Is there any more authentic way of cruising than by sailing ship? You don’t need to know how to sail to get on board a true sailing ship cruise – and in May 2026, French-flagged cruise line Ponant is debuting a brand-new, eight-day along the Côte d’Azur – perhaps one of the most iconic and romantic cruise – and sailing – destinations in the world! aboard its iconic three-masted sailing yacht, Le Ponant. 

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS LIFE-CHANGING CRUISE! 

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Beginning and ending in Nice, the elegant vessel — the world’s first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht — will chart an unforgettable course east to the colorful Italian fishing village of Portofino before gliding back along the French Riviera. 

Along the way, guests will discover coastal gems such as the citrus-hued port of Menton, the glamour-soaked shores of Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, and the charming, lesser-known port of Cassis. 

Highlights of the itinerary include curated excursions to the Riviera’s most iconic and cultural landmarks, and following in the footsteps of local cultural icons Picasso and Bardot. Whether exploring charming villages or world-renowned historical sites, such as Portofino’s cliff-top lighthouse and the old town of Antibes with its 16th-century ramparts, every stop offers another perspective on the Riviera’s wonders. Back on board, guests can dive straight into the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters or make use of Le Ponant’s array of aquatic toys. From glass-bottomed kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to snorkeling gear and a saltwater pool, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the sea. 

About Le Ponant Sailing Ship:

Stretching nearly 300 feet and recently refitted by a French design firm, Le Ponant accommodates just 32 guests in 16 stylish staterooms, each boasting panoramic windows with sea views. Guests can lounge on the sun deck beneath the billowing white sails, sip a cocktail from the outdoor bar, indulge in Biologique Recherche spa treatments, or savor organic, Mediterranean-inspired dishes at the yacht’s restaurant, Le Diamant. All this unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean’s colorful seaside villages, parasol-dotted beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs. 

Itinerary Details: The French Riviera under Le Ponant’s Sails 

• Nice-Nice | 8 days, 7 nights
• May 7-14, 2026
• Fares start from USD 12,220 per guest 

MORE ABOUT PONANT EXPLORATIONS 

This intimate new Mediterranean voyage aboard Le Ponant embodies PONANT EXPLORATIONS' enduring spirit of authentic sailing adventures. PONANT EXPLORATIONS has been committed to more responsible tourism and purposeful voyages of exploration for over 35 years. From its founding with a single yacht in 1988 to today's fleet of 13 luxury vessels, fitted with the latest environmental technologies, the journey of exploration is always elegant, authentic and inspiring, with a dedication to small-ship exploration. With each curated itinerary including stops where larger vessels cannot reach, guests experience the same passion for the sea that has guided PONANT EXPLORATIONS for over three decades – a legacy of maritime excellence that continues to chart new horizons in experiential travel.  

PONANT EXPLORATIONS sails to the Arctic and the Antarctic as well as in the Atlantic and North Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean, Asia, Oceania and South Pacific, the Caribbean, North, Central and South America. 

***Images courtesy of Ponant Explorations

***Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary and pricing details.