The French Riviera under Le Ponant’s sails

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, like the finest travel address on the waters of the world.

“Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun,” according to a poem by the French poet Rimbaud. Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior designed by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a highly distinctive character. As if you were on your very own yacht, savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present for this exceptional 8-day cruise to the heart of the mythical French Riviera.

One of the world’s most popular holiday spots and an endless source of inspiration for the greatest artists, the iconic Côte d’Azur appears against the pure blue of the sky and sea.  On shore, hidden among pine trees or clinging to ochre rocks, timeless villages with citrus-coloured façades call to mind eternal images. Here, the ghosts of Picasso, Fitzgerald, Sagan, but also Vadim and Bardot appear as you wander through narrow streets lined with fig trees and wisteria. At anchor in these picturesque ports built for small vessels, surrender to the very essence of the French Riviera, a combination of glamour and historic charm.

From Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, you will sail to Portofino. Built in a small natural harbour protected by a pine forest, this lively port has successfully retained its traditions and authenticity.

In Menton, on the border between France and Italy, narrow streets wind their way inland to the region's gold: the Menton lemon. Follow the scent of citrus fruits as you stroll through this town, beloved by botanists and artists since the 19th century for its microclimate and its gentle way of life.

Carried by the wind, you will sail to Antibes. Just a stone's throw from the chic beaches of Juan-les-Pins and Pinède Gould, one of the world's leading jazz venues, immerse yourself in the history of modern art with Picasso, Matisse and others.

Then, at the foot of the Esterel Massif, in the ochre of the setting sun, Cannes will appear. The iconic Croisette is lined with jewellers, leather goods boutiques and other fashion houses facing an endless beach of fine sand. Across the water, the charming island of Saint-Honorat will reveal the secrets of the vineyards of the Abbey of Lérins.

In Saint-Tropez, the glamorous standard-bearer of the French Riviera, one breathtaking sight follows another: small boats rub shoulders with gleaming yachts, hidden streets lead to glittering establishments serving their iconic flavours, and the surrounding vineyards seem to cover the sea in a thick green mantle.

Further west, the wind will carry you to Cassis. More discreet than its neighbours and open to a limited number of cruise ships, the town is home to a small, lesser-known fishing port. In this tranquil place, soothed by the scent of pine trees, discover an unspoiled natural environment and striking landscapes on a hike or on a boat ride around the stunning “calanques”, narrow, steep-walled inlets.

The activities, designed for you and with you, create opportunities to reconnect with what is truly important, in a setting conducive to contemplation.

Away from the crowds and at your own pace, immerse yourself in wild and breathtaking landscapes and spend time in harmony with nature: kayaking, paddle boarding*.

*The activities on offer will be confirmed on board by the captain. They will depend on the weather conditions, the route and the itinerary.