Located over 16,000 kilometres from France, Wallis & Futuna are islands of immense natural beauty, far from the beaten track and still (mostly) undiscovered by tourists.

Flying is the only option between Wallis and Futuna. Although discovered by the Dutch and the British in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the French who declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842. You don’t need permission, there are thatched farés on the islets where you can camp out with a tent or a mosquito net. If walking along the side of the road, it is highly likely locals will stop and ask if they can take you to your destination. Wise from their earlier experiences, they started with a show of force to the natives who approached them, which resulted in a peaceful barter with coconuts, yams and hogs from one side and iron nails, beads and knives from the other. Or why not have a traditional costume or kolufato made for you, hand-dyed and made to measure?

A few days later the king of the other island, Alofi, came to visit with 300 men. Whichever church you choose, you’ll be surrounded by joyful islanders come to dance, sing and make offerings, dressed in traditional costumes and wearing flower garlands. The shortest flight route from France is via Tokyo or Seoul, then Noumea. They went ashore on to get water and met the king, who told his subjects that their guests were not to be disturbed by petty thieving. A kava ceremony and ʻumu were organised. The airport on Wallis (WLS) is located in the northern district of the island called Hihifo. A few days’ stay in Futuna: spend a day exploring the island, from Point Vele to Point Fatua. Wallis offers visitors small but comfortable family-run hotels and guesthouses. Grandiose 5-star hotels and noisy resorts are unknown and there are no crowds of tourists to spoil the lagoon. Please feel free to get in touch with a local guide or with the Cultural Department for advice about the best ways to explore Futuna. Plans are under way to have Alofi listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Copyright © 2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Take a stroll alongside one of the island’s rivers and you’ll see the impressive water taro fields perched high on terraces, rather like rice fields in Asia. Wallis is famed as one of world’s top kitesurfing spots, with other attractions including sea kayaking, SUP boarding, scuba diving, va’a outrigger canoes and, of course, every possible kind of fishing! The Resident of Wallis and Futuna was the French colonial representative in Wallis and … No commercial boat company exists, therefore travel to, from and between the two islands is exclusively by plane. Islands of hidden treasures. Locals are, more often than not, helpful.

They are both a remnant of an old extinct volcano, now bordered with a fringing reef. This is a watersports paradise. There is currently no scheduled passenger boat service between Wallis and Futuna, nor between the islands and neighbouring countries. If you’d like a challenge, you can venture off on the trail to Loka Cave, accompanied by a guide. Aircalin (Air Calédonie International) is the only airline operating flights to the islands. You can spend another day exploring Futuna’s fascinating historic sites... the cannibal oven, Anakele, site of the ancient tomb of King Fakavelikele and Poi Basilica, before sampling the island’s delicious cuisine and luscious dessert dishes.

If you have enough time, you can spend a night on an islet. The languages spoken are Futunan and French. All the main villages on Futuna can be accessed on paved but rough roads. A secluded paradise of smiling, hospitable islanders adorned with flower garlands. Extra flights are laid on depending on return flight schedules and periods (back to school, Saint Peter Chanel feast day...). It’s a good idea to start early to avoid the hottest part of the day. About three quarters of the population in Wallis is bilingual. There is currently no ferry connecting the islands of Wallis and Futuna, although one has been discussed for years. For the sailors, Wallis and Futuna will undoubtedly constitute a highlight of their South Pacific grand tour, before setting sails to Fiji, Samoa or Tonga. Note that due to winds on Futuna, the flights are frequently cancelled. If you’d like more information, please check out the Wallis & Futuna Tourism Office website. Banking facilities are limited, with no bank located on Futuna. Mata Utu Cathedral in Wallis is particularly impressive, with its lava rock and coral walls and richly decorated interior. Ideal gifts and souvenirs to take home include tanoas (kava bowls), miniature spears or sculptures and items woven from palm or pandanus leaves, such as fans, bags and mats.

The only airline to serve the islands is Aircalin, and as such, travel to and from is reasonably expensive. Dinner with a glass of wine will set you back a minimum of $35. Magic! Experienced hikers, accompanied by a guide, can tackle the climb up Mount Puke, through lush tropical vegetation and enchanting landscapes. There is no public transport on the island, nor do taxis exist. This must be the Anse de Sigave near Leava of today. Drunk driving and intoxicated locals are a problem on both islands. After having come from Niuafoʻou, they suddenly changed their course from west to northwest and so stumbled on this island pair. Finally, the people of both Wallis and Futuna are devout Catholics and the islands boast a large number of magnificent churches. Don't be alarmed if you are told to jump in the back of the pick-up as this type of travel is a common sight.