The peaceful setting of the picturesque port of Honfleur along the estuary of the Seine attracted many artists and writers over the years, including Impressionist Painters. Throughout its history, numerous maritime journeys were initiated from Honfleur. It's a place of great historic charm, notably around the Vieux Bassin, where lofty slate-and-timber fronted houses overlook the colorful yacht and fishing harbor, and sloping cobbled streets recall 16th century Honfleur. Not to be missed are the 15th century wooden church and the Impressionist paintings of the Musee Eugene Boudin. From here it is possible to visit Monet's Garden, Arromanches, the Normandy Landing Beaches and if there is time, Paris.
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cozily intimate ship. To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cozily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Apr 20, 2028 - Honfleur
The peaceful setting of the picturesque port of Honfleur along the estuary of the Seine attracted many artists and writers over the years, including Impressionist Painters. Throughout its history, numerous maritime journeys were initiated from Honfleur. It's a place of great historic charm, notably around the Vieux Bassin, where lofty slate-and-timber fronted houses overlook the colorful yacht and fishing harbor, and sloping cobbled streets recall 16th century Honfleur. Not to be missed are the 15th century wooden church and the Impressionist paintings of the Musee Eugene Boudin. From here it is possible to visit Monet's Garden, Arromanches, the Normandy Landing Beaches and if there is time, Paris.
Apr 21, 2028 - St. Peter Port (Guernsey)
St. Peter Port is situated hillside overlooking the picturesque harbor of Guernsey. Brightly painted houses, granite stairs and cobbled lanes climb the hill, providing great views of the port and medieval castle. Among St. Peter's Church's former residents were Guernsey's Royalist Lieutenant Governor, and French and German occupation forces. Enjoy the idyllic countryside or stroll narrow streets of pretty St. Peter Port, enjoying the ambiance making Guernsey special. Town Church - found on the waterfront - is a 12th-century granite church. From the 18th century, the assembly of Market Halls stocked with the region’s produce are wonderful for browsing and taking photos. An excellent display traces Guernsey history. The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery houses Lukis archaeological collection and Wilfred Carey collection of paintings, prints and cereamics. Descending from the museum are beautiful Candie Gardens laid out in 1898 with exotic plants. German Underground Hospital is a complex of tunnels memorialized to many forced laborers who worked on it.
Apr 22, 2028 - Dartmouth
Dartmouth is a beautiful seaport on the coast of England in the County of Devon. A reputable center for yachting, the harbor is considered first-class. The town's rich maritime past has been well documented for more than 800 years. There are numerous things to do while in Dartmouth, from exploring museums and castles to golfing on their world class golf course. There is even an amusement park, the Woodlands, which has won many national awards. The Market is the place to shop. Just walking around Dartmouth can provide hours of entertainment. The Butterwalk and Foss Street are places to not miss.
Apr 23, 2028 - Isle of Scilly
"Stop, look and listen" takes on a whole new meaning in Scilly. Relax and take time to discover the islands' flora and fauna and listen to the timeless whisperings of the ocean all around under wide Atlantic skies.
But don't think timeless islands need to be behind the times. All the inhabited island offer excellent, modern accommodation and amenities, safe sandy beaches, pubs and opportunities for outdoor sport. There are many sites of historical interest throughout the islands and the birdwatching and scuba diving are renowned and, most importantly, Scilly is virtually crime-free, making it one of the safest environments in the world.
Spring and autumn are especially good times to visit the islands. Enjoy the peace and the tranquillity of one of the world's most beautiful archipelagos.
Apr 24, 2028 - Kinsale
The quaint little settlement of Kinsale sits around a small picturesque harbour. Located south west of Cork, this characteristicaly 18th century town with its bow fronted shops and slate hung houses are best viewed from Compass Hill. Also explore the star shaped formal naval station, Charles Fort, with its finely detailed and roofless 18th century barracks. Kinsale was the scene of the Spanish invasions in support of the Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnel against Mountjoy and Carew and the site of the last decisive battle in 1602.
Apr 25, 2028 - Cork
A town of churches, bridges and pubs, Cork is best known for Blarney Castle where you are invited to kiss the famed stone to acquire the "gift of gab." St. Patrick Street, the town's main thoroughfare, is good for shopping and people watching. See the Shandon bells in St. Anne's church. Those who are willing to climb the 134 winding steps to the top of the steeple will be rewarded with a wondrous view of the city, harbor and hills.
Apr 26, 2028 - Dublin
Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.
Apr 27, 2028 - Douglas (Isle of Man)
Douglas has been the capital, principal port, and ferry terminal of the island since 1869, the island itself having become a Crown possession in 1828. It gets its name from the Dhoo and Glass Rivers. Douglas, which developed around smuggling, now has light industry, tourism, the seat of the island's parliament, the Tynwald and House of Keys (oldest parliament in the world). Douglas boasts Castle Mona (1804), and the Tower of Refuge (1832), as well as the impressive Manx Electric Railway (1893) and Douglas horse-drawn trams (1876), both of which are still in service. Located along the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man and its wooded hills and jagged coastline offer some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. The island was once occupied by Celts who left behind Iron Age forts and huts. Though Romans never settled here, it is believed Celtic Christianity was introduced by St. Patrick and flourished from the fifth century to eighth century when Vikings conquered the island. On the island visit the Calf of Man bird sanctuary, and Castle Rushen at Castletown, the former capital.
Apr 28, 2028 - Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest city and major tourist destination, possessing some of Britain's finest architecture and hosting a variety of cultural events and attractions.
Glasgow has been described as the finest surviving example of a great Victorian city. Of particular interest is George Square - lined by several buildings constructed in the Italian Renaissance style. Few buildings pre-date 18th century. The most prominent of these are Glasgow Cathedral, and Provand's Lordship, which is the city's oldest house (c. 1471) and now a museum. The cathedral, situated on high ground to the east of the city and dating in parts from 12th century, is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. The city has numerous parks and ornamental open spaces, including the Botanic Garden and zoological gardens. Glasgow grew around a church built in the 6th century by St Kentigern, who converted Scots to Christianity. The commercial growth of the community dates from the union of Scotland and England in 1707 and the opening up of trade in the 18th century when Glasgow became a major port and shipbuilder.