Atlantic Coast - Ponant Cruises

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, the port of Leixões lies less than 10 kilometres from Porto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Porto is worth a visit for its famous Ribeira district, the metallic silhouette of the Dom-Luis bridge looming over its ancient houses, its richly decorated Baroque churches and its national Soares dos Reis museum. The São Bento station is also interesting for its typically Portuguese decoration, using Azulejos, blue square ceramic tiles decorated with geometric patterns or figurative scenes.

Nestling on the Atlantic coast, in the south of Galicia, the former fishing port of Vigo is now the region’s largest municipality. Its old town, more commonly known as O Berbés, will unveil its many historical monuments and the unusual architectural style of its homes. Off the coast, the Cíes Islands, declared a Nature Reserve and located in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, offer truly splendid landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Further north, make sure you visit Santiago de Compostela, which welcomes many pilgrims from all over the world every year. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historical centre has significant architectural heritage.

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.

Bilbao, capital of the Spanish Basque country, is one of the most avant-garde cities in Europe. Its architectural audacity as well as its ancient built heritage will take you on a journey between traditions and innovations. An unusual cable car will allow you to reach the magnificent Guggenheim Museum, a unique construction of stone, glass and titanium, designed by the architect Frank Gehry and home to a collection of modern art and contemporary monumental sculpture. The narrow streets of the old city and the unmissable Ensanche district are also worthy of a visit, as is the Vizcaya bridge, the world’s first ever transporter bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site..

On the Spanish Basque coast, discover Pasaia, a picturesque little town nestling in the hollow of verdant mountains, on the shores of the bay. The coastal footpath offers magnificent views over the sea and goes all the way to San Sebastian. Nicknamed the “Pearl of Cantabria” because of its shell-shaped bay, this renowned seaside resort in the Bay of Biscay combines an idyllic natural setting with the charm of the Belle Epoque

A renowned seaside resort in the South West of France, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a picturesque and authentic town with a rich history. In particular, King Louis XIV married Maria Teresa in the famous Saint Jean the Baptist church in 1660. The seafront unveils stunning views, between the Basque architecture and the Cantabrian Sea. An unforgettable bay, which was frequented in the 17th century by privateers and wealthy ship-owners.

You will sail along the coast to discover the remarkable Meschers caves, natural cavities carved into the chalk cliffs that loom over the Gironde estuary. Enlarged by man in the 19th century, they became troglodyte dwellings, some of which are still inhabited today. Punctuating the coastline of the Charente region with their poetic presence, the carrelets, fragile-looking huts on stilts fitted with a square fishing net, can be seen along the Saintonge coastline. The beautiful town of Talmont-sur-Gironde is to be found at the heart of the fortified city founded by Edward I, King of England and Duke of Aquitaine. The Sainte-Radegonde church, a jewel of Romanesque art, dating from the 12th century, looms majestically over the estuary.

Discover Pauillac, a town in southwestern France located a few kilometres away from Bordeaux, stretching along the Gironde. The undisputed capital of Médoc, Pauillac will open up its magical universe for you, from culture and heritage to vineyards and châteaux. This stop will be a voyage of myriad flavours, particularly during the tasting of the region’s wines, revealing their soft ruby colours and reflections turning amber with time. Enjoy both a sensorial adventure and an adventure into the heart of the town. Don’t miss the visit of Saint Martin’s Church or the mysterious grotto of Artigues, dominated by a statue of the Virgin Mary. As for the Aspic Tower, it is topped with a dome from which the harvesters’ work used to be overseen.

Bordeaux stretches along the banks of the Garonne river, in South-West France. Its rich wine tradition makes it the world capital of wine. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the Port de la Lune, made a UNESCO World Heritage site for its prestigious classical architecture. On the famous Place de la Bourse, the past and the present unite: here you can observe the majestic old buildings reflected in the contemporary Miroir d’eau creation.