Exclusive vineyards, major museums and fabled cities: Ponant’s unforgettable 2025 itineraries

Ponant’s ports of call in Western Europe are unrivalled, and the fact you’re seeing Spain, Portugal and France on the world’s most stylish small ships only adds to the allure. Here are three immersive Ponant itineraries to look forward to in 2025

There will be a moment, when you wake up at Bordeaux’s Port of Moon, when you realise you may need to pinch yourself. This dreamy harbour in the French city – named after the crescent shape of a new moon – dates back to the Middle Ages, and it’s your gateway to the innovative classical and neoclassical streets of this fable wine region in the southwest of the country.

The Port of the Moon is also just one of the unbelievable UNESCO World Heritage Sites you’ll explore in depth on your PONANT seven-night ‘Gastronomy, Vineyards & Grand Crus’ journey from Bordeaux to Lisbon aboard gracious Le Bellot.

Departing 19 October 2025, this sailing is life-changing in more ways than one, with seven ports of call across Spain, Portugal and France that range from the Bilbao (where you’ll ogle the architecture of the Guggenheim Museum); to San Sebastian’s Old Town; the historic centre of Porto; World Heritage-listed Santiado de Compostela; and, of course, some of the finest wineries in the world.

In true PONANT style

There’s no denying that cruising this pocket of the Atlantic is largely about the destinations. But when you’re exploring with PONANT, it’s also about the journey. The French-flagged cruise company was born here – the region is in its DNA. And since it was founded in 1988, it has gone on to win awards as not only a leader in stylish sailing, but also sustainable voyages, where every trip you take is designed to protect the environment and support the communities visited. Perfection in the art of exploration.

PONANT’s fleet of 14 intimately-sized ships explore all corners of the globe, uniting exceptional French hospitality with pared-back modern design. Think an all-inclusive experience that offers gourmet food and wine mastered by renowned French chef Alain Ducasse’s consulting firm, rooms and public-spaces in calming hues and natural materials, and shore excursions conceptualised by world-leading guides and captains, to ensure truly captivating and authentic immersion.  

Le Bellot in the Atlantic

‘Captivating’ is certainly one way to describe your voyage as you set sail between Bordeaux and Lisbon. In between expert talks, spa treatments and the finest fare from the region, indulge in experiences like an overnight stay at Portugal’s Valverde Lisboa Hotel & Garden – Relais & Châteaux*, where every room is uniquely and exquisitely designed.

Step out to visit Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And then walk to the Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches), showcasing an impressive collection of royal carriages. Drive to Sintra and visit the National Palace with its Mudéjar azulejos, and then walk to the Biester Palace, known for its romantic architecture.

But when seven nights is not enough…

Iberian Peninsula & Fortified Cities of the Atlantic with PONANT

… and it rarely is in this part of Europe.

That’s your sign to book the 11-night ‘Iberian Peninsula & Fortified Cities of the Atlantic’ itinerary with PONANT. Departing 3 May 2025, this extraordinary journey takes you from Lisbon in Portugal to Honfleur in France aboard Le Boréal, visiting three countries (Portugal, Spain, France) and six World Heritage Sites: the historic centre of Porto from Leixoes; Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) from Vigo; the Port of the Moon in Bordeaux; the tower of Belem and the monastery of Jeronimos in Lisbon; and the impressive Mafra Palace, including its monastery and church.

This is an epic adventure, not merely for the fact that it offers maiden PONANT stopovers in Brittany on the Quiberon peninsula in the Douarnenez region of France, among nine other ports.

Back in Lisbon, you have the chance to luxuriate on land in the Altis Avenida 5* Hotel, a grand historic property that seamlessly unites old-school sophistication with modern flourishes. Step outside to alight a tram exploring atmospheric laneways lined with houses bejewelled with colourful tiles, pausing to admire the city, including from the jaw-dropping Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint.

Next-level luxury: Iberian Shores with Relais & Châteaux

Le Lapérouse is a ship you won’t want to leave – and you have eight nights aboard her from Lisbon to Barcelona on PONANT’s ‘Iberian Shores with Relais & Châteaux’ itinerary. Departing 24 September 2025, this is luxury at its finest thanks to PONANT’s partnership with Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive portfolio that covers the finest boutique hotels and restaurants in the world.

This means that when you are on board Le Lapérouse, the world is your gastronomic oyster. Guest chef João Oliveira from the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa helms the ship’s kitchen for this voyage, serving up plates that are as pretty as they are tasty at two gala dinners, and then treating guests to culinary demonstrations, so they can take his Michelin-starred knowledge home.

PONANT is a shore thing

When it’s time to explore, you have nine days to savour the delights of Portugal, Spain and France in hidden restaurants and rooftop-bar aeries. There are also some eating establishments that make history books, like Pastéis de Belém, the inventor of the world-famous egg tart – once you’ve enjoyed one, visit the Portuguese city’s ancient tower, before returning to the monastery of Jeronimos in Lisbon. Here, your abode is Altis Avenida 5* Hotel in Lisbon City Centre, located on Liberty Avenue near the buzzy Chiado district.

Other journey highlights include visiting the Silk Exchange in Valencia, glimpsing the works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, and lingering in the Andalusian city of Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in the Western Mediterranean. In Lagos, in the Algarve region of Portugal, geological wonders and a rich historical past await. Meanwhile, the dramatic Spanish bridge Puente Nuevo de Ronda is accessible from Marbella; the national palace of Sintra from Portugal, replete with its candy-hued facade; and the ancient city of Cartagena, replete with its murals and mosaics, and well-preserved Roman theatre, is ready for your visit in Spain.

With PONANT, it’s not which Western Atlantic cruise to choose – it’s how to do them all.

Discover PONANT’s expertly designed 2025 Cruise & Land packages offering guests the most exciting gastronomy and cultural experiences along the Iberian Peninsula and Atlantic Coast. Included in the package is a PONANT cruise aboard one a small luxury vessel, daily included excursions, as well as a city stay in vibrant Barcelona or captivating Lisbon… or both. Additionally, some of these packages feature a Relais & Châteaux experience, either onboard the cruise or during your city stay*. These packages will uncover the coastal gems of France, Spain & Portugal, on a perfectly crafted European escape. Book today!
*Pre and post cruise arrangements a part of Cruise & Land packages are an addional cost to the cruise fare, subject availability and individual terms and conditions. Visit au.ponant.com for more information or speak to your preferred travel agent.