Aquitaine, Northern Spain & Portugal: Bordeaux and Porto
The gulf, with French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Boréal
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Bordeaux to Lisbon
This nine-night voyage aboard Le Boréal follows the Atlantic coast from Bordeaux to Lisbon. From the Gironde estuary you sail into the Basque Country, along the Cantabrian and Galician coast and on past northern Portugal to the capital on the Tagus. The marina platform and Zodiacs open up smaller harbours, while premium all-inclusive, French cuisine and Conran design set the tone on board.
Route highlights
- Bordeaux: World Heritage city on the Garonne with the neoclassical Place de la Bourse and the surrounding wine estates.
- Gironde: Navigation along Europe's longest estuary between vineyards and fortresses.
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Basque fishing harbour with a pelota tradition.
- Santander: Cantabrian bay with the Magdalena Palace and a Belle Époque seaside promenade.
- Avilés: Asturian port with the Niemeyer Cultural Centre and a medieval old town.
- La Coruña: Galician port with the Tower of Hercules, the world's oldest still-functioning lighthouse.
- Vigo: Galician Atlantic port on the Ría de Vigo, gateway to the Cíes Islands.
- Leixoes / Porto: Harbour for the World Heritage city of Porto with its Ribeira quarter and port wine cellars.
- Lisbon: Atlantic capital on the Tagus with the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Bordeaux
9 nights
Lisbon
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Bordeaux · Embarkation
Bordeaux is the world's wine capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The neoclassical old town along the Garonne with Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d'Eau, the famous Médoc châteaux and the modern Cité du Vin make Bordeaux one of France's most elegant port cities.
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Kreuzen im Gironde-Ästuar
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Saint-Jean-de-Luz
In the French Basque Country near the Spanish border, Saint-Jean-de-Luz sits on a sheltered Atlantic bay. Once a whaling and corsair port, it is now known for its sandy beaches and Basque cuisine.
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Santander
Santander is the elegant capital of Cantabria on Spain's northern coast, with long sandy beaches and the striking Palacio de la Magdalena overlooking the bay. Tapas bars and Belle Epoque architecture shape the city centre.
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Aviles
Avilés sits on the Atlantic coast of the Spanish region of Asturias and ranks among the best-preserved medieval towns in northern Spain. The striking landmark is the Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Centre, the Brazilian architect's only work in Spain.
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La Coruna
Bustling port city in north-west Spain on the Galician Atlantic coast. Its landmark is the Tower of Hercules, the oldest functioning Roman lighthouse in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Vigo - Santiago de Compostela
Vigo is Spain's largest fishing port and gateway to Galicia. The Cíes Islands off the coast (Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park) are among the most pristine beaches in Europe; the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela is one hour away.
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Leixões - Porto
Nestled at the mouth of the Douro on the Atlantic in north-western Portugal, the country's second city tumbles down both banks of the river in terraces. The Ribeira old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, the famed port wines age in centuries-old cellars.
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Lissabon · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Bordeaux
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 16 |
| Sea °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 37 | 25 | 32 | 30 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 52 | 66 | 58 | 52 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Balearic Islands (Palma)
Disembarkation: Lisbon
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 |
| Sea °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 76 | 58 | 62 | 44 | 16 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 88 | 104 | 102 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic coast (Lisbon)
Destination
Le Boréal
Le Boréal was the first ship of the Odyssée class and marked Ponant's move into expedition cruising. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, two restaurants - a ship built equally for the passage to the North Cape and the islands of the South Seas.
In northern Europe, Le Boréal sails through the fjords of Norway and along the British coast - natural encounters with the comfort of a French hotel.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Boréal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 5.610 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 6.040 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 6.660 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 6.970 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 7.350 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite | € 10.080 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 13.510 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 14.190 | Available | Enquire |
| Owners Suite - LE FRANCE | € 21.410 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 9 nights from EUR 5.280 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Boréal?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Bordeaux the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Lissabon it is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
