The French touch
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French maritime know-how
The art of hosting
Refined design
A French passion
Excellent service and exceptional collaborations with prestigious chefs such as Amaury Bouhours, executive chef of Le Meurice in Paris... When the art of travelling merges with the art of French living, magic comes on board.
Le Nuna, signed by Alain Ducasse
The Nautilus
The Compass
Refinement and elegance
Prestigious signatures
Designed by the architectural firms Wilmotte & Associés and Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, the interior design of Le Commandant Charcot pays tribute to the polar environment: a blend of sophistication and Scandinavian philosophy.
Prestigious signatures
Designed by the architectural firms Wilmotte & Associés and Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, the interior design of Le Commandant Charcot pays tribute to the polar environment: a blend of sophistication and Scandinavian philosophy.
Prestigious signatures
Designed by the architectural firms Wilmotte & Associés and Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, the interior design of Le Commandant Charcot pays tribute to the polar environment: a blend of sophistication and Scandinavian philosophy.
Prestigious signatures
Designed by the architectural firms Wilmotte & Associés and Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, the interior design of Le Commandant Charcot pays tribute to the polar environment: a blend of sophistication and Scandinavian philosophy.
Prestigious signatures
Designed by the architectural firms Wilmotte & Associés and Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, the interior design of Le Commandant Charcot pays tribute to the polar environment: a blend of sophistication and Scandinavian philosophy.
A maritime odyssey
At the origin, there is the love of the sea and a passion for travel. The desire to explore the world and to promote the French way of life on board intimate ships, respectful of humans and the environment.
1988, the call of the sea
Innovation and pioneering spirit. That is what characterises the founders of PONANT.
1991, the beginning of a grand adventure
Committed to sustainable tourism from its inception, PONANT inaugurates Le Ponant, a majestic three-masted ship.
2004, the development of the fleet
The company joins CMA CGM, relocates to Marseille, and becomes Compagnie du PONANT.
2015, six new state-of-the-art expedition yachts
PONANT secures its development by joining ARTEMIS, the family holding company of François Pinault.
2018, creation of the PONANT Foundation
The company creates the PONANT Foundation and continues its commitment to the preservation of the oceans.
2019, acquisition of PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises
With Paul Gauguin, PONANT strengthens its expertise in French Polynesia and the South Pacific region.
2021, Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot becomes the first French ship to reach the geographic North Pole (90.00,000°).
2022, Swap2zero: catalyst for energy solutions
PONANT is working on a concept of a transoceanic ship approaching carbon neutrality by 2030..
2024, Spirit of Ponant: tailor-made journeys
This maxi-catamaran combines the pleasure of sailing and the refinement of personalised service.
2025, Aqua Expeditions joins the PONANT family
A pioneering brand, specialising in sea or river expeditions aboard small ships.
2025, PONANT becomes PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP
The Group is composed of PONANT EXPLORATIONS, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises and Aqua Expeditions.
Destinations
How far will your next journey take you?
More inspiration
Upcoming departures, new experiences, interviews, exploration or scouting stories... All brochures can be ordered or downloaded in digital format.