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The French Riviera under Le Ponant’s Sails Luxury Cruise

The French Riviera under Le Ponant’s Sails Luxury Cruise

From AUD $13,150

Description

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, Vadim, etc. 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 and Italian Riviera, a combination of glamour and historic charm.
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.

Trip Name
The French Riviera under Le Ponant’s Sails Luxury Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-Master Sailing Ship Length: 288 feet Passenger Capacity: 32 Built/refurbished: 1991/2021 Le Ponant is a legendary three-masted yacht offering an exceptionally exclusive cruising experience for just 32 guests. With one crew member per passenger, service is highly personalised, ensuring every moment on board feels effortless and indulgent. Her design invites guests to connect deeply with the sea, with open and airy common areas that frame the horizon and allow the elements to be part of the journey. When conditions permit, she sails under wind power, creating a serene and authentic maritime experience that celebrates the art of slow travel. Accommodations comprise 16 spacious staterooms and suites spread across three decks, each bathed in natural light through generous windows or portholes. Stylishly appointed and luxuriously comfortable, they provide a peaceful retreat after days of exploration or quiet contemplation at sea. Combining elegance, sustainability through hybrid propulsion, and a deep respect for the oceans she navigates, Le Ponant offers a rare and refined way to discover the world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Nice
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. 
Day 2 - Day 2 - Portofino
Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognised since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colours of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting. 
Day 3 - Day 3 - Menton
City of art and history, Menton is located at the far eastern side of the Cote d’Azur. You will be won over by the Provence houses with their palms and lemon trees. Very close to the Saint-Michel-Archange basilica, take a mosey around the charming place aux Herbes, and the medieval streets that follow a sinuous plan. Here and there, you can see snatches of the coastline. These picturesque points of view have attracted artists since the beginning of the 20th century. Don’t miss works by the most famous Menton figure: Jean Cocteau. They are exhibited in two museums: the Bastion museum and the Séverin-Wunderman collection. 
Day 4 - Day 4 - Antibes
Under the Mediterranean sun, on the shores of the famous French Riviera, Antibes captivates and enchants travellers from around the world. The Antipolis trading post was founded by the Greeks shortly after Marseille, in the 5th century BC, but it was under the influence of the Romans that the city prospered. The expansion of the city towards the cape of Antibes began in 1860 under the Second French Empire, marking a boom in tourism. Wander through its old town, encircled by ramparts built by Vauban, and discover its cathedral, its Picasso museum and the many workshops and shops run by local craftspeople. Next, stroll along the path leading to the 16th-century Fort Carré (square fort) via the charming Vauban port, as you admire the sea and the endless horizon. 
Day 5 - Day 5 - Cannes
From the shadows into the light… In the 1800s, Cannes was still just a modest little fishing village which over time has been transformed into the elegant town we know today. You will be surprised to see the extent to which Cannes has retained its Provencal character, as you explore its most valuable treasures: the Castre Museum, built by the monks of Lérins and today a Historic Monument or the Gothic Notre Dame d’Espérance Church and bell tower. 
Day 6 - Day 6 - Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is built on an attractive peninsula on the Côte d’Azur. In its delightful harbours, you will probably be surprised to see fishing trawlers alongside pleasure craft, yachts and jet-skis. You can do some celebrity spotting along the quays edged with Provence houses. Behind the waterfront, you can meander through the floral streets that lead to the baroque church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. At the top of the village, the citadel provides a panorama overlooking the entire coastline. It is festooned with justifiably famous seaside sites, like the very beautiful Pampelonne beach. 
Day 7 - Day 7 - Cassis
A discreet outpost of the glittering French Riviera, the port of Cassis masterfully plays its Provençal music. Between the stunning calanques coves and Cap Canaille, the town stretches out with charming southern houses, their blinds repainted countless times, while the port exudes such a sunny and recognisable feeling, giving everything here a festive spirit. The surroundings are also well worth the visit: hills drooping beneath the vines, parasol pines curling up into the azure of the sky, prickly pears hanging onto white limestone, the Provence of the Fauvist painters unveils itself in this idyllic spot. 
Day 8 - Day 8 - Nice
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya. 
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $17,200MISTRAL STATEROOM
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $18,050MISTRAL PRESTIGE STATEROOM
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $23,180MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $24,890MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $26,600ALIZÉS STATEROOM
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $26,940ALIZÉS PRESTIGE STATEROOM
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $31,730ALIZÉS PRIVILEGE SUITE
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $37,200ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
07-05-202614-05-2026AUD $49,430Zephyr Owner Suite
04-05-202711-05-2027AUD $13,960MISTRAL PRESTIGE STATEROOM
04-05-202711-05-2027AUD $21,290MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE
04-05-202711-05-2027AUD $23,730MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE
04-05-202711-05-2027AUD $24,540ALIZÉS STATEROOM
04-05-202711-05-2027AUD $25,360ALIZÉS PRESTIGE STATEROOM
04-05-202711-05-2027AUD $35,940ALIZÉS PRIVILEGE SUITE
04-05-202711-05-2027AUD $36,750ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
04-05-202711-05-2027AUD $53,450Zephyr Owner Suite
04-05-202711-05-2027AUD $13,150MISTRAL STATEROOM
18-05-202725-05-2027AUD $13,150MISTRAL STATEROOM
18-05-202725-05-2027AUD $13,960MISTRAL PRESTIGE STATEROOM
18-05-202725-05-2027AUD $21,290MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE
18-05-202725-05-2027AUD $23,730MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE
18-05-202725-05-2027AUD $24,540ALIZÉS STATEROOM
18-05-202725-05-2027AUD $25,360ALIZÉS PRESTIGE STATEROOM
18-05-202725-05-2027AUD $35,940ALIZÉS PRIVILEGE SUITE
18-05-202725-05-2027AUD $36,750ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
18-05-202725-05-2027AUD $53,450Zephyr Owner Suite

Inclusions

    • An escapade along the French Riviera aboard Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, to reconnect with essentials and share joy, carried by the wind.
    • Discovery of iconic towns blending Mediterranean charm, coastal glamour and enchanting landscapes.
    • Explore the secret soul of the French and Italian Rivieras through off-the-beaten-path ports of call, offering exclusive included activities.

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