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Marquesas, The Tuamotus & Society Islands Luxury French Polynesia Cruise

Marquesas, The Tuamotus & Society Islands Luxury French Polynesia Cruise

From AUD $11,750

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Description

Fall under the spell of the Tuamotu, Marquesas and Society Islands, three archipelagos with unique identities making up French Polynesia. The turquoise lagoons and coral reefs the Tuamotu Islands provide ideal conditions for swimming, diving and discovering the marine world, or simply making the most of preserved beaches. The Society Islands will unveil their emblematic scenery, featuring volcanic landscapes, lagoons with many shades of blue and tropical vegetation, perfect for both relaxation and exploration. The highpoint of your journey, the Marquesas Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will reveal a wilder and lesser-known Polynesia. In Fatu Hiva, Nuku Hiva, Tahuata and Hiva Oa, the deep valleys, waterfalls and archaeological sites recount ancestral history, offering a rare experience in the heart of the Pacific.

Trip Name
Marquesas, The Tuamotus & Society Islands Luxury French Polynesia Cruise
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 504 feet / 153.6 meters Passenger Capacity: 330 Paul Gauguin operates as a dedicated South Pacific specialist, built around warm ambience, relaxed sophistication and immersion in Polynesian culture. Its shallow draft allows close access to lagoons, reefs and sheltered anchorages that larger ships cannot reach, anchoring the experience in the region’s landscapes and traditions. Interiors emphasise openness to the horizon, with lounges, promenades and a marina platform creating steady contact with the outdoors. Daily life centres on gastronomy influenced by both French culinary tradition and local flavours, unhurried social spaces, and a calm, international atmosphere that supports easy movement between relaxation and exploration. The ship carries a maximum of 330 guests across 165 staterooms and suites, balancing intimacy with facilities suited to tropical cruising. Accommodation ranges from porthole staterooms to large owner’s suites, all designed for comfort during long days in the islands. A marina at the stern supports water-based activities, and the Moana Explorer programme adds structured discovery for younger travellers. Combined with attentive crew and region-specific expertise, Paul Gauguin provides a focused, quietly refined platform for exploring the Pacific with consistent proximity to its lagoons, culture and natural rhythms.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Papeete, Tahiti Island
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll 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.
Day 2 - Day 2 Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
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 immaculate beaches and preserved nature, is home to rare bird species, plants and crustaceans. You’ll disembark in a Zodiac® and berth in front of the Veke Veke guesthouse, where you will be welcomed with garlands of flowers and traditional music. You will then be able to go for a walk along the beach or put on flippers, mask and snorkel to make the most of the warm waters of Fakarava and observe its brightly coloured coral.
Day 3 - Day 3 At Sea
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.
Day 4 - Day 4 Omoa, Fatu Hiva Island
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, you’ll 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.
Day 5 - Day 4 Hanavave (Bay of Virgins), Fatu Hiva Island
Grandiose, striking and powerful, the Marquesas are more rugged than their Polynesian sisters. The archipelago’s charm lies in its extraordinary wild beauty: waterfalls flowing down vertiginous peaks, jagged cliffs sinking into the indigo sea, and lush vegetation. On the island of Fatu Hiva, you’ll discover the famous Hanavave Bay, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Make the most of your free time to stroll among the houses and gardens of the village. Its inhabitants, specialised in the manufacture of tapa (bark cloth), will welcome you with ukulele music and traditional songs. You’ll also have the pleasure of tasting the soft and juicy citrus fruits that grow on the island.
Day 6 - Day 5 Atuona, Hiva Oa Island
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.
Day 7 - Day 6 Hapatoni, Tahuata Island
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 cathedral. 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 you’ll remember!
Day 8 - Day 7 Taiohae, Nuku Hiva Island
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.
Day 9 - Day 8 At Sea
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.
Day 10 - Day 9 Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
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.
Day 11 - Day 10 - 11 Bora Bora, Society Islands
Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.
Day 12 - Day 12 Huahine, Society Islands
Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks.   If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.
Day 13 - Day 13 Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island, Society Islands
Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Island.
Day 14 - Day 14 Moorea Island
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.
Day 15 - Day 15 Papeete, Tahiti Island
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll 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.
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $14,900Porthole Stateroom
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $17,250Window Stateroom
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $50,090Owner's Suite. From
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $21,710Balcony Stateroom. From
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $22,100BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $22,100BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $22,410BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $22,410Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $27,720Veranda Stateroom
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $38,200Veranda Suite
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $46,810Grand Suite
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $15,625Porthole Stateroom
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $18,093Window Stateroom
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $21,710Balcony Stateroom. From
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $22,100BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $22,410Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $23,185BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $23,511BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $29,086Veranda Stateroom
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $40,090Veranda Suite
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $49,131Grand Suite
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $52,575Owner's Suite. From
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $15,625Porthole Stateroom
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $18,093Window Stateroom
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $21,710Balcony Stateroom. From
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $22,100BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $22,410Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $23,185BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $23,511BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $29,086Veranda Stateroom
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $40,090Veranda Suite
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $49,131Grand Suite
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $52,575Owner's Suite. From
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $13,440Porthole Stateroom
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $15,560Window Stateroom
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $18,840BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $19,920BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $20,200BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $20,200Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $21,710Balcony Stateroom. From
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $24,980Veranda Stateroom
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $34,410Veranda Suite
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $42,160Grand Suite
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $50,090Owner's Suite. From
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $14,470PORTHOLE STATEROOM
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $16,740WINDOW STATEROOM
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $18,110BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $21,440BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $21,740Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $21,740BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $26,890VERANDA STATEROOM
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $37,040VERANDA SUITE
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $45,360GRAND SUITE
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $51,090OWNER'S SUITE
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $12,990PORTHOLE STATEROOM
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $15,020WINDOW STATEROOM
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $18,110BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $19,220BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $19,490Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $19,490BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $24,100VERANDA STATEROOM
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $33,180VERANDA SUITE
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $40,620GRAND SUITE
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $51,090OWNER'S SUITE
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $14,470PORTHOLE STATEROOM
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $16,740WINDOW STATEROOM
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $18,110BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 6
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $21,440BALCONY STATEROOM DECK 6
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $21,740BALCONY STATEROOM S DECK 7
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $21,740Balcony Stateroom S Deck 7
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $26,890VERANDA STATEROOM
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $37,040VERANDA SUITE
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $45,360GRAND SUITE
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $51,090OWNER'S SUITE
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $11,750Porthole Stateroom
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $13,570Window Stateroom
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $17,370Balcony Stateroom
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $17,610Balcony Stateroom C
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $17,610Balcony Stateroom CS
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $21,760Veranda Stateroom
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $33,710Veranda Suite
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $41,040Grand Suite
12-02-202826-02-2028AUD $61,090Owner's Suite
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $11,750Porthole Stateroom
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $13,570Window Stateroom
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $17,370Balcony Stateroom
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $17,610Balcony Stateroom C
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $17,610Balcony Stateroom CS
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $21,760Veranda Stateroom
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $33,710Veranda Suite
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $41,040Grand Suite
13-05-202827-05-2028AUD $61,090Owner's Suite
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $61,090Owner's Suite
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $11,750Porthole Stateroom
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $13,570Window Stateroom
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $17,370Balcony Stateroom
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $17,610Balcony Stateroom C
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $17,610Balcony Stateroom CS
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $21,760Veranda Stateroom
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $33,710Veranda Suite
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $41,040Grand Suite
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $11,750Porthole Stateroom
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $13,570Window Stateroom
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $17,370Balcony Stateroom
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $17,610Balcony Stateroom C
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $17,610Balcony Stateroom CS
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $21,760Veranda Stateroom
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $33,710Veranda Suite
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $41,040Grand Suite
26-08-202809-09-2028AUD $61,090Owner's Suite
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $12,510Porthole Stateroom
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $14,450Window Stateroom
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $18,500Balcony Stateroom
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $18,750Balcony Stateroom C
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $18,750Balcony Stateroom CS
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $23,190Veranda Stateroom
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $35,930Veranda Suite
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $43,750Grand Suite
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $61,090Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • A gentle escapade aboard the Paul Gauguin, an expert in the destination, with an international and friendly atmosphere.
    • An immersion in South Pacific culture and way of life: the sunny disposition of the Gauguines and the Gauguins, our Polynesian hosts, singing, weaving workshops, dancing lessons.
    • History and culture are in the forefront on the island of Hiva Oa, which is the home of the largest stone sculptures in the Marquesas, which are said to be linked to the famous tikis of Easter Island.
    • Discover Polynesian culture: ancient crafts in Fatu Hiva, sculpted works in Tahuata, sculpted stone tiki and 7,000 petroglyphs in Taiohae.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: biosphere reserve of Fakarava, and the world’s second-largest lagoon, home to unique flora and fauna, gray sharks and untouched coral reefs.
    • Live the life idyllic with a memorable day on motu Mahana, our own private slice of paradise. On this exclusive islet, treat yourself to sand between your toes, the shade of swaying palm trees, a sumptuous barbecue lunch, and, of course, drinks sipped from coconuts.
    • Landscapes: towering peaks, imposing cliffs, plantations, forests, turquoise lagoons, unspoilt beaches, deserted coves and more, underwater caves.
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

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