WHEN TO TRAVEL to the French Southern Territories

Location

Climate

The French Southern Territories, comprising the Crozet archipelago, the Kerguelen archipelago and the islands of Saint-Paul and Amsterdam, are captivating and fascinating destinations.

Low and high season periods

Due to the extreme climatic conditions prevailing in these territories, the low and high season are well marked, which has a direct impact on the possibilities for activities and visits.

Low season: May to September

The low season generally runs from May to September. During this period, weather conditions are particularly harsh, with very low temperatures, strong winds and frequent rainfall. As a result, outdoor activities are limited and tourist infrastructures operate at a slower pace. On the other hand, it's an ideal time for lovers of solitude and adventure, eager to discover these wild lands at their most authentic.

High season: November to March

Peak season is between November and March, during the austral summer. Temperatures are milder and the climate more favorable to outdoor activities. So it's during this period that the tourist infrastructure is at its busiest, and most visitors choose to come to the French Southern Territories to make the most of their stay. However, it's important to note that even in high season, weather conditions can remain unpredictable and change rapidly.

Major cultural events and public holidays

Although the French Southern Territories are remote and sparsely populated, they nonetheless boast a rich and varied cultural heritage. unique and authentic culturewhich is expressed through a variety of events throughout the year.

French national holiday: July 14

As a French territory, the Terres Australes celebrates its national holiday on July 14th. Local festivities are organized at the various scientific bases on the islands, with entertainment and convivial meals. If you're visiting on this date, it's an ideal opportunity to share a warm moment with the residents and discover French culture from a different angle.

World Ocean Day: June 8

World Ocean Day is celebrated worldwide on June 8 to raise awareness of the need to preserve marine ecosystems. In the French Southern Territories, this day takes on particular importance due to the exceptional biodiversity that characterizes these territories. Educational and entertaining activities are organized by the scientific bases to highlight the richness of the local marine environment and encourage its protection.

Exploration and vacations: make the most of your stay in the French Southern Territories

For a successful stay in the French Southern Territories, it's important to prepare your trip carefully, taking into account the particularities of each period. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:

• Opt for high season if you want to take advantage of milder weather conditions and a more developed tourist offer.
• Choose the low season if you're looking for more peace and quiet and authenticity, bearing in mind that weather conditions will be harsher and infrastructure less accessible.
• Find out about cultural events and public holidays to organize your stay around the local events that interest you.
• Plan your exploration and discovery activities taking into account the climatic and logistical constraints of each period.

By following these tips, you'll be able to make the most of your stay in the French Southern Territories, whether you're planning an adventure trip, a scientific exploration or simply a relaxing and enriching vacation. Don't forget to respect the exceptional environment that surrounds you and contribute to its preservation for future generations.

Statistics on immigration to the French Southern Territories

According to data provided byFrench Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII)the French Southern Territories welcomed around 1900 people between 2015 and 2020. These figures include permanent residents, temporary workers and asylum seekers. The majority of immigrants come from European countries, but we also note the presence of nationals from African, Asian and American countries. Visit country of origin most represented among immigrants to the TAAF are :

• Metropolitan France and overseas departments and territories (approx. 60%)
• United Kingdom (10%)
• Germany (5%)
• Italy (4%)
• Belgium (3%)
• The Netherlands (2%)
• Switzerland (1%)
• Other countries of origin (15%, including nationals of African, Asian and American countries)

Reasons for immigration and types of visa requested

The main reasons why foreigners settle in the French Southern Territories are :

• Work: the islands are home to a number of scientific and technical bases, as well as weather stations employing specialized personnel.
• Family: some foreigners join a family member already settled in the area.
• Study: although there are no higher education establishments in the TAAF, some students carry out internships or research missions as part of their studies.
• Asylum applications: due to the French Southern Territories' isolated geographical location, they receive very few asylum seekers each year.

As a result, the most popular visas to settle in the French Southern Territories are :

• The temporary long-stay visa (type D) for workers and researchers
• The long-stay "private and family life" visa for people joining a family member
• Student visa for internships or research assignments
• Short-stay visa (type C) for visitors

Visa applications are processed by French consulates in the applicant's country of origin.

International tourism figures for the French Southern Territories

Due to their geographical isolation, the French Southern Territories are not a mass tourist destination. Nevertheless, they attract a few hundred visitors every year, mainly nature and adventure enthusiasts. By 2020, around 300 tourists visited the islands, down by almost 50% on 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Profile of international tourists

The majority of tourists visiting the French Southern Territories also come from European countries, with a clear French predominance. However, there are also visitors from other continents, such as North America and Asia. The main nationalities represented among tourists to the TAAF are :

• France (approx. 50%)
• United Kingdom (15%)
• Australia (5%)
• UNITED STATES (5%)
• Germany (4%)
• The Netherlands (3%)
• Canada (2%)
• Swiss (1%)
• Other countries of origin (15%, including nationals of African, Asian and Latin American countries)

Tourist activities in the French Southern Territories

Tourism activities in the TAAF are mainly focused on the discovering flora and faunaand the adventure tourism. The main attractions and activities on offer are :

• Birdwatching (penguins, albatrosses, petrels, etc.)
• Discovering seals and elephant seals
• Visit the scientific and technical bases
• Trekking through desert and mountain landscapes