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Le Paul Gauguin
Le Paul Gauguin has been opening up the wonders of French Polynesia to its guests for over 20 years, providing an authentic and relaxed experience with its small size and welcoming atmosphere.
Until 330 Guests
165 staterooms & suites
209 crew members
Spa
3 restaurants
Le Paul Gauguin is an elegant luxury vessel, specially designed for navigation in Polynesian waters. Its shallow draft allows it to get in close to shallow lagoons and isolated islands, maximising stopover time. A true cocoon of comfort and elegance, the ship offers a warm and timeless atmosphere to its guests. Its 165 cabins and suites all have external views and are tastefully decorated. Quality materials such as precious woods, antique engravings and tiki details pay homage to Polynesian culture and contribute to the charm of life on board, making each trip unique.
In detail
Spécificités techniques
The common areas onboard Le Paul Gauguin
Jean-Pierre Vigato, Michelin-starred chef and owner of the Parisian restaurant Apicius, is in charge of the on board gastronomy. Each day, he creates quality dishes for menus worthy of the finest establishments. Typical Polynesian flavours and French tradition combine to enchant the taste buds.
Gastronomic restaurant
L’Etoile - Deck 5
Open only for dinner, L’Étoile provides a culinary experience worthy of the finest gastronomic standards, and in a refined atmosphere. Its kitchens are managed by chef Jean-Pierre Vigato.
- For dinner only
- 214 places
La Véranda - Deck 6
La Véranda awaits you for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a more sophisticated alternative to the Grill. For dinner, it transforms into an elegant French bistro and serves the culinary creations of Michelin-starred chef Jean-Pierre Vigato with a signature menu specially created for Paul Gauguin cruises.
- Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Lunch is open for walk-ins and dinner by reservation
- 108 places inside and 36 places outside
The Grill - Deck 8
Located by the pool, the Grill is the ideal restaurant for an open-air breakfast, a buffet lunch (grills, salads and fresh tropical fruits) or a casual dinner with reservation.
- Breakfast and dinner buffets
- Polynesian specialty dinner with reservation
- Pool view
- 96 places
The common areas onboard le Paul Gauguin
Le Paul Gauguin has various areas designed and equipped to meet your needs while preserving the privacy of each guest.
The marina - Deck 3 (accessible by Deck 4)
Various nautical leisure activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing or scuba diving, are available from the marina access point.
Reception - Deck 4
In addition to the reception, Deck 4 also hosts the excursion and diving desk.
The Grand Salon - Deck 5
The spacious Grand Salon theatre is home to the sound of percussion and guitars, the traditional shows of Polynesian dancers and singers.
The piano bar - Deck 5
With its calm atmosphere, the piano bar is ideal for a relax time at the reading nook or a board game accompanied by music.
The spa and fitness room - Deck 6
The Algotherm spa offers a wide range of treatments and massages using marine cosmetics, as well as hairdressing services for moments of sheer relaxation. Keen athletes have everything they need to keep up their regime in the fitness centre.
The Boutique - Deck 6
Tahitian black pearl jewellery, fashionable clothing, beachwear, souvenirs, toiletries… The boutique offers a wide range of products to give as gifts or as a treat for yourself.
La Palette - Deck 8
La Palette lounge bar, which opens up to the outside, is perfect for socialising with its friendly atmosphere, grand piano and variety of different artists who play there. Feel free to join in when the dancing starts!
The pool and pool bar - Deck 8
With its water blending into the surrounding panoramas, the pool is perfect for a moment of relaxation in the sun. Its bar offers refreshments throughout the day.
Sun bar – Solarium - Deck 9
Take advantage of Deck 9 to relax in the sun with a book and a cocktail, or watch the evening sunset.
A typical day
The success of PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises is based around the unforgettable onboard experience. High-end services, top-notch gastronomy and our exceptional onboard staff who share their vibrant Polynesian culture with guests all contribute to the excellence of our voyages. We offer many activities and excursions during each stopover to suit every taste and desire, including diving and snorkelling, cultural discoveries and adventures on land. Indulge in a delightful break on the edge of a lagoon.
Breakfast
On board, start each day the right way.
- Smoothies are made to order with fresh fruits and vegetables at La Palette on deck 8.
- Enjoy a room service breakfast in your stateroom, or breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere around the swimming pool (at the Grill) or in a more sophisticated setting at the Veranda. Coffee, espresso, tea, fruit juices, smoothies and mimosas are popular breakfast beverages.
Morning
Midday
Go on an excursion
Rich in extraordinary marine life, French Polynesia is full of treasures just waiting to be discovered. Explore the world below the waterline with our diving options, including introductory courses, a first dive or free exploration for experienced divers (additional cost). If you prefer to stay above the water, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing are great experiences (at no extra cost) that you can take directly from the vessel's marina.
Lunch
Enjoy a varied buffet on board, including grilled meats, salads and fresh tropical fruits at the Grill, or opt for a more refined setting at the Veranda.
On board
You can choose to stay on board and indulge in a moment of relaxation or enrichment, including:
- Attending a talk given by anthropologists, archaeologists or biologists. These recognised experts are happy to share their knowledge.
- Book a treatment or massage at the Deep Nature spa by Algotherm, world renowned for its algae formulated cosmetics. In this area the tropical essences and scent of monoï soothe the senses and promote relaxation.
- Relax by the pool or at the Piano bar
- For the more athletic, you can keep in top shape in the fitness room
- Learn about the history and secrets of Polynesian culture at Fare Tahiti, an onboard area consisting of local handicrafts.
Afternoon
Tea time
Excursions
A wide choice of excursions is offered depending on your itinerary and stopovers. Relax on a white sandy beach and enjoy a typical Polynesian day on the motu Mahana, reserved exclusively for guests of Le Paul Gauguin. Take a trip aboard a traditional canoe, swim with rays, turtles and sharks in crystal clear water, or admire them from a glass-bottom boat. Explore the lush interior of the islands on a bike or a 4x4 excursion and immerse yourself in the breath-taking surroundings. Visit a pearl farm to appreciate the "poe rava" - black pearls unique to the area. Or, follow in the footsteps of the artists Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel during your cruise to the Marquesas Islands. Between encounters with local populations and fabulous landscapes, there’s no doubt you’ll return with unforgettable memories.
All excursions are pre-bookable 60 days before departure or once on board.
Afternoon tea
- "Tea time" is around 4 p.m., when delicious sweets, tea, coffee and cold drinks are served.
- Enjoy the tranquillity of your stateroom and watch a film or immerse yourself in a book on your private balcony.
- Stroll through the ship's boutique and pick up some black Tahitian pearls and other souvenirs to take home.
Aperitif and petit fours
Aperitifs and petit fours are served on board the ship each day at 6 p.m.
A gourmet dinner
Your afternoon continues into the evening infront of the magnificent Polynesian sunsets to the sweet sound of melodies from the piano, or at the Palette bar with a delicious cocktail in hand. Then choose between Polynesian specialties in a relaxed atmosphere at the Grill, sampling the culinary creations of Michelin-starred chef Jean-Pierre Vigato at the Veranda that transforms into an elegant “French bistro” in the evening. Or you can opt for a more upscale dining experience at L'Etoile restaurant.
Evening
24/7
An evening of entertainment
Let the Gauguines and Gauguins, your Polynesian hosts and hostesses, show you their vibrant culture with traditional dances and the lively music of their drums and ukuleles.
If you're in the mood for a spot of dancing, continue your evening at La Palette, the lounge-bar-disco that opens up to the outside and guarantees a warm and relaxed atmosphere!
The PONANT App
After booking your cruise, download the PONANT app from the Apple Store or Google Play. It will support you throughout your voyage. Before your cruise, get practical information about how to pack your bag, the composition of the team on board, pre-book your excursions, etc. During your trip, enjoy daily highlights of your cruise, make an appointment with the spa, order the photos from the cruise and book your excursions.
With an area of 19 to 49 m², all of the staterooms and suites aboard Le Paul Gauguin have external openings. The majority of them have balconies or verandas.
All the staterooms and suites are decorated with quality materials such as precious woods, ancient engravings and tiki details. In addition to the design celebrating Polynesian culture, there is every amenity to help make your trip comfortable.
Services provided
- 160 cm queen-size bed or two single beds
- Minibar
- 110 V/220 V electrical sockets
- Flat-screen TV, CD/DVD player
- Telephone
- Safe
- Individual air conditioning
- Marble bathroom with bathtub (except seven cabins with shower only)
- Algotherm toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Courtesy cotton robes and slippers
- 24-hour service.
- Butler service for Category B cabins and above
- Free Wi-fi access
Your stateroom category
Le Paul Gauguin in pictures
See the whole gallery
See the whole gallery
“Approaching the Polynesian Islands aboard the Paul Gauguin is a unique experience! The cruise allows you to wake up every morning in a different location and set off to explore the islands each day without having to pack your bags…”
Florence C.
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