Marquesas

With a total area of 1049 km2 and mainly of volcanic origin, it is one of the most extensive archipelagos of French Polynesia. Nuku Hiva, where the administrative center is located, is about 1,400 km from Tahiti. Its islands are divided into two distinct groups: the northern group centered around the large island of Nuku Hiva, and the southern group centered around the main island of Hiva Oa. Popularized by cultural greats such as Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel who both decided to spend their old age there, the Marquesas Islands have a strong history and rich traditions, which are still evident today through local crafts and tattoo art. Very famous for its breathtaking landscapes, the Marquesas archipelago is nevertheless a real underwater sanctuary, highlighted by the oceanographic mission Pakaihi I Te Moana which saw a succession of forty scientists for nearly 4 months in order to better understand the natural marine heritage of the Marquesas Islands.