From Lisbon to Honfleur · Mediterranean · 10 nights
Sleek and stylish, Ponant’s wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
Named after six of France’s most famous explorers, Le Champlain,
Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d’Urville, Le Bellot and
Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in
the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in
environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant’s
trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a
stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.
The roots of historic Lisbon's fame lie in its strategic position on the edge of the Atlantic and the fact it offers one of the world's greatest natural harbours. No surprise therefore that it became the home of the world's most famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Built on seven hills, we always find Lisbon to be soulful, captivating and picturesque, with architecture which reflects its status as a great port.
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal’s second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and is best known as the home of the country’s most famous export, port wine.
Vigo is the biggest city in Galicia, Spain’s verdant northwest corner. The city itself is a busy fishing port with limited tourist appeal, but it’s a great base for striking out into the countryside, visiting the lovely Cíes Islands just offshore or joining the pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela, 60 miles to the north.
Santander is the largest city on the Cantabrian coast, although perhaps not the prettiest, having lost many of its oldest buildings in a fire in 1941. Nevertheless, pockets of belle époque elegance remain, and the old town has some lively bars and restaurants. The beautiful medieval village of Santillana del Mar is a popular day trip from here.
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. It's a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
Beautiful Belle-Île-en–Mer is the largest of Brittany’s islands, and the wild coastal landscapes inspired some of Monet’s most famous paintings. This peaceful island benefits from a pleasantly mild climate, and has plenty of secluded beaches and coastal paths that are ideal for hiking and cycling.
Saint-Malo grew rich off the back of maritime trade and its plundering corsairs, a seafaring heritage that is still proudly on display today. It’s great fun getting lost in the streets of the walled old town, and the famous medieval abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is an easy day-trip.
The island of Guernsey draws visitors south from the British mainland with its more favourable climate and beautiful coastline. The capital, St Peter Port, is a lovely little town of cobbled streets and elegant architecture, and there are also several interesting museums dedicated to the Nazi occupation of the island.
Situated on the southern bank of the Seine estuary, Honfleur was once one of France’s most important ports. It was also a favourite location of Monet and the Impressionists, and art lovers may well recognise the elegant Renaissance architecture of the old harbour, the Vieux Bassin.
