Before the arrival of the Europeans, the islands were divided into districts, each governed by a Chief. When Pomare V abdicated in 1880 the islands, previously a protectorate of France, became a French Colony, and in 1957 French Polynesia became a French Overseas Territory. Nature Lush vegetation grows high above the lagoons and bays and floral scents permeate the tropical air. A myriad of tropical flowers grow throughout the Tahitian islands. The national flower is the Tiare, a heavily scented gardenia which forms the basis of the traditional 'lei' necklaces.
Lush vegetation grows high above the lagoons and bays and floral scents permeate the tropical air.
A myriad of tropical flowers grow throughout the Tahitian islands. The national flower is the Tiare, a heavily scented gardenia which forms the basis of the traditional 'lei' necklaces. Sights You can visit Point Venus where Captain Cook camped to observe the transit of the planet Venus in 1769, visit the Faarumal waterfalls, and at Taravao on the strategic isthmus joining the two Tahitis, wander through an old fort built by the French in 1844. Don't miss the Gauguin Museum in the Papeari district which is set in exotic botanical gardens and the fruit, vegetable and flower market in central Papeete. Most hotels offer regular Tahitian entertainment and there are nightclubs, bars, and sidewalk cafes open all hours.