July has been France's month ever since the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. Actually, Bastille Day didn't become official until some time later. In 1790 the anniversary was simply termed the Fête de la Fédération, and was not referred to as Bastille Day, and adopted as an annual national holiday, until almost a century later, in 1880.

But July in France is also known worldwide for something else. For the past 100 years riders on the world's premier bike race, the Tour de France, have zoomed around the country, drawing roadside crowds as well as massive TV audiences.

Then there is the grape harvest which in many regions falls around July. So whatever the reason, it adds up to the fact that midsummer in France is a lot of fun.

However it's worth remembering the other parts of France. You may have come across the trivia question (and if you haven't, you'll now be prepared for it) asking which country spans the most time zones? No, it's not Russia (eight hours, west to east) but France, with its outposts stretching from the eastern Pacific ocean to the Atlantic, a staggering total of 11.5 hours.

While France was an enthusiastic colonisor of countries a couple of centuries ago, they have withdrawn their connection (reluctantly or by choice) from some countries – Vietnam, Morocco or Vanuatu – and loosened their ties with others.

Current French territories (DOM-TOMs or départements et territoires d'outre-mer) include island territories in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, French Guiana on the South American continent, and a claim in Antarctica. 

So today let's celebrate some of the more accessible French outposts

The moment you arrive in Pape'ete, the capital of French Polynesia, you're aware of a blend of cultures. Street signs are in French; music is Polynesian.  

WATCH THIS VIDEO to see what we mean....

The night-time waterfront food stalls (roulottes) are popular with locals and visitors alike. And although you might be thousands of kilometres away from Paris,

.......many of the foods may seem familiar.....

....or maybe not.

&&&&

French Polynesia is a complex multicultural archipelago of six groups of islands, the 130 or so of them scattered over 2.5million square kilometres (almost a million square miles) of the Pacific Ocean. Flying to the farflung Marquesas Islands from Pape'ete can take almost four hours.  Read more....

In the downtown area, Pape'ete's bustling municipal food market is open daily (closes early on Sunday) and is an ideal way to calibrate your senses and begin to get the feel of this place. Get an overview of the ground floor produce markets from the gallery above where there are also souvenir shops and eating places.

Almost anything can be bought here, from flowers to fish, fruit and vegetables.....

...and even a traditional grass skirt if you plan on going dancing later!

Polynesians love to sing and have wonderfully tuneful voices, making the close harmony of their songs a delight to listen to, whether it's in one of their many churches, or on a street corner in the city. 

Being an island, Tahiti (the largest island) has no shortage of shells, and these are crafted into an endless array of jewellery, bags, ornaments and other souvenirs.

Dancing, too is part of the local culture, and ...

...so is having an elaborate tattoo. Many may have geneological or spiritual significance. Learn some more...

Pape'ete is a major stopover for yachts crossing the Pacific, or simply those sailing around French Polynesia. Cruise ships make regular stops here too and so there are always newcomers in town.

When the European missionaries came to Tahiti in the 19th century, not only were many of the locals convered to Christianity, but their wardrobes had a makeover too. Even today, many ladies favour the modest 'mission dresses' over the dress (or lack of it) favoured by the locals long ago.

In most of the villages of French Polynesia, churches are central, and the activities of many villagers revolve around them. On Sunday morning, while the fairful are in church, almost certainly a hearty meal is cooking in an earth-oven at home, in readiness for a friendly family Sunday lunch.

For more details of Tahiti and Her Islands.....  or read more about Moorea.

OR

Also in French Polynesia, READ about the most remote coffee plantation in the world!