Portugal, Northern Spain & Atlantic Coast: Lisbon and Bordeaux
Fortified cities on the Atlantic and the Iberian Peninsula
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Lisbon to Honfleur
Ten days along the fortified Atlantic coasts of Europe, from Lisbon to Normandy. Your Ponant Classic sister ship for 184 guests follows the Iberian and French coast northwards, with premium all-inclusive service, a marina platform and Zodiacs. The route links Portuguese harbours, Galician rías, Basque resorts and French Atlantic ports. Bordeaux on the Garonne estuary and the walled corsair town of Saint-Malo are among the maritime highlights. In Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine the voyage ends amid timber-framed houses and Impressionist light.
Route highlights
- Lisbon: Port on the Tagus with the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, witnesses of the Age of Discovery.
- Vigo: Gateway to Galicia's Rías Baixas with Albariño wineries and a strong seafood tradition.
- Santander: Elegant Cantabrian seaside resort with the Palacio de la Magdalena and a sweeping sandy bay.
- Bordeaux: River passage upstream to the wine capital with the UNESCO World Heritage quarter Port de la Lune.
- Saint-Malo: Walled corsair town in Brittany with granite bastions and views across the Emerald Coast.
- Honfleur: Picturesque Normandy harbour around the Vieux Bassin, inspiration to Impressionists from Boudin to Monet.
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
Lisbon
10 nights
Honfleur
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Lissabon · Embarkation
Built on seven hills, Lisbon blends a southern European sense of life with a great history of discovery. From the Tower of Belém, Vasco da Gama and other navigators set out into the unknown - yellow trams and the melancholic Fado still tell the tale today.
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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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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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At sea
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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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Bordeaux
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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At sea
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Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is a fully walled corsair town in Brittany, from which bold privateers sailed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The city walls are walkable and offer panoramic views of Île du Grand Bé (Chateaubriand's burial place) and the tidal dynamics off the Mont-Saint-Michel headland. Excursions lead to the monument of Mont-Saint-Michel.
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Guernsey, Kanalinseln
In the English Channel, Guernsey serves as the main island of its namesake bailiwick, a British Crown Dependency with its own constitution and tax law. The capital and harbour Saint Peter Port with its 13th-century Castle Cornet watches over the bay, and Victor Hugo's house recalls his years of exile here.
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Honfleur Pilot Station
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Honfleur · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: 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)
Disembarkation: Honfleur
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 9 |
| Sea °C | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 80 | 58 | 60 | 50 | 48 | 50 | 45 | 52 | 62 | 88 | 94 | 90 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: English Channel (Portsmouth/Cherbourg)
Destination
L'Austral
L'Austral belongs to Ponant's Odyssée class: 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French cuisine with wine at dinner. Large enough for comfort on the open sea, small enough for fjords, pack ice boundaries and islands without a harbour.
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 · L'Austral
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 | € 5.970 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 6.420 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 7.080 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 7.410 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 7.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 10.710 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 14.340 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 15.060 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 22.700 | 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. 10 nights from EUR 5.260 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the L'Austral?
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 Lissabon the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Honfleur it is June to September.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
