Le Ponant, 7 Night The French Riviera under Le Ponant’s sails ex Nice, France Return

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 the French poet Rimbaud. Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior designed by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a highly distinctive character. As if you were on your very own yacht, savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present for this exceptional 8-day cruise to the heart of the mythical French Riviera.

One of the world’s most popular holiday spots and an endless source of inspiration for the greatest artists, the iconic Côte d’Azur appears against the pure blue of the sky and sea. On shore, hidden among pine trees or clinging to ochre rocks, timeless villages with citrus-coloured façades call to mind eternal images. Here, the ghosts of Picasso, Fitzgerald, Sagan, but also Vadim and Bardot appear as you wander through narrow streets lined with fig trees and wisteria. At anchor in these picturesque ports built for small vessels, surrender to the very essence of the French Riviera, a combination of glamour and historic charm.

From Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, you will sail to Portofino. Built in a small natural harbour protected by a pine forest, this lively port has successfully retained its traditions and authenticity.

In Menton, on the border between France and Italy, narrow streets wind their way inland to the region's gold: the Menton lemon. Follow the scent of citrus fruits as you stroll through this town, beloved by botanists and artists since the 19th century for its microclimate and its gentle way of life.

Carried by the wind, you will sail to Antibes. Just a stone's throw from the chic beaches of Juan-les-Pins and Pinède Gould, one of the world's leading jazz venues, immerse yourself in the history of modern art with Picasso, Matisse and others.

Then, at the foot of the Esterel Massif, in the ochre of the setting sun, Cannes will appear. The iconic Croisette is lined with jewellers, leather goods boutiques and other fashion houses facing an endless beach of fine sand. Across the water, the charming island of Saint-Honorat will reveal the secrets of the vineyards of the Abbey of Lérins.

In Saint-Tropez, the glamorous standard-bearer of the French Riviera, one breathtaking sight follows another: small boats rub shoulders with gleaming yachts, hidden streets lead to glittering establishments serving their iconic flavours, and the surrounding vineyards seem to cover the sea in a thick green mantle.

Further west, the wind will carry you to Cassis. More discreet than its neighbours, the town is home to a small, lesser-known port open to a limited number of cruise ships. In this tranquil place, soothed by the scent of pine trees, discover an unspoiled natural environment and striking landscapes on a hike or on a boat ride around the stunning “calanques”, narrow, steep-walled inlets.

The activities, designed for you and with you, create opportunities to reconnect with what is truly important, in a setting conducive to contemplation.

Away from the crowds and at your own pace, immerse yourself in wild and breathtaking landscapes and spend time in harmony with nature: kayaking, paddle boarding*.

*The activities on offer will be confirmed on board by the captain. They will depend on the weather conditions, the route and the itinerary.

Something almost poetic takes place when you step onboard this spectacular three-master. The sparkle of the sea, the gentle kiss of the breeze on your skin, the lapping of the waves, the rustling of the wind in the sails, the scent of the fig trees as you approach the coast, the gourmet dishes showcasing local products and offering a voyage within a voyage; with all your senses fully awakened and alert, it’s now time for a real holiday, a holiday that will stay with you forever. It’s almost as if time stands still aboard this incredible luxury yacht.

Free as a bird…
PONANT’s iconic and freshly refitted three-master now offers over 16 staterooms & suites and embodies a simple philosophy: the freedom to do or not to do.

Onboard Le Ponant, like on dry land, everyone is free to set their own pace. Some may decide to read a book on the Sun Deck or sip a cocktail while contemplating the distant horizon, or take a stand up paddleboard or kayak and head out to enjoy an even more immersive experience amongst the blue of the waves. Others will disembark to go exploring by bicycle or make the most of the soft light of dusk in the quaint streets of a pedestrianised harbour. Or perhaps others will opt to settle down comfortably in a little isolated cove or on a deserted beach accessible only from the sea.

One crew member per guest, a dedicated chef preparing fine gastronomic food showcasing the local culinary heritage, delightful ports of call and enchanting experiences: the luxury onboard is first and foremost a luxury of the senses and the emotions.

Experience,
explore and share life at sea
On this three-master, you live and breathe the experience of the sea each day more than on any other ship. A voyage aboard Le Ponant is a shared communal experience based on a common passion for sailing, travel, exploring new horizons and enjoying unique new experiences. The must-see sights are experienced differently here, and secluded spots far off the beaten track shared enthusiastically with others.

Sharing: a central tenet of a voyage aboard this iconic yacht. Because to step aboard is to join the PONANT adventure, to see the wonderful spectacle of sailing and navigation from behind the scenes, and to share a unique experience with just a few other privileged guests.

Serene and leisurely relaxation, discovery and exploration, experiencing the local culture or discussing sailing and navigation with a member of the crew: all the itineraries and ports-of-call have been designed and selected to provide a surprising and charmingly enchanting experience. And when child-friendly cruises take place twice each year, Le Ponant shares this same taste for discovery and exploration with them too, through a range of meaningful activities designed with children in mind.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...