Corsica, Sardinia & the Balearics: Ajaccio and Palma de Mallorca
Coastal charm and the Mediterranean way of life
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from/to Barcelona through the Western Mediterranean
A seven-night round trip from Barcelona aboard L'Austral, one of four identical 184-guest Ponant Classic sisterships. The route threads the bays of southern France, Corsica's rugged west coast and the Balearics, with short sea legs and generous time in port. On board, French cuisine, a fold-out marina platform for swim stops and premium all-inclusive service. Spring carries lavender and macchia scents across the islands while the beach season is still drawing breath.
Route highlights
- Sète: Canal town on the Etang de Thau, known for oyster farming and the wry songwriting spirit of Georges Brassens.
- Marseille: France's oldest city, with the Vieux-Port beneath Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Calanques on its doorstep.
- Calvi: A Genoese citadel above a crescent bay, backed by the snow-capped peaks of Corsica's interior.
- Ajaccio: Napoleon's birthplace, with the Maison Bonaparte and the calm sweep of Ajaccio Bay.
- Alghero: Sardinian port that still speaks Catalan, its old town tumbling straight into the sea.
- Palma de Mallorca: La Seu cathedral on the waterfront and a labyrinthine old quarter on the way back to Barcelona.
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
Barcelona
7 nights
Palma de Mallorca
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Tarragona · Embarkation
As Tarraco, Tarragona was the most important Roman city on the Iberian Peninsula. The amphitheatre, remains of the Circus Maximus and the forum stand directly next to the medieval cathedral - the archaeological ensemble has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
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Sète
Sète lies on France's Mediterranean coast in the Hérault department, between open sea and the Étang de Thau lagoon. The canal town is France's second-largest fishing port and the birthplace of Paul Valéry and Georges Brassens.
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Marseille
Marseille is France's oldest port (founded by the Phocaeans in 600 BC) and was European Capital of Culture in 2013. The Vieux Port with its fish stalls, MuCEM and the towering Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde above the city give Marseille its Mediterranean character.
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Calvi, Korsika
Calvi on Corsica's north-west coast has been home to the French Foreign Legion since 1962. The 13th-century Genoese citadel towers over a perfect crescent of pine-fringed beach, and local legend even claims the town as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
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Ajaccio, Korsika
Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica on a wide bay on the western coast and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Maison Bonaparte birthplace and the Musée Fesch, holding France's second-largest collection of Italian painting after the Louvre, draw visitors to the old town.
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Alghero, Sardinien
Alghero in north-western Sardinia carries the nickname "Little Barcelona" - Catalan influences shape its architecture and language. Excursions lead to the Grotta di Nettuno, one of the most impressive stalactite caves in the Mediterranean, reached by boat or via 654 steps.
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Palma de Mallorca, Balearen
La Seu Cathedral - one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Europe - stands right by Palma's harbour. The Old Town with its noble palaces, Arab baths and Arab Quarter brings together three millennia of history.
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Barcelona · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| 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)
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.
In the Mediterranean, L'Austral combines cultural voyages with the savoir-vivre of the Ponant philosophy: onboard lectures, regional cuisine, small ports with history.
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 | € 4.480 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 4.720 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 4.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 5.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 5.450 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 8.620 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 9.550 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 9.770 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 15.900 | 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. 7 nights from EUR 4.220 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?
The best time to sail this route is May to October.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
