Secret Polynesia: Unexplored Tuamotu, the Marquesas Islands - Papeete return

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. Youll 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.

A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa, meaning "vast sky" in Polynesian, is very aptly named. The lagoon of the largest atoll in Polynesia is reminiscent of the heavens, imprisoned by hundreds of islets formed by sand that veers from immaculate white to pink. But the beauty of Rangiroa, classed by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, is most evident in its underwater life: you will have the occasion of admiring all the richness of the site on a snorkeling tour or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.

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.

Taiohae Bay welcomes you in a sumptuous setting. Your ship will drop anchor a few kilometres from the black sandy beaches, nestled between majestic valleys. You will find yourself in the middle of the main village on the island of Nuku Hiva. You can follow the footpaths on foot or in an all-terrain vehicle. From the top of the hill of Mount Muake, a breathtaking panorama allows you to clearly identify the rocky islands that emerge on either side of the bay. Further on, the site of Piki Vehine shows its tikis, sacred statues used for religious practices. In addition, do not miss the Notre Dame des Marquises cathedral. Its distinguishing feature is that is was built using stone taken from the six Marquesa Islands.

Entering Hatiheu Bay, you will quickly make out the statue of the Virgin, which, standing more than 300 metres high, overlooks this beautiful little village. Located on the north of Nuku Hiva Island, this locality is dominated by impressive basalt pitons. In the past, the fear of tsunamis and attacks from other clans led the tribes to settle in the interior of the valleys. As a consequence, many archaeological sites remain preserved and make for interesting excursions. You will find many of the ceremonial plazas, called tohua, notably those of Kamuihei and Hikokua where you will be able to observe several reconstructed traditional houses.

In the north-west of the island of Ua Pou, the third-largest of the Marquesas Islands, Hakahetau captivates with its wild splendour and the calmness that reigns over its legendary lands. With a luxuriant valley sheltering a tropical forest on one side and a paradisiacal bay of crystal-clear waters on the other side, the former capital of the island is a perfect spot for nature lovers. Here, like across the entire island, the inhabitants live primarily off fishing, farming and crafts: their wooden and stone sculptures are renowned.

Located on Tahuata, the smallest of the inhabited Marquesas Islands, the village of Hapatoni will open its doors to you. A road built in old stones will lead you from the seashore to the village church. You will also find a craft centre presenting various sculptures and engravings in bone or wood. Marquesan art is, in fact, recognised all over French Polynesia. Further on, vegetation takes over, inviting you to walk among its beautiful green valleys. Here, the population will give you a proper welcome, with traditional singing and dancing. A moment of conviviality youll remember!

Ua Huka, a hidden gem in the Marquesas, invites you to leave the world behind for a while. Its red-tinged cliffs overlook an endless ocean, while its tropical valleys are home to sacred relics and unspoilt wilderness. Accessible only by sea, this mysterious island invites you to discover its ancestral crafts and magnificent panoramas. Surrender to the soothing tranquillity of these landscapes, where each moment reveals the authenticity of a Polynesia that time forgot.

You'll immediately understand why this remote and unusual chain of islands bathing in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean inspired Jacques Brel's final album. During your cruise, we will stop at Hiva Oa, considered to be the "garden of the Marquesas Islands." A special kind of power and charm emanate from its craggy skyline and black sand beaches. This port of call will provide you with an opportunity to visit the small village of Atuona, home to the tombs of Jacques Brel and Paul Gauguin, as well as a cultural centre devoted to the memory of the famous French painter.

In the stunning Marquesas Islands, nature reigns supreme. The island of Hiva Oa and the town of Puamau are no exception to this rule. The archaeological site of Meae Lipona, one of the most beautiful places for admiring the famous tiki statues, ancient religious stone sculptures depicting men, is itself hidden at the heart of a dreamlike decor. The waters of the nearby stream babble as the only peak in the valley keeps watch from above. The stories and myths you hear will take on a whole new meaning here. Fall under the magical spell of Polynesia.

Your ship will take you to Omoa, a peaceful fishing village far from all civilisation, nestling in a magnificent bay on the island of Fatu Hiva. In the valley, you will be able to spot some tohua, former sacred sites, as well as the many burial caves lost in the island's abundant tropical forest. During your port of call, youll be able to discover the Maison Grelet, a museum that houses remarkable wooden sculptures and local works of art. Right in front of you, the village's artisans will demonstrate how they make tapa, a bark cloth obtained through the technique of beating layers of wood, and explain the manufacturing processes of umu hei, a bouquet garni made from a delicious mix of fragrances.

A natural jewel to the south of Fatu Hiva, the Bay of Virgins is often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. On this unique sailing trip, the sight of its volcanic peaks rising like stone cathedrals above a deep-blue sea is sure to captivate you. All around, tropical vegetation forms a lush tableau blending slender coconut palms, vividly coloured flowers and lush ferns. Here, the raw beauty of the Marquesas Islands is infused with an air of mystery and serenity, inviting the gaze to drift towards the infinite horizon.

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.

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.

Located in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Makatea (from the Polynesian words for rock, "maka', and white, 'tea") is a raised coral atoll belonging to the Palliser group of islands in French Polynesia. It is precisely this geological structure that made it famous, as its core contains significant phosphate rock deposits that were mined during the first half of the 20th century. This activity left an indelible mark that can still be seen today, as lush vegetation now covers the former industrial wasteland.

A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.