pearls? Hoist the sails and let the wind take you to Fatu Hiva. Her Bay of Virgins is magically beautiful when the light frames the volcanic peaks. Moor at Ua Huka where you can gallop along with wild horses and anchor at Tahuata, an oasis of tranquility and a place of history and creativity. Where the world can't find you....
