It is familiar to most people that the beautiful country of France is located in Western Europe, and it touches the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea from one side and the North Atlantic Ocean from the other. However, if you take a look at the map of the world, you might encounter something strange and not so familiar. In this case, in particular, we are talking about the overseas territories of France – places you’d like to visit once you get informed what you can expect from them.

Exotic French territories

Scattered throughout the world, France possesses some territories that are not entirely located within the borders of Europe, where you would probably expect them to be. Some islands can be found near the continents of North America or Australia that are not even close to France, but they belong to this magnificent country.

The reason for this may or may not be known to everyone, but it is connected to the earlier times and the discovery of the land itself. In any case, what is interesting about these lands found not even close to France is that the citizens have almost the same rights as their fellow citizens of that part of France located in Europe and these exact lands are also a part of the European Union.

Nevertheless, France itself is a beautiful country to visit, but these territories can be surprisingly fantastic. Are you interested in checking them out? Lucky you because we are going to mention some of the exotic French overseas territories in the following part:

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a small region that belongs to France even though it is located in the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. This region’s main islands are Basse-Terre to the west and Grande-Terre to the east, but because of their great connection and closeness, they are often referred to as a single island. The so-called Department of Guadeloupe also consists of smaller islands of Marie-Galante and La Désirade and the Îles des Saintes.

Guadeloupe functions as a true French territory, so if you decide to visit this lovely destination, then you have to fill up your wallet with euros. Other than that, this department has a lot of lovely stuff to offer, such as the fantastic sandy beaches and the stunning color of the Caribbean Sea. This place can simply amaze you when it comes to culture – the streets look like every day is Carnival day in Guadeloupe.

Attractions of Guadeloupe: Fort Napoleon, Cathedrale de St-Pierre et St-Paul, Damoiseau Distillery, Le Chameu Tower, Musee du Rhum, Plage de Clugny, Pointe de la Grande Vigie, Porte d’Enfer, Baie du Marigot and many more.

Guadeloupe

French Polynesia

Also known as a French overseas country, French Polynesia is quite an exciting place to visit. It is located somewhere in the South Pacific Ocean, an island you probably haven’t even noticed before. French Polynesia is composed of five groups of islands, which are the following: The Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands and Austral Islands. There’s a big chance you have heard of Bora Bora or Tahiti and even if you haven’t – you deserve to know that these amazing places are found to be a part of the French Polynesia. Just dare to “google” these places and not fall in love immediately.

The romantic ambiance and the spectacular sandy beaches that this place offers are out of this world. The landscape of the fascinating lagoons and the fantastic feeling of freedom that the islands here offer will raise up from your expectations. It will probably become your number one holiday destination.

Attractions of French Polynesia: Lagoonarium de Moorea, Mount Otemany, Magic Mountain, Ile aux Recifs, Le Lagon Bleu, Matira Beach, Aremiti Ferry, Tiki Village Culture Centre, Gauguin’s Pearl Farm, Temae Beach, Paofai Gardens, Moorea Dolphin Center, etc.

French Polynesia

La Réunion

Amazing nature and picture-perfect beaches, this is how plenty of tourists describe the overseas insular region of France. It is located near Madagascar and Mauritius, in the waters of the Indian Ocean. Due to its tropical climate, La Reunion represents a territory on which a fascinating flora and fauna have evolved. The wildlife of this region is impressive, being the home of a diverse set of animals, fish, and birds for so many years. The Reunion National Park together with 40% of the island’s area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, which is also a proof of the authentic nature this region holds.

Attractions of La Reunion: Piton de Fournaise, Domaine Du Cafe Grille, Le Maido, Jardin des Parfums et des Epices, Kelonia, Cirque de Mafate, Maison Folio, La Cite du Volcan, Anse des Cascades, Aquarium de la Reunion, Conservatoire Botanique National de Mascarin, La Maison du Coco and many more.

La Réunion

New Caledonia

Located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France that can be found 1.210 km east of Australia. Even though the number of population is not so significant, it is interesting to know how it is comprised of a variety of people with different origins. Another thing found to be interesting in this region is the diversity of various birds and plants spreading throughout New Caledonia. The incredible blue lagoon is no surprise to have become a World Heritage Site. Such a dazzling landscape is hard to find, and we just provided you with a significant hint, so start planning your trip to New Caledonia.

Attractions of New Caledonia: Piscine Naturelle, Amedee Lighthouse Island, Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie, Kanumera Bay, Lifou Island, Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie, Anse Vata Beach, Ilot Maitre, Plage de la Baie des Citrons, Parc Zoologique et Forestier, etc.

New Caledonia

Clipperton Island

Are you looking for a destination where no one will bother you? Have you been asked many times in life, what you would take to a deserted island? Well, probably this was the place people were referring to. Why? Let’s just say that this is a small French island located southwest of Mexico in the Pacific Ocean. Also known as Ile de la Passion, this island is a ring-shaped atoll which has no permanent residents. The Clipperton Island is also known to possess no significant flora and fauna. You’ll be lucky to even encounter a few palm trees and several crabs on the island. Oh yes – it is that lonely, but some people like Mexican fishers and French Navy patrols care to visit it from time to time.

Getting to this charming little island is tough if you are looking for an organized transportation. However, if you are willing to get there on your own and pretend that you are a pirate, then you are more than welcome to visit the Clipperton Island. Accommodation is also not provided, as it is expected from you to find the perfect solution as if you are part of the reality show “Survivor.” It may seem to you as a joke, but some people are interested in visiting the Clipperton Island.

Attractions of Clipperton Island: The Clipperton Rock…and that would be it.

Clipperton Island

So you see; France is one incredible country, being spread throughout the whole world. There are also some other territories like Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Barthélemy, French Guiana, Mayotte and others, but it is up to you to explore the French overseas destinations and enjoy their irresistible charm. And in the meantime share this article the way you share your passion for exploring the world one step at a time.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here