This little-known corner of Polynesia lies between Fiji and Samoa, with Futuna almost as close to Vanua Levu as it is to Wallis.
Smallest of France's three South Pacific territories, Wallis and Futuna (Uvéa mo Futuna) are isolated from its neighbors geographically, culturally, and politically. All the marks of French colonialism are here, from overpaid European officials controlling functionless staff to little French gendarmes in round caps and shorts.
Although Aircalin flights make the islands accessible from Nouméa and Fiji, high airfares and the lack of any moderately priced accommodations limit visitors to French officials, the eccentric, the adventuresome, and yachts' crews. Wallis and Futuna are well off the beaten track.
[Extract from Moon Handbooks South Pacific by David Stanley, Avalon Travel Publishing]
