The French touch
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French maritime expertise
The art of hospitality
Refined design
A French passion
With exceptional service and exclusive collaborations with renowned chefs like Amaury Bouhours, Executive Chef at Le Meurice in Paris, a certain magic unfolds on board when the art of travel meets the art of French living.
Le Nuna— an Alain Ducasse Signature
Le Nautilus
The Compass
Refined 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
It all began with a love of the sea and a passion for travel — the desire to explore the world and share the French way of life aboard intimate ships that honors both man and environment.
1988: The call of the sea
Innovation and a spirit of discovery — these define 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 expansion 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 ensures its long-term growth by joining ARTEMIS, the family holding company of François Pinault.
2018: Creation of the PONANT Foundation
The company launches the PONANT Foundation, reaffirming its commitment to ocean preservation.
2019: Acquisition of PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises
With Paul Gauguin Cruises, PONANT expands its expertise in French Polynesia and the South Pacific.
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 begins development of a transoceanic ship concept aiming for near carbon neutrality by 2030.
2024: Spirit of Ponant, tailor-made journeys
This maxi-catamaran blends the joy of sailing with the refinement of personalized service.
2025: Aqua Expeditions joins the PONANT family
A pioneering brand renowned for sea and river expeditions aboard small ships becomes part of the Group.
2025: Introducing PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP
The Group now includes PONANT EXPLORATIONS, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises, and Aqua Expeditions.
Destinations
Where will your next journey take you?
More inspiration
Upcoming departures, unique experiences, interviews, exploration or scouting stories — all brochures can be ordered in print or downloaded in digital format.