Culture & Tradition

In French Polynesia, flowers are more than just beautiful: they are living symbols. From the Tiare Tahiti to hibiscus and ferns, each flower expresses emotions, rituals and spiritual connections. Receiving a floral necklace upon arrival is like entering a sensory and sacred universe, where scent, colour and tradition merge into a unique experience. A journey to the floral heart of the islands.

Travelling to French Polynesia in July means discovering Heiva i Tahiti, the most vibrant cultural festival in the Pacific. Legendary dances, sacred rituals such as the Umu Ti, hymns (traditional songs), ancestral sports and exquisite craftsmanship reveal the spiritual and aesthetic strength of the Ma'ohi people. More than just an event, the Heiva is a living celebration of mana, that energy that unites tradition, art and Polynesian pride.

Every southern winter, orange carriers climb the mountain trails of Tahiti on foot to gather wild fruit and pay homage to their roots. This unique tradition, celebrated during the Orange Festival in Punaauia, represents a deep connection between culture, physical effort and spiritual connection to the land. A living legacy that invites you to discover the island from within, beyond its beaches.

Discover ancient Polynesian navigation: instrument-free techniques, va'a, wayfinding, and the cultural revival of the great explorers of the Pacific.

The black pearl of Tahiti, jewel of French Polynesia, represents a cultural and natural heritage. The result of centuries of history and precise, respectful pearl farming, this unique gem is cultivated in the crystal-clear lagoons of remote atolls such as Manihi or Marutea Sud. Discovering its process and origin is an immersion into the Polynesian soul.

Every two years, the Marquesas Islands celebrate Matavaa or te Henua Enana, a traveling cultural festival that honors the ancestral soul of Polynesia. In a majestic setting off the beaten tourist track, mythical dances, ritual tattoos, songs, crafts, and traditional sports revive the Ma'ohi identity with emotion and pride. More than an event, it is a collective ritual that connects artists, travelers, and communities in an encounter of beauty and truth.

Long before it became a global sport, surfing originated in Tahiti as a sacred practice. Linked to mana and the Polynesian worldview, it was an intimate ritual of connection with the ocean. Banned during colonization, it has now resurfaced as a symbol of identity. Teahupo’o, a legendary and sacred wave, embodies this living heritage, also celebrated at the 2024 Olympic Games.

In French Polynesia, craftsmanship reflects a living ancestral culture. Every braid, carving, or piece of jewellery expresses a deep connection with nature and ancestors. Passed down from generation to generation, this everyday art has soul and history. At the Papeete market, its shapes, colours, and aromas showcase the cultural richness of the islands and the expertise of a people proud of their roots.

Beyond its turquoise lagoons and majestic mountains, French Polynesia is a universe of myths, legends, and sacred symbols. Mana, the gods Ta’aroa and Hina, ancestral tattoos, and oral traditions reveal a vibrant and deeply spiritual culture. Traveling to these islands is to open oneself to an intangible heritage that connects with nature, ancestors, and the soul of the Polynesian people.

French Polynesian vanilla is an aromatic treasure that combines history, culture and a unique artisanal process. Originally from Mesoamerica, it arrived in Tahiti in the 19th century and adapted to its climate and volcanic soils, giving rise to the coveted Vanilla tahitensis. On the island of Taha’a, vanilla plantations offer a sensory experience that connects visitors with the tradition and care behind each pod. More than just a scent, it is a living legacy.

French Polynesia: a name that evokes turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches and cloud-capped mountains. But beyond its idyllic postcards, this land hides a fascinating cultural depth. One of its most intense expressions is 'Ori Tahiti, the traditional dance of Tahiti.

Navigating without compasses or maps, guided solely by the stars and the ocean—that’s how the ancient Polynesians sailed across thousands of islands for centuries. Today, this tradition lives on in French Polynesia through wayfinding, an ancestral navigation practice that blends astronomy, ocean reading, and a spiritual connection with nature. More than just a technique, it’s a philosophy and a cultural legacy experiencing a vibrant revival.