Superior Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
226 ft²
3
With featured guest Franck Ferrand.
From Lisbon to Honfleur, PONANT invites you aboard l'Austral for a 12-day cruise, that will take you along the Portuguese Spanish and French Atlantic coastlines.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, explore the Santiago de Compostela site from Vigo, visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, or discover the Mont Saint-Michel from Saint-Malo. The diversity of expériences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
From the port of Leixões, you will visit Porto. The capital of Portugal's northern region, this “city of granite” is renowned for its wine but also for its remarkable historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your journey will continue to Galicia and the city of Vigo, the biggest fishing port in Spain. Not far from here, Santiago de Compostela awaits you. This unmissable pilgrimage destination is home to a number of monuments from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods, testimony to its illustrious past.
L'Austral will then head for the capital of the Spanish Basque Country, Bilbao. Between daring architecture and the continuation of its ancestral traditions, you will be able to witness the city’s unique energy.
After a special moment in the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux, you visit the beautiful fortified town of Talmont-sur-Gironde before saluting the Cordouan lighthouse, a guardian of light designed to guide sailors at the entrance to the Gironde estuary.
Belle-Île-en-Mer, to the south of Brittany, will be one of the key ports of call on this stimulating voyage. The Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived for a while in the village of Kervilahouen on this island.
During your stop in Saint-Malo, a town famous for the legendary Route du Rhum yacht race, lose yourself in the diversity of its heritage, stroll along its rampart and fall under the charm of the city of privateers.
After stopping off in Guernsey, you head for the pretty Normandy port of Honfleur, where you disembark.
Ref : AU080526
A cruise along the Atlantic coastlines of three countries: Portugal, Spain and France. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the historic centre of Porto from Leixoes; Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) from Vigo; the...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
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Franck Ferrand
An historian by training (EHESS), author of a dozen books on history – including Versailles après les rois (Perrin), L’Histoire interdite (Tallandier), François Ier, roi de chimères (Flammarion) and Dictionnaire amoureux de Versailles (Plon), and the successful saga La Cour des Dames – Franck Ferrand has emerged over the years as one of our leading “history messengers”.
For 15 years, he has hosted historic rendezvous on Europe 1, including the famous daily slot Au cœur de l’histoire. Since September 2018, we can find him on Radio Classique in Franck Ferrand raconte which in the first week became the most downloaded programme in France. After presenting some 50 editions of L’Ombre d’un doute on France 3, he now appears every week alongside Michel Drucker in Vivement dimanche. In the last 20 years, Franck Ferrand has given literally hundreds of talks on every continent.
Language spoken: French
Please note English-speaking lecturer will also be onboard.
Photo credit: Sylvain DUMAIS
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Embarkation 5/8/2026 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 5/8/2026 at 6:00 PM
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.
Arrival 5/9/2026 midday
Departure 5/9/2026 early evening
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.
Arrival 5/10/2026 early morning
Departure 5/10/2026 early evening
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.
Arrival 5/11/2026
Departure 5/11/2026
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.
Arrival 5/12/2026 early morning
Departure 5/12/2026 late afternoon
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.
Arrival 5/13/2026
Departure 5/13/2026
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.
Arrival 5/14/2026 early morning
Departure 5/14/2026 late evening
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.
Arrival 5/15/2026 mid morning
Departure 5/15/2026 late afternoon
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.
Arrival 5/16/2026 early morning
Departure 5/16/2026 midday
Lying to the South of Brittany, Belle-Île is very aptly named. The largest of the Ponant islands, it owes its glowing reputation to its exceptional environment and generous natural attributes: pristine moors and dunes, headlands and cliffs cut into granite points, rocky inlets, and sheltered bays with sandy or pebble beaches. Aboard your ship, let the wild coastline of Belle-île-en-Mer surprise you, this little speck of land lying on the ocean, sparkling with colours in the morning light.
Arrival 5/17/2026 late morning
Departure 5/17/2026 evening
The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge us back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.
Arrival 5/18/2026 early morning
Departure 5/18/2026 midday
Guernsey is an atypical and unforgettable port of call. This Channel Island will delight you with its mild, iodic climate and its green and floral landscapes. Don’t be surprised to come across dolmens and menhirs here and there, testifying to the long history of the island and its rich heritage. The attractive capital of St. Peter Port is characteristic of the delightful British atmosphere that gives the island its charm. The memory of the great writer Victor Hugo is also very present, as he lived for fifteen years in exile in Guernsey. His home, Hauteville House, preserves his memory. The incredible richness of the decoration gives a clear illustration of the creative genius of this great man.
Arrival 5/19/2026
Disembarkation 5/19/2026 at 8:00 AM
A treasure of the Côte Fleurie, Honfleur is located on the edge of la Crique de Rouen in Normandy. You will no doubt admire the historical ships moored in its old port. With its tall, slate-covered houses, the quays provide a great setting for a very nice walk. In the streets behind the harbour, you will see many timber houses. These picturesque places were the cradle of several pre-impressionist painters. You can see their works in the Eugène Boudin museum. Exhibited works represent scenes of medieval streets and the coastline as it used to be, as illustrated by the Butin beach and its lush green hillsides.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Lisbon
Meet at Lisbon airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach and be taken to a local restaurant where your lunch will be served.
This afternoon, you will discover the city of Lisbon during a private tram tour.
First, you will reach the Belém district, also known as the district of the Great Discoveries for its many monuments dating from the 16th-century. You will make a stop in front of the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Then, you will walk until the tram stop departure from Belem. During about 1 hour, enjoy the best way to get across town on board an icon of Lisbon. The small yellow or red trams beg to be photographed as they travel through the prettiest historic and residential quarters of the city.
Opening the windows and letting the parade of buildings covered in azulejos pass you by, glimpsing the sudden ascents and marvelling at the winding route between hills, miradors and squares that take your breath away, is one of the things you have to do while in the city.
Travel in the past while your private tram run through the tiny streets and the main arteries and catch a very good perspective of Lisbon until the final stop at Portas do Sol where the viewpoint is one of the best views of the town. From there, at the top of Alfama district, you will discover little by little the oldest and most traditional neighbourhood in Lisbon, with cobbled lanes and alleys and steeps, gruelling inclines. Enjoy the view, atmosphere, and authentic spirit of the oldest side of the capital.
After 30-minute walk, you will be guided until the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents. In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : $310
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Lisbon
Meet at Lisbon Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Altis Avenida 5* Hotel in the city center.
Check-in from 16:00.
End of the day and diner are at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Lisbon
Breakfast.
This morning, you will head towards Mafra where you will discover the Palace (UNESCO site) with its Monastery and its Church, which are some of the most imposing buildings in Portugal.
Then, you will have lunch in a local restaurant.
The afternoon, you will enjoy a wine tasting in a local vineyard.
Back to your hotel (around a 30-minute drive), enjoy some free time to relax.
Dinner at leisure.
Day 3 – Lisbon
After breakfast, you will be driven to the Belem, also known as the district of the Great Discoveries for its many monuments dating from the 16th-century. You will make a stop in front of the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Then, you will walk until the tram stop departure from Belem. During about 1 hour, enjoy the best way to get across town on board an icon of Lisbon. The small yellow or red trams beg to be photographed as they travel through the prettiest historic and residential quarters of the city.
Opening the windows and letting the parade of buildings covered in azulejos pass you by, glimpsing the sudden ascents and marvelling at the winding route between hills, miradors and squares that take your breath away, is one of the things you have to do while in the city.
Travel in the past while your private tram run through the tiny streets and the main arteries and catch a very good perspective of Lisbon until the final stop at Miradouro de Santa Luzia where the viewpoint is one of the best views of the town. From there, at the top of Alfama district, you will discover little by little the oldest and most traditional neighbourhood in Lisbon, with cobbled lanes and alleys and steeps, gruelling inclines. Enjoy the view, atmosphere, and authentic spirit of the oldest side of the capital.
After a 45-minute walk, you will be driver until a local restaurant for lunch.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Lisbon to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
In the heart of Lisbon, on Liberty Avenue and near Chiado, the Altis Avenida hotel welcomes you in a historic building with Portuguese architecture and design of the 40s. There is a sophisticated contemporary atmosphere. Its cozy rooms in retro style, its bar-restaurant overlooking the city and its location will seduce you.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Hotel Altis Avenida
Avenida da Liberdade
Lisbon - Portugal
Telephone : +351 21 044 0000
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : $1,520
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer between your port of disembarkation and Paris CDG airport.
Port of Honfleur / Paris CDG Airport (Terminal 2)
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will meet at the pier our local representative.
9:00 am : You will depart the port of Honfleur by coach for Paris.
En route to Paris CDG Airport, a 30-minute stop is scheduled half-way.
01:00 pm : Arrival at Paris CDG Airport Terminal 2F, departure level.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note :
Duration of the transfer is given as a guide only.
Total : $190
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer between your port of disembarkation and Paris.
Port of Honfleur/Paris, Louis Vuitton Foundation
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will meet at the pier our local representative.
09:00 am : You will depart the port of Honfleur by coach for Paris.
En route to Paris, a 30-minute stop is scheduled half-way.
12:00 noon : Estimated arrival time at Louis Vuitton Foundation (8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris).
Your program includes :
Your program does not include :
Please note :
Duration of the transfer is given as a guide only.
Total : $190
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.