Côte d'Azur, Corsica and Catalonia via the Balearic Islands
The discreet jewels of the western Mediterranean
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Nice (Villefranche) to Barcelona
A ten-night voyage to the discreet jewels of the western Mediterranean, from Nice to Barcelona. The 184-guest Explorer ship links the Ligurian Riviera, Corsica's wild coast, the Côte d'Azur and Catalan harbours. Smaller calls such as Menton, Portofino and Roses allow intimate cruising away from the main routes. The marina with 16 Zodiacs, the Blue Eye underwater lounge with hydrophones and premium all-inclusive accompany the leg.
Route highlights
- Nice (Villefranche): Deep bay on the Côte d'Azur, a classic point of departure.
- Menton: Belle Époque town on the Ligurian-French border with citrus groves.
- Portofino: Pastel-coloured fishing village on the Ligurian Riviera.
- Portoferraio: Harbour of Elba, Napoleon's first place of exile, in the Tuscan archipelago.
- Calvi and Ajaccio: Corsican harbours between Genoese citadel and Napoleon's birthplace.
- Maó: Deep natural harbour of Menorca with British traces.
- Barcelona: Catalan metropolis with Gaudí's Sagrada Família as the final port.
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
Nice (Villefranche)
10 nights
Barcelona
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Nizza · Embarkation
On the French Riviera on the Mediterranean lies Nice as the largest town of the Côte d'Azur in the Alpes-Maritimes. Its landmark is the Promenade des Anglais along the Baie des Anges, lined by the pastel-coloured Vieux Nice old town, the baroque Sainte-Réparate cathedral and the Castle Hill of Colline du Château with views across the entire bay.
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Menton
On the French Riviera right on the Italian border lies Menton with the mildest microclimate on the entire Côte d'Azur. The annual lemon festival in February and the pastel-coloured old town with the baroque Basilica Saint-Michel-Archange make it France's southernmost gem on the Ligurian Sea.
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Portofino
The most elegant fishing village on the Riviera Ligure and a favourite anchorage for the international yachting world: pastel houses around the harbour basin, small churches on the hill, and walking trails through the Monte Portofino nature park.
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Portoferraio, Elba
Portoferraio is the capital of Elba and lies in one of the best-protected natural harbours of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Elba is known as Napoleon's place of exile (1814-15), as a hiking island and for its crystal-clear waters along granite shores.
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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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Cassis
Cassis lies on the French Mediterranean coast east of Marseille, framed by France's highest sea cliff, Cap Canaille. On its doorstep begin the Calanques, fjord-like limestone inlets of turquoise water, and on its slopes ripens the dry white wine of Provence's oldest AOC vineyard.
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Rosas
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Banyuls-sur-Mer
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Menorca
Menorca is the quietest and least discovered of the three large Balearics. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with the Camí de Cavalls (185 km coastal walking trail), the prehistoric Talayotic towers and the historic capital Ciutadella.
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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)
Le Bougainville
Le Bougainville has sailed since 2019 as the third ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, ice-reinforced hull. Expedition with the comfort and cuisine that have made Ponant the first address for discerning explorers.
In the Mediterranean, Le Bougainville sails off the main routes - small ports, local cuisine onboard, lectures on the history and nature of the region.
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 Bougainville
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 6.990 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.340 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.680 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.090 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 12.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 12.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 14.190 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 14.520 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 15.210 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.210 | On request | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 18.300 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 24.110 | 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 6.620 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Bougainville?
A maximum of 184 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.
