Search ResultPonant 検索結果

The Cyclades, in the Wake of Le Ponant

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, like the finest travel address on the waters of the world.

"Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun", according to a poem by Rimbaud. Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail, bathed by the wind and sea spray, surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior design created by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a very distinctive personality. As if you were on your very own yacht, match your inner tempo to the boat's subtle oscillations and savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present for your trip.

Aboard its emblematic yacht, PONANT is reshaping the contours of cruising and invites you to experience a new way of discovering the wonderful Mediterranean shores, between olive groves and sun-drenched vines. From unique and iconic ports of call to private moments, experience the very essence of the Mediterranean and welcome the unexpected like a breath of freedom.

From the port of Lavrio, located very close to beautiful Athens, you will set sail in the direction of the Cyclades, these small heavenly islets scattered around the Aegean Sea.

Off the beaten path, from exclusive paradises to emblematic landscapes, your journey takes shape, following the rhythm of the wind and the secret havens. Drink in the pure moments of sailing, cleaving through the foam, as you set off to explore intimate coves and hillside villages.

Carried by the wind, you will head towards Tinos, one of the Greek archipelago's most preserved islands. The serene atmosphere of this spiritual centre infuses its sumptuous scenery. The white rocks of Polyaigos soften the jagged coasts of this uninhabited island, a natural sanctuary bathed by the crystal-clear and turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.

The discreet island of Serifos is ideal for a walk punctuated by the picturesque white houses that stretch into the distance, amidst a setting perfumed by the scents of thyme and marjoram. Here, the beach with its surreal blue will also tempt you for a swim.

You will leave the Cyclades and head towards the south-east of the Peloponnese. The fortified peninsula of Monemvasia will reveal itself, monumental, like a ship of stone overlooking the azure.

You will sail, senses heightened, towards Kythnos, a wild and hilly rock, tamed by traditional and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Planted with pine trees, olive trees and flowers, Spetses, known as "the island of jasmine", is a popular haven of freshness in the Saronic Islands. The activities, designed for you and with you, create possibilities for going back to basics in a setting that is conducive to contemplation. 

At your own pace, immerse yourself in wild and stunning panoramas, away from the crowds, and enjoy moments spent in harmony with nature: glass-bottom kayaking, snorkelling, paddle-boarding*.

*The activities on offer will be confirmed on board by the captain according to the weather conditions, the itinerary and the cruise plan.

Fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen

Somewhere in the High Arctic, between 76 and 80 degrees latitude North, Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains", awaits you for seven days of unforgettable travel looking out for wild life.

You will lift the anchor in Longyearbyen, where colourful wooden homes dot the landscape with a human presence that will certainly be the last you see for a while.

The sea rolls on, and the white-striped mountains, which gave the region its name, rise up from deeply tinted waters. The polar light combines with the changing weather of the Arctic, a big blue sky, the horizon scattered with clouds, the enveloping mist erasing the border between the land and the sea: these variations all provide the magical, almost surreal, setting with new nuances.

The ship is escorted by Arctic fulmars. The first ice appears; still discreet, it seems to be dancing around you. At the end of a fjord, you will find yourself before an immense glacier. Black-legged kittiwakes share an iceberg, while Arctic terns fly over the area. Aboard the ship or a Zodiac dinghy, you will admire the power of nature while becoming aware of its fragility. The music of the thaw has begun its soft melody: a combination of cracking, roaring, murmuring and fizzing defies the silence of the polar desert.

On land, you will set foot on malleable earth, known as moraine. Only moss, lichen and a few rare flowers have managed to adapt and to take hold here, forming the tundra. On these inhospitable lands, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes coexist with walruses, lying on the beach. It has been a long time since the Pomor settlers, of which traces remain, came to hunt them.

Here, the lord of the Arctic, the polar bear, is never very far away. The crucial aspects of this cruise involve searching and keeping an eye out. On board, the team of naturalists will scan the horizon so they can provide you with marvellous sightings of wildlife and, in particular, the polar bear. The region's elusive fauna upholds its mysteries while the uncertain nature of the encounter bestows an indescribable magic upon it.

Itinerary is?subject to change according to port authorisations and government regulations. We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.

Islands and cities of the Mediterranean

Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION and with featured guest Maud Fontenoy, sailor and ambassador to the Ministry of National Education and Youth for education at sea and sea classes.

Starting in Athens, step aboard Le Bougainville for an 8-day cruise between Greece and the majestic Maltese coast.

LeBougainville will then head towards Paros. Nestling in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, this island reputed for its sublime white marble offers a real concentration of Greek beauty, from whitewashed houses to olive groves to ancient monuments.

This cruise will also enable you to discover Hydra, a small island of old-worldly charm where motorised traffic is banned.

You will then sail south for the charming Monemvasia. A romantic haven for the Athenians, this magnificent peninsula conserves treasures of Venetian and Byzantine architecture in the small vaulted streets of its fortified medieval village, which feature thousands of shades of ochre.

At the crossroads of the Agean and Ionian seas and Crete, a lost paradise called Kythira will transport you into a universe whose watchwords are wonderment and tranquillity. The island, the birthplace of Aphrodite in mythology, has inspired poets like Baudelaire and painters like Watteau with its enchanting landscapes.

When the ship calls at Pylos, you will explore the ruins of the Palace of Nestor, one of the heroes of the Trojan War.

You will take the sea to discover Taormina, overlooking Etna's blanket of snow. Its streets will lead you to its famed ancient Greek theatre, where the quality of the acoustics is exceptional.

Your cruise will come to an end in Valletta, capital of the island of Malta and former stronghold of the Knights of the Order of Malta. 

At the heart of the Greek islands

Kid Explorers Club in partnership with MAUD FONTENOY FOUNDATION.

The Greek Islands, from the Peloponnese to the Cyclades via the Dodecanese, are enchanting, bewitching and captivating. From the sheer coastlines bordered by paradisiacal turquoise waters to the archaeological sites that are as emblematic as they are monumental, let yourself fall under the spell of these jewels of the Aegean Sea. From Athens, set sail aboard L'Austral for an 8-day cruise in the heart of the most beautiful Greek islands.

In the Dodecanese archipelago, where St. John is said to have written the Apocalypse, the island of Patmos, known as "the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea", reveals itself to offer you a moment suspended between unique landscapes of white-sand beaches and rocky bays.

Planted with forests of cypress trees and olive groves, Symi is bewitching. The shimmering colours of its dwellings and surrounding nature make it a real paradise for those seeking tranquillity and serenity.

You will now head towards the most easterly part of the Cyclades. Amorgos, or the island in the Big Blue film, as it is nicknamed, is a rough gem. Fall under the spell of its volcanic and mountainous landscapes diving into the bordering crystal-clear waters and its paved small streets edged by traditional whitewashed houses.

After an unforgettable cruise in Santorini's captivating caldera, where high cliffs surround the majestic ancient crater engulfed by water in the 2nd millennium BC, you will set sail north west. On Milos, the limestone cliffs and small hidden coves are yours to discover in a soothing atmosphere.

The birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, Delos is rich in archaeological ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, illustrating its prestigious history. The Terrace of the Lions, the Sanctuary of Zeus and Athena, the Temple of the Athenians... journey back in time almost 2,000 years, between millennia-old heritage and sumptuous panoramas.

L'Austral will then head towards Paros. Nestling in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, this island reputed for its sublime white marble offers a real concentration of Greek beauty, from whitewashed houses to olive groves to ancient monuments.

You will now sail towards the east of the Peloponnese, to reach your final port of call. Here, a gem named Hydra reveals its old-world charm in a stunning setting. With its hidden coves and its mountains topped with monasteries, this jewel of the Saronic Islands completely devoid of cars offers a total change of scenery against the spellbinding blue of the Aegean Sea.

Athens, the mythical city dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments, which form the most extraordinary architectural and artistic ensemble bequeathed to the world by Ancient Greece, will mark the end of this exceptional odyssey.

The Geographic North Pole & Scoresby Sound

In partnership with Le Cercle Polaire, as part of the Women at the Poles operation with featured guest Laurent Mayet, president and founder of the Cercle Polaire think tank and renowned female adventurers, including Switzerland's Daisy Gilardini and France's Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout.

With featured guest Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassador.

Push the boundaries of navigation and set sail for 90 degrees North! During this exceptional polar exploration, you will go in search of the mythical Geographic North Pole. Head slowly up through the desert landscapes of the constantly changing ice floe. Your odyssey will continue as you travel down along Greenland, amidst the ice of the Transpolar Drift. Between majestic fjords and encounters with the Inuit culture, the region of Ittoqqortoormiit is rich in rare treasures holding inestimable value.

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the only cruise ship able to rise to this challenge, you will make your way towards the North Pole, which is inaccessible to traditional ships. A slow and humble journey awaits you in the heart of a silent world frozen by the extreme cold. You will sail among different states and forms of ice and will be able to admire, from the reassuring cocoon of the ship, the endless show of the light as it reflects on the opalescent landscapes. Following in the wake of Frederick Cook, Robert Edwin Peary or Roald Amundsen, who were among the many to fight to achieve this elusive goal, you will be part of the few chosen ones to dare the adventure, 700 km (435 miles) from any land. And in their footsteps, you will attempt to reach the Holy Grail of all polar explorers: the North Pole!

Sailing back down from the Pole, your odyssey will follow the ice floes alongGreenland. You will reach the region of Ittoqqortoormiit, on the East coast. The eponymous village is located at the entrance to Scoresby Sound, the world's largest network of fjords. You will discover the village customs during privileged exchanges mixed with joyful and authentic moments. Inuit hospitality is no myth, it is given in the warmth of a look or an exchanged smile.

Amidst these extreme and isolated panoramas, the polar adventure reserves unsuspected emotions for the humble and patient explorer, one who is conscious of their privilege.

Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the coastal ice must be preserved, we will take this into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.

Icelandic mosaic

Discover the most beautiful landscapes on the Icelandic west coast during an 8-day PONANT cruise.  

On the edge of the Arctic, between vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords, volcanoes and boiling geysers, Iceland offers a kaleidoscope of wild and romantic landscapes.

You will board the ship in Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital city. With its houses with colourful roofs and its lake that is home to countless ducks, the city offers a picture-postcard setting. It also boasts numerous cultural treasures, particularly in the field of contemporary art, with the Reykjavík Art Museum.

The first port of call on your cruise: the bay of Grundarfjordur, right near Kirkjufell. This stunning cone-shaped mountain possesses a unique charm and this will be an opportunity to take some beautiful photos.

Your ship will then reach Grimsey, a small, hard-to-reach island where, in certain places, the volcanic rock forms magnificent basalt columns. Seabirds reign here.

Finally, you will discover Heimaey. This is the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. It is an exceptional place composed of volcanoes and almost-desert landscapes, where fishing is the main food source. 

Tahiti & the Society Islands

From Papeete, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises invites you to embark on an 8-day cruise to discover Tahiti and the Society Islands. Set sail on board Le Paul Gauguin for an unforgettable journey to discover idyllic islands and atolls.

The perfect introduction to the picture-perfect charms of the South Pacific, this wonderful cruise whisks you away to destinations that played muse for authors James A. Michener, Herman Melville, painters Paul Gauguin and Henri Matisse, and many more.

You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the turquoise waters of the motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented paradise, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island.

Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. Surrounded by superb lagoons of translucent waters edged by exceptional coral reefs, the islands of Polynesia are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world and home to an astonishing and rich wildlife. 

Discover our excursions without further delay - click here!

Norwegian fjords

This is where nature has shaped its most majestic masterpieces... Majestic fjords bordered by monumental cliffs cutting into the coastline of the North Sea, legendary lands featuring fascinating fauna, vertiginous waterfalls tumbling from immense rock walls. Norway will open its doors to you for a unique 8-day journey fromOslo to Bergen, through these ancestral lands, home to myths, conquest and geological wonders.

The Norwegian capital grows distant. Its ochre brick buildings disappear, giving way to the spellbinding setting of Oslfjorden, featuring lush green islands scattered with hundred-year-old oaks, herbaceous shorelines and red wooden houses.

After a port of call in the charming historic Swedish city of Göteborg, you will set sail again for the historic and wild southern tip of Norway.  In Arendal, once known as the Venice of the North because of its many canals, you may take the time to contemplate this intact and preserved immense space, composed of conifer forests and long pebble beaches ; these bear testimony to the retreat of a huge glacier, around 12,000 years ago, which left an enormous amount of rock behind. Then, in Sandnes, plunge into the fantastic universe of the legendary and emblematic Vikings, who were explorers and traders but also pirates. Here, an immersion into the Iron Age awaits; you will discover the ancestral traditions of these larger-than-life characters as you visit a reconstructed traditional village or emblematic sites.

The fjords region, the highlight of your odyssey, is approaching. Beneath a misty sky, you will see the imposing dark rock walls of these natural wonders, whose calm waters were explored by Viking drakkars almost ten centuries ago. These geological treasures will immerse you in a universe that is as inhospitable as it is captivating. Olden and its closeness to the Jostedalsbreen National Park, which is home to the Briksdal Glacier, one of the last ice caps in Europe; Geiranger and its legendary fjord, the only one to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Hellesylt and its impressive cliffs with their vertiginous waterfalls: these all offer a unique, stunning and unforgettable experience.    

During a final port of call, you will be able to visit Alesund. Fall in love with the Art Nouveau architecture of this historic city, which is surrounded by a ring of rocky islets, enchanting fjord inlets and majestic mountains. It lies anchored opposite Giske, the home island of Rollo, the great Viking chieftain renowned for his many Nordic expeditions to Normandy.

As a grand finale, this enchanting interlude will come to an end in Bergen, founded by the Vikings almost a thousand years ago and famous for its seven mountains overlooking the city centre and its Hanseatic wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Majestic Alaska

Endless forests overlooked by snow-covered mountains, deep bays in which the most magnificent marine mammals frolic, local communities gracefully perpetuating their millennial traditions: set off to discover Alaska with PONANT. Board Le Soléal for a 11-day cruise.

In the heart of this extraordinary and grandiose nature, the history of the populations of Alaska is written in the present tense. In Elfin Cove, only accessible by sea or air, you will immerse yourself in the local life, which is intrinsically linked to fishing. Hidden within the boreal forest, the island's small village, perfumed with a scent of cedar wood, will guarantee you a unique experience. In Petersburg, fishing is also at the heart of local life and this former Norwegian colony treasures the story of its origins. A mosaic of peoples and history, Alaska also allows you to encounter the Kwakwaka'wakw and Tlingit indigenous communities, in Alert Bay and Kake. This is an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating cultures, especially famous for their totem poles. 

The various landscapes will unfold, and change, throughout your journey. The high summits blend with immense coniferous forests, deep bays follow on from the hemmed-in fjords, and, everywhere, power merges with fragile beauty. In the Inside Passage, a series of labyrinths made of islands and straits, the nuances of the water, at times emerald, at times turquoise, hide rich marine life. 

At sea, have fun spotting the humpback whales as they blow on the horizon. On land, black bears and grizzly bears are the focus of most attention and observations, while the majestic bald eagle, the symbol of the Unites States, soars above in the sky. The crucial notions of this cruise involve searching and keeping an eye out; the unexpected and the uncertainty are what make these singular encounters even more spectacular.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. The itinerary, landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience.The Captain will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible.

Island hopping aboard Le Ponant, from Athens to Dubrovnik

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, like the finest travel address on the waters of the world.

"Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun", according to a poem by Rimbaud. Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail, bathed by the wind and sea spray, surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior design created by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a very distinctive personality. As if you were on your very own yacht, match your inner tempo to the boat's subtle oscillations and savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present for your trip.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, dive into the history of the Peloponnese from Pylos, with the discovery of the Palace of Nestor and Methoni Castle, explore the charming Fiskardo thanks to a guided walking tour, and enjoy a cooking class at Klinci Village Resort departing from Tivat. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Between the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea, begin your trip by discovering the Peloponnese, the epitome of a mythical land. With your senses awakened, the scent of jasmine that embalms the island of Spetses - the favourite holiday spot of Athenians - will delight you, the picturesque beauty of the small port of Pylos, tucked against the green hills of Messenia, will captivate you, and the Italian influences of the charming Fiskardo, where visitors can savour the delicious Greek specialities called kreatopita, will enchant you. Like nowhere else on earth, Greece combines a fascinating history with the raw and spellbinding beauty of the Mediterranean shores. Impelled by the wind, a little further on you will discover the Ionian island of Paxos, where the Venetian architecture coexists alongside a natural environment featuring mountains and vast stretches of land planted with cypress and olive trees.

Sailing in the Bay of Kotor aboard Le Ponant and, while you are there, contemplating the last peaks of the Dinaric Alps encircling the fjord and then spotting Our Lady of the Rocks on the horizon is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of this cruise. The old town of Kotor awaits you to reveal its mysteries before you depart for Dubrovnik, where your Mediterranean cruise under Le Ponant's sails will draw to an end.

At your own pace, immerse yourself in wild and stunning panoramas, away from the crowds, and enjoy moments spent in harmony with nature: glass-bottom kayaking, snorkelling, paddle-boarding*.

The activities, designed for you and with you, create possibilities for returning to what is essential, in a setting conducive to contemplation.

*The activities on offer will be confirmed on board by the captain according to the weather conditions, the itinerary and the cruise plan.