Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht. 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 Corsican shores. Departing from Nice, between wild paradises and heavenly beaches, iconic ports of call and private moments, the very essence of the Isle of Beauty will reveal itself.
As you are carried by the wind from one cape to the other, discover the multiple facets of the island. To the north, in Calvi or Saint Florent, the craggy terrain of the Balagne region and Cap Corse stretch out towards the sea. There, under the watchful eye of emblematic summits and of shores eroded by sea spray, the historic citadels and the villages clinging to the heady maquis invite you to immerse yourself in this still-unspoiled natural environment.
Slowly, the south of the island and its idyllic beaches will beckon you. Drawn by the spellbinding song of these sandy sirens, you will heed the call at full sail. On the way, the stunning spectacle of the archipelago formed by Pointe de la Parata and the Sanguinaires Islands indicates the entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio. This long line of crests seems to extend the coast like a backbone and, for a moment, your vessel, and perhaps even time, seem brought to a standstill.
You will then set a course towards the southern tip of the Isle of Beauty, to uncover its dreamy scenery. In the Gulf of Sant’Amanza, the azure Mediterranean and its fish-rich waters merge with the different varieties of plants and shrubs warmed by the sun, inviting you to refocus on what is truly important. With your senses awakened, you will then sail towards the incredible landscape offered by Bonifacio and the fortress with winding streets suspended on its ivory cliffs.
In the Gulf of Roccapina, on the beach of Erbaghju, the iconic Domaine de Murtoli emerges. Nestled between fragrant scrubland and turquoise sea, shielded from prying eyes, this unique hotel destination invites you to celebrate the Corsican way of life at its most vibrant and generous.
The activities, designed for you and with you, create possibilities for returning to what is essential, in a setting 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.
- Enjoy the extraordinary experience of sailing aboard Le Ponant as though you were on your own private yacht.
- A limited-capacity yacht: a maximum of 32 passengers and as many crew members; a dedicated chef.
- Sail on a ship propelled by the wind and enjoy the wonderful opportunities nature offers us to adapt the programme and navigate under sail whenever possible.
- As the wind carries you, rediscover your taste for shared happiness and the essential.
- A brand-new stop at Domaine de Murtoli, exclusively through PONANT.
- (Re)discover the deep and secret soul of Corsica and enjoy ports of call off the beaten path, revisited to offer you exclusive experiences.
- On board as on shore, soak up the local riches and traditions of Corsica, and savour authentic moments through cultural encounters and gastronomy.
- Between the sea and the mountains, tailor-made activities to reconnect with nature.
- A varied programme of included excursions.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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.
In the hollow of one of the most beautiful gulfs of the Mediterranean to which it owes its name, Saint-Florent is an ancient Genoese city whose citadel dominates the bay with its circular architecture. A link between the mountains of Upper Corsica and the Agriates desert, the fishing village has become a renowned seaside resort. In front of this jewel nestled in the hollow of a wild and isolated region, sublime beaches of fine sand border a sea of infinite turquoise shades. At the western tip of the gulf, the Tower of Mortella, built in the 16th century under the Republic of Genoa to prevent from invaders, stands watch. Like most of the towers that dot the Corsican coast, it is an emblematic and familiar symbol of the island.
Birth town of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio occupies a privileged location on the Île de Beauté. Rich in history and culture, the old “imperial city” is imbibed with the memory of this son of the soil. As you stroll through the shaded streets in the old town centre, you’ll come across the central market on place Foch, where you can taste one or two local specialities, for instance, brocciu, lonzu or the famous canistrelli.
In the south-east of Corsica, between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, the gulf of Sant'Amanza, famous for its magnificent sandy beaches, is revealed. You will benefit from exceptional viewpoints over the landscapes of rare beauty formed by the limestone cliffs, covered with scrub, plunging into the turquoise waters and the granite rocks on the water's edge.
The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.
Nestled between Bonifacio and Sartène, the Gulf of Roccapina offers some of the most iconic landscapes in Corsica. Along the shore, rocky cliffs sculpted by erosion stand as guardians of idyllic beaches, basking in the delightful scent of myrtle. The nearby maquis hides a true treasure: the iconic estate of Murtoli. Stretching to the paradisiacal beach of Erbaghju, this hotel destination celebrates the Corsican way of life and its island traditions like nowhere else.
Nestled on a rocky spur in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi offers its whiteness between two sapphire-coloured bays. Capital of the Balagne region, the Genoese city benefits from an exceptional natural setting between the abrupt relief of the central chain, fertile hills and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th century sanctuary, you will not miss the sublime panorama of the seaside, the mountains and the Calvi citadel. A little further west, you will have the opportunity to discover with the peninsula of Revelatta, a wilder and more preserved part of Corsica.
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.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Le Ponant
| Length: | 88 metres |
|---|---|
| Built/rebuilt | 1991/2020 |
| Cabins | 16 |
| Crew | 34 |
Le Ponant becomes world’s first sailing yacht to obtain Relais & Châteaux label
After four years of regular ad hoc partnerships, PONANT and Relais & Châteaux are strengthening their ties. The three-master joins the large family of Relais & Châteaux establishments as a new member. It is the first sailing yacht in history to obtain the label and be included in its catalogue of the finest travel addresses in the world.
In 2019 & 2020 Le Ponant underwent a huge revamp. Her capacity was reduced from 64 to just 32 passengers who will be served by a crew of 34.
Following in the nautical tradition of three-masted sailing ships, Le Ponant will take you on a voyage of discovery. The ship provides intimacy and convivial atmosphere and the refined life on board, the welcoming charm to your cabin, the lounges and the restaurants setting are invitations to relax.
Le Ponant is one of the most majestic sailing vessels in the world. With 16 spacious cabins and suites, one crew member per passenger, a dedicated chef, and authentic and exclusive experiences to be enjoyed at every stop, designed for and with you, the ship redefines the concept of luxury yachting and promises you an extraordinary experience.
In addition to its tasteful and refined design by Jean-Philippe Nuel, it has many innovative and environmentally friendly amenities.
Conserving the environment is one of our priorities. We have therefore chosen to invest in innovations and equipment at the cutting edge of technology, with the aim of achieving the highest standards possible in the sector. Le Ponant is the only yacht in the world with a hybrid propulsion system. This uniquely designed three-masted schooner can rely solely on its sails but also can connect to the electricity network in certain ports to limit its ecological impact.
On board, we have banned the use of plastic in straws, laundry bags, cups and individual food portion packaging. Packaging is collected from our warehouses. Unavoidable plastic waste is sorted and entrusted to resource-recovery companies, who monitor its traceability until its elimination.
Le Ponant is equipped with a complete desalination and wastewater treatment system. This biodegradation process works without the use of chemicals. It provides clean water and meets the highest quality standards.
On board, 60% of packaging is recycled, while the rate elsewhere in the world is only 20%. The rest is 100% traced. We have on-board compactors adapted to each type of waste and are working to optimise their management on land.
Under full sail, gliding over the sea with the wind, you will fall under Le Ponant's spell.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
