The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.

Famous for its white marble, the island of Paros is located in the Cyclades. Along the quays of Parikia, its main town, you’ll see Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings. To make the most of the turquoise waters, you can stop over in Naoussa. This little fishing port is bounded by a very beautiful cove.

3 available excursions

Villages, basilica and vineyards on Paros, From Parikia to Naoussa, Paros by boat & swimming

This unusual gem belonging to the Saronic islands is located to the east of the Peloponnese. There are no cars here. Named after the island, the harbour town is layered up the slopes of a mountainous bay. You may be surprised to see beautiful stone mansions. These are traditional here, as are the multi-coloured caïques along the quays. Further along the shore, you will discover the Historical Archives Museum. Collections from Athens National History Museum are exhibited in the elegant villa Koundouriotis.

1 available excursions

A dive into Hydra’s history

The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!

Encircled by captivating arid mountains and a sea front of unrivalled beauty, picturesque Galaxidi stands proudly in the Gulf of Corinth, on the shores of Krisaikos Bay. You will fall in love with the authentic character of this preserved and majestic town, with its paved little streets edged with former neo-classical residences, remnants of the naval era, and sumptuous religious buildings. Like one of the town’s symbols: the church of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas). The building with Byzantine architecture dominates the town, and boasts two bell towers and a monumental dome.

2 available excursions

Sacred site of Delphi, Monastery of Saint Lucas & Arachova

Gallipoli, which comes from the Greek kalle polis, meaning beautiful town, is very aptly named. Located on the heel of the boot, the town known as “the pearl of Puglia” has many attractions. The whiteness of its façades recalls its Greek origins while its architecture echoes its multiple influences. Its old town, perched on a limestone island, concentrates the cultural heritage of this city with a thousand faces, alternately a Roman colony, then Byzantine, the property of the Popes, Norman, under the rule of Taranto… By itself, it tells the story of the different civilisations of the Mediterranean Sea. 

2 available excursions

Nardo and wine tasting, Lecce, a Baroque jewel

Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, in the province of Messina, the seaside town of Taormina is Sicily’s Saint-Tropez, boasting heritage sites, secluded beaches and luxury shopping. You can visit its medieval centre, suspended 300 metres above sea level, where terraces offer a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Another vestige from its past are the ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre. This extremely well-preserved site attracts visitors who are fascinated by the natural beauty of the area which overlooks a turquoise bay.

3 available excursions

Kid Explorers : Discovering the Alcantara Gorges, Taormina and its Ancient Greek Theatre, Mount Etna Drive

Its undulating rocky coastline, the endless sandy beaches, the menacing form of Mount Etna which surveys its island like a patriarch, the flowery gardens on the hillside... Sicily lays out its varied landscapes like a shopkeeper displays his wares. Described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in the world”, Syracuse was one of the most prestigious cities in Sicily and at her height was even a rival for Athens. A central city of Ancient Greece, it was home to a succession of civilisations, each of which has left their mark. The blend of Arabic, Roman, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish cultures makes Syracuse a town that is extraordinarily rich in fragrances, colours and flavours.

3 available excursions

Archaeological site & Ortygia, Noto, Baroque town, Meet Mr Mauceri, the puppeteer

The whole of the Maltese capital Valletta is UNESCO World Heritage listed and occupies a peninsula in the north-east of the island. From the fountain of Tritons to Saint-Elme fort, there are as many majestic streets as there are narrow staircase vennels to explore. The painted loggia and carved corbels on the tall houses will accompany you in your explorations, and you’ll rarely be bothered by traffic. You can visit the Grandmasters palace decorated with coats of arms and frescoes. Saint-John’s cathedral and the ramparts which have guarded the city since the 16th century are also among the most emblematic sites of the city. Arranged in terraces, the Barrakka Gardens will punctuate your promenade with a green and floral experience.

A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.

Nestling in the Bay of Tangier, this bewitching Moroccan city lies at the northwestern tip of the country, along the famous Strait of Gibraltar. Following in the footsteps of the writers and artists inspired and seduced by the city’s climate and setting, you’ll love its rich landscapes and multicultural charm. You’ll instantly understand as soon as you set foot in the heart of the Medina. An architectural masterpiece, the Kasbah is your gateway to the Sultan’s Palace and its gardens. If you prefer beaches to museums, you can relax just a few minutes from the city on the beautiful sweep of sand bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.

Situated along the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the very image of contemporary Morocco: Westernised and cosmopolitan. Exploring the architectural heritage of the “White City” tells you all you need to know about its cultural and historical diversity. Breathtaking highlights include the majestic Hassan II Mosque, considered to be one of the greatest religious buildings in the world. You can explore the narrow alleys of the old Medina, which stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding modern architecture. To get the most from the seafront, the Ain Diab Corniche provides a pleasant place for strolling with easy access to the beach.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

This attractive capital of Madeira is located on the southern coast of the island. The walkways of the old town are lined with azulejos, or multi-coloured mosaics. If you follow these patterns, they’ll lead you to the appetising Mercado dos Lavradores market stands, the Frederico de Freitas museum, and the golden panelling of the Cathedral de la Sé. Along the waterfront, the palm tree-shaded promenade leads you to the teleféricos de Monte, Madeira's cable cars. Its panoramic cabins transport you over the city to top of Monte, where you can see the picturesque botanical garden.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

The capital of the island of Palma, Santa Cruz de la Palma is the pearl of the Canaries. Founded in 1493 by the conquistador Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, the city has preserved a large and atypical architectural heritage from its colonial past, with its traditional Canarian houses adorned with brightly coloured wooden balconies, its cobbled streets, its sumptuous palaces and its numerous religious buildings. The Santa Catalina Castle is the symbol of the city. This 16th century military fortification helped defend the city from repeated attacks by French privateers.

2 available excursions

Above the clouds of La Palma, Natural treasures of northern La Palma

Established on a coast sprinkled with cliffs, Arrecife has a pleasant beach and a lagoon full of charm, Charca of San Ginés, where the fishermen anchor their boats. The city also proposes places fed by history and culture, such as the castle San Gabriel, former fort of defense of the city.

A stopover of sunny climes, Las Palmas is located on the north-east coast of Gran Canaria. A few streets away from Puerto de la Luz port, you’ll discover the vast Las Canteras beach, bordered with the town’s characteristic palms. You’ll find these palms are all over Las Palmas, in the streets and squares, especially on the plaza de Santa Ana in the heart of the historical district. It feels like you’ve travelled back in time here, as you stand looking at the tall houses beside the Santa Ana cathedral. Very close by, you can visit the  Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to the famous explorer. The museum is housed in the palace belonging to the island’s former governor. Chances are, you’ll be drawn to the covered Vegueta market to partake in some daily life along with the locals and taste some unfamiliar dishes.

The capital of the eponymous province, Puntarenas is sometimes called “the pearl of the Pacific”, for its unique charm. It sits on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, along the Gulf of Nicoya, lined with long expanses of wild natural environments. Further inland, among the countless natural wonders to be found in the generous rainforest of the Costa Rica’s national parks, Poas and Arena volcanoes towers up in all their majestic glory. In this luxuriant natural setting, Costa Rica protects one of the planet’s richest biodiversity: monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, waterfalls, canyons, and more than ten thousand species of tropical plants.

The town of Golfito lies on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Puntarenas, one of the most humid regions in the world. It was occupied by the indigenous Bruncas tribe during the Pre-Columbian era. Once specialised in the export of bananas, Golfito has today become the starting point for visitors who want to reach one of the largest primary tropical rainforests in Central America. Meanwhile, the beaches of Golfo Dulce are some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica, with the lush forest, home to many tropical birds and monkeys as well as a variety of rare species of plants, as their backdrop.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darien is an unspoilt land with an extremely rich variety of flora and fauna. Listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, Darien National Park offers its extraordinary scenery of rocky coastlines, mountain ranges, mangroves, rivers and creeks. Discover Playa Muerto, a tiny coastal village home to the Emberas Amerindian community. You will visit the village, attend traditional songs and dances of the locals, and admire beautiful local craft.

An artificial peninsula situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is the gateway to several noteworthy sites. Right near there, the impressive Miraflores Locks are a shining example of the engineering feats deployed during the construction of the Panama Canal. Further north, in villages nestling amid dense vegetation, lives the Embera tribe, guardian of the forest and of the Chagres River. This proud people have successfully preserved their traditions and their ancestral way of life, which predate the colonisation of the region by the Spanish.

Aboard your ship, experience something unique, that has inspired the imagination of numerous adventurers in the 20th century: sailing the Panama Canal. Its construction started in 1880 under the direction of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Abandoned then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States and opened in 1914. The canal crosses the Isthmus of Panama and links the Atlantic to the Pacific. Including three levels of locks and by raising ships to the level of Lake Gatun, almost as if the water was a lift, it allows them to avoid having to round Cape Horn.

Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometres offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kunas Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.

Colon is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened.

The Greek capital city is located on the edge of the Saronic gulf, in the east of the country. It bears a plural name in reference to the first villages that surround the Acropolis. You will be enchanted by the rocky plateau presided by its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage. In the city below, you can visit some of the liveliest districts in Athens: Plaka, with its maze of colourful streets, and where, in the evenings the drifting aroma of moussaka and garlic prawns will tickle your taste buds. The National Archaeological museum and the Cycladic Art Museum are also some of the city’s key attractions and allow visitors to discover Athens’ cultural past.

The Corinth Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, turning the Peloponnese into an island as it separates the region from the Greek mainland. Inaugurated in 1893, the canal is a little over six kilometres long and enables merchant vessels and passenger to avoid a long 400-km detour around the peninsula. The two sides of the canal reach a height of approximately fifty metres. From the exterior decks, don’t miss this unique opportunity to watch the ship as it navigates along the narrow strip of water encased between tall, ochre cliffs. What an experience!

Tucked away in the Gulf of Corinth, this little port is situated in continental Greece, north-west of Athens. Take an easy stroll along the old cobblestone quays, while gazing at the summits encircling the Bay of Itea. We wouldn’t be surprised if you are tempted by a visit to the Delphi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, just ten kilometres from Itea. A listed UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience whose ancient ruins are surrounded by steep mountains.

2 available excursions

Sacred site of Delphi, Hosios Loukas and charming Arachova

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

At the southern tip of the Italian boot, Reggio di Calabria guards the eastern shore of the Strait of Messina. From the lungomare, the sea front promenade, there are magnificent views over Sicily, a little over 3 km away, and Etna. Rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, Reggio is set out in a grid pattern and has Art Nouveau and Belle Époque architecture that add to its charm. And the fragrance of bergamot, the citrus fruit that dominates the region’s confectionery and perfumery. 

2 available excursions

Village of Pizzo and Tartufo Tasting, Reggio & Scilla: The Heart of Calabria

Palermo is the guardian of the Sicilian soul. Many have been attracted to this city, the largest capital of the Italian islands. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans... Palermo is a rich culmination of so many cultural influences as seen in the Moorish designs on the cathedral, and the Byzantine mosaics of the Palatine chapel, which is itself housed within the precincts of the Norman palace. You will fall under the spell of the palaces, baroque splendours that grace the town with their obsolete beauty. It is thrilling to stumble upon one of those fabulous markets, high in colour, and headily picturesque.

3 available excursions

Cefalu, Palermo & Monreale, Palermo market & Santa Caterina Church

At the crossroads of civilisations, the capital of Tunisia is rich in cultural discoveries. The ruins of Ancient Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and particularly well preserved, testify to the splendour of this city that was once Rome’s great rival. The hill of Byrsa, the former fortified citadel of the Phoenician port and one of the presumed burial places of Saint Louis who died there during the Eighth Crusade, offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Tunis. In the Bardo National Museum, you will be able to admire one of the world’s finest Roman mosaic collections, including the magnificent portrait of the poet Virgil.

Annaba, a coastal town in eastern Algeria, is the country's fourth largest city. It contains many heritage treasures, including the ancient site of Hippo, the largest Roman forum in Africa. From the Cap de Garde lighthouse, you get  a splendid and varied panoramic view with mountains and sea, while the basilica of Saint Augustine, the bishop of Hippo in the 4th century, overlooks the city with its majestic white dome. A stroll along the Corniche and the Cours de la Révolution will introduce you to the lively, elegant town that inspired numerous artists and writers.

The beauty of the Bay of Algiers offers travellers arriving by sea an unforgettable view. The Casbah houses cascade down to the Haussmann-style buildings and the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean city creates a unique atmosphere. Algiers the White proudly bears the traces of its history with its magnificent Casbah, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, its tropical garden called Jardin d’Essai, its Martyr’s Memorial, its imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, and its lively city centre with its Grande Poste (main post office) and French quarter. Seventy kilometres (43 miles) away, you will have the possibility of visiting Tipaza, one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes of the Maghreb, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Once a trading post of the Carthaginians and later the Romans, the ancient city is home to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a funerary monument providing precious evidence of what was once the Punic world.

Surrounded by hills, the natural site of the Bay of Carthagena presided over the fate of this former fortress which has been home to the greatest European civilisations. Today, these Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Moorish and Christian influences form a rich architectural heritage. Its Roman theatre is one of the most significant and best conserved in Spain. You will also be able to cross the landscapes of vines and citrus groves stretching endlessly towards Murcia, to visit this dynamic regional capital.

An autonomous city of Spain on the North African coast, Melilla and its citadel sit on the edge of Cape Three Forks, between Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea, offering breathtaking views of this blue expanse. A perfect blend of history and modernity, the city boasts charming cobbled streets, imposing ramparts and a number of historic sites that are well worth a visit, including the Baluarte de la Concepción and the Hospital del Rey. In contrast to these vestiges of the city's military past, the Art Nouveau curves of the Palacio de la Asamblea, Casa Melul, the Reconquista building and Plaza Menéndez Pelayo reflect the influence of Gaudi's student Enrique Nieto, who lived here, and the great Catalan Modernist period. After Barcelona, Melilla has the largest number of buildings in this style.

A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, you will go first to the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.

The capital of the eponymous province, Puntarenas is sometimes called “the pearl of the Pacific”, for its unique charm. It sits on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, along the Gulf of Nicoya, lined with long expanses of wild natural environments. Further inland, among the countless natural wonders to be found in the generous rainforest of the Costa Rica’s national parks, Poas and Arena volcanoes towers up in all their majestic glory. In this luxuriant natural setting, Costa Rica protects one of the planet’s richest biodiversity: monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, waterfalls, canyons, and more than ten thousand species of tropical plants.

Quepos makes for a charming stop-off on the Pacific coast, just next-door to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, an untouched tropical natural reserve lined with white sandy beaches. The town's seafront is an opportunity to stroll through market stalls touting pineapples and bananas in the shade of the manchineel trees. In this coastal town criss-crossed with tree-lined streets in bloom, admire the houses and their incredible sculpted balconies. Enjoy a spot of shopping in the many traditional boutiques: pick up some handmade cotton clothing, ceramics embellished with Costa Rican designs and home décor pieces in hand-painted wood.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darien is an unspoilt land with an extremely rich variety of flora and fauna. Listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, Darien National Park offers its extraordinary scenery of rocky coastlines, mountain ranges, mangroves, rivers and creeks. Discover Playa Muerto, a tiny coastal village home to the Emberas Amerindian community. You will visit the village, attend traditional songs and dances of the locals, and admire beautiful local craft.

An artificial peninsula situated at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is the gateway to several noteworthy sites. Right near there, the impressive Miraflores Locks are a shining example of the engineering feats deployed during the construction of the Panama Canal. Further north, in villages nestling amid dense vegetation, lives the Embera tribe, guardian of the forest and of the Chagres River. This proud people have successfully preserved their traditions and their ancestral way of life, which predate the colonisation of the region by the Spanish.

Aboard your ship, experience something unique, that has inspired the imagination of numerous adventurers in the 20th century: sailing the Panama Canal. Its construction started in 1880 under the direction of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Abandoned then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States and opened in 1914. The canal crosses the Isthmus of Panama and links the Atlantic to the Pacific. Including three levels of locks and by raising ships to the level of Lake Gatun, almost as if the water was a lift, it allows them to avoid having to round Cape Horn.

Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometres offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long sandy white beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kunas Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches.

Colon is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened.

Discover Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahe has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahe is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.

This small granitic islet west of Praslin measures around thirty hectares and is teeming with life. A private property until 1968, Cousin Island was bought by the International Council for Bird Preservation (now known as BirdLife International) to be converted into a nature reserve. The main aim of this effort was first and foremost to save two endangered bird species, the Seychelles warbler and the Seychelles fody. This operation was a real success, as the island is now the most protected in the archipelago and is home to a large number of plants and animals endemic to the Seychelles.

Remire Island is like a piece of confetti in the Indian Ocean and is a captivating place to visit. Located in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, it is prized for its unique biodiversity, including its exceptionally rich underwater life. The rare inhabitants of this tropical islet watch over its preservation, and a walk amidst its lush vegetation, home to delightful birds, will delight fans of unspoilt areas. For those who love snorkelling, myriad colourful fish live among the coral reefs that border the island.

Situated off the coast of Praslin, Curieuse has a distinguishing feature: its red earth. Discovered in 1768 by the French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, it was ravaged by a fire in 1771 and then home to a leper colony of which a few vestiges still remain. Declared a national marine park in 1979, it is home to many underwater species, which can be discovered while scuba diving or snorkelling in the idyllic waters of the Indian Ocean. But above all, Curieuse is renowned for the hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises that live there. It is highly likely that you will get the chance to meet these fascinating reptiles. Along with Praslin, it is also the only island on which the sea coconut grows wild.

Aride is an island in the Seychelles situated a few kilometres north-west of Praslin. Listed as a nature reserve, this pearl of the Indian Ocean will seduce you with the beauty of its landscapes of wild cliffs and fine-sand beaches. Protected from human impact and sometimes called “bird capital”, it is home to several endemic plants as well as exceptional wildlife. Most notably, it is the refuge of an impressive number of seabirds (Seychelles magpie-robins, terns, noddies, and more), and reptiles, such as Wright’s skinks, which can be found in the island’s wooded areas. Sea turtles can also be observed on the island’s beaches.

Located 6 km north of La Digue, Grande Soeur Island is renowned for its two sumptuous beaches and its translucent waters, protected by a coral reef. An ideal spot for snorkelling and observing the sea turtles that co-exist here with the many multi-coloured fish. The pristine Grande Soeur Island is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles.

Situated some forty kilometres away from Victoria, Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles. Its idyllic beaches where granite rocks nestle in immaculate sand correspond perfectly to how we imagine the Seychelles to be. They invite visitors to dive into the turquoise waters, which are ideal for snorkelling. In the centre of the island, hidden in the heart of a stunning tropical rainforest, lies the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this veritable plant sanctuary, several endemic species of palm trees can be observed, as well as the famous sea coconut, which can weigh up to 20 kg and is sometimes called “coco fesse” because its shape calls to mind a pair of buttocks.

La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3 km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.

Discover Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahe has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahe is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.