Secret shores

From Occitania to the Isle of Skye, it’s the less visited ports that make Ponant’s voyages so special, writes Bernadette Chua.

The small but mighty ships of Ponant’s luxurious fleet can be found gliding through the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean or the wildlife-rich regions of Northern Europe and Scandinavia. But the beauty of these ships is that they are able to reach some rarely visited unique and small ports.

And it’s these ports that serve as the gateway to your adventure with Ponant – a rich cultural immersion into Europe and a discovery of places off the beaten path. What the French luxury line does so well is carefully considered itineraries and shore excursions that highlight the best of food, art, culture, community and nature.

For instance, Ponant’s ‘Southern France and Italian Riviera by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys’ voyage calls at the picturesque port of Sète. Referred to by the locals as the “Venice of Languedoc”, with its baroque architecture set along winding canals, the city has a thriving arts scene and is the hometown of famous artists and writers such as Paul Valéry, Jean Vilar, Georges Brassens, Hervé Di Rosa and Robert Combas. During the summer, the city becomes a friendly battleground for water-jousting competitions, an ancient pastime that is still celebrated in the hotter months.

Sète is the gateway to the nearby treasures of Occitania, including the ancient city of Nîmes, which is known as the most Roman city outside of Italy. Nîmes is home to some beautifully preserved

Roman antiquities such as its exquisite amphitheatre, which is still used for concerts and bullfights to this day.

On Ponant’s ‘Cruise the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Athens to Venice – with Smithsonian Journeys’, Le Lyrial courses its way from Athens to the Albanian city of Sarande. The resort town, sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and hills of olive groves, is not typically featured on cruise itineraries. But this water playground also boasts many well-preserved ancient ruins. There are some lovely walking trails to take in sights such as Lekuresi Castle, which was built by Sultan Suleiman in preparation for his attack on Corfu. And in town, Ponant’s guests will be able to explore the remains of dwellings dating back to the 4th century as well as an early Christian Basilica.

In the Scandinavian and Baltic regions, Ponant’s ships Le Dumont-d’Urville, Le Champlain and Le Bellot play home to guests on varied itineraries ranging from eight to 10 nights. One particular port of call to note is Klaipeda in Lithuania, where the old town is lined with charming German-style 18th-century woodframed buildings. Klaipeda is rich with museums, churches and bastions, but also offers charming outdoor activities. The surrounding forests are magnificent, and it is a hikers’ and cyclists’ paradise.

Further north, Ponant’s small ships visit the mystical Scottish region of the Hebrides. The green Celtic shores and the land of magic and legends are where travellers follow the seafaring path of the Vikings, but this area is also known for its wildlife. Ponant’s classic Shetland, Orkney & Hebrides voyage starts from the bustling city of Glasgow – a stark contrast to the wild rolling hills that backdrop the remainder of the voyage. Few passenger ships visit Portree in the Isle of Skye, but Ponant calls on this colourful harbour full of local craftsmen’s shops. Guests can trek through the wilderness of Skye among remnants of a rich history, from dinosaur fossils to castles. This breathtaking place also offers sightings of otters, whales, dolphins and red deer.

It’s these exciting itineraries and unique destinations offered by Ponant that give a European holiday that extra joie de vivre CT au.ponant.com

Paris to polar bears

On select Arctic itineraries, Ponant is offering guests easy access to the Arctic with return charter flights from Paris to your port of embarkation and gateways to the Arctic. New itineraries on Ponant’s luxury fleet include:

• Norway, between the Scandinavian peninsula and the High Arctic

Flying from Paris to Tromso, you’ll set sail for nine days on Le Lyrial, exploring the landscapes and fauna of the northern high latitudes. The ship heads to Reinoya Island, a twitchers’ paradise, and on to Skarsvag, where the ship leaves continental Europe to reach the Svalbard archipelago and the High Arctic. Midway between Norway’s North Cape and the southern tip of Spitsbergen, you will sail past Bjornoya (Bear Island) where seabirds have found refuge in rocky cliffs. On Spitsbergen, the landscape transforms as the vegetation has adapted to survive in these far northern lands. With millennial glaciers, spectacular fjords and the pointed mountains that gave it its name, Spitsbergen is also the land of Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes and walruses. From Longyearbyen, you’ll fly back to Paris. Departs May 20, 2024.

• Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada

Flying from Paris to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, you’ll join the all-new expedition voyage on board Le Lyrial as it cruises to the Canadian Far North to reach the coastline of Labrador. The first port of call is Sisimiut, home of brightly coloured houses facing the ocean. As the ship continues along her 15-day journey, you’ll see the Grinnell Glacier. In Zodiac dinghies or on foot, guides will lead guests as they crisscross the territory that the Inuit share with polar bears, musk oxen, seals and whales. The last part of the itinerary will open the doors to Newfoundland, which has many historic sites attesting to its Viking history and the arrival of the Europeans for the whaling trade. The journey will end on the island of Saint Pierre, a fragment of France on the other side of the world. From here your flight to Montreal is included. Departs August 25, 2024.