Atlantic Coast, Northern Spain & Portugal: Bilbao and Lisbon
Along the Bay of Biscay with French elegance aboard Le Champlain
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Bordeaux → Lisbon
This ten-night voyage aboard Le Champlain runs from UNESCO-listed Bordeaux along the Atlantic coast of northern Spain and Portugal to Lisbon. The 184-guest Explorer-class ship links the French Atlantic coast with Galicia and Portugal's Costa Verde. Smaller harbours such as Pauillac in the Médoc wine country and Avilés in Asturias can be reached that remain closed to larger vessels. The transits up the Gironde to Bordeaux and into the Ría de Vigo are themselves experiences. Full board, beverages and excursions are part of the premium all-inclusive concept.
Route highlights
- Bordeaux: UNESCO World Heritage city on the Garonne, with mooring in the heart of town.
- Pauillac: Médoc harbour set among the châteaux of Lafite, Latour and Mouton-Rothschild.
- Bilbao: Basque port with Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum.
- Santander: Cantabrian port with the Magdalena Palace and the El Sardinero bay.
- La Coruña: Galician port with the Roman Tower of Hercules lighthouse.
- Vigo: gateway to the Cíes Islands, part of Galicia's Atlantic National Park.
- Leixões / Porto: harbour for Porto with the Ribeira quarter on the Douro and the port wine cellars.
- Lisbon: Portuguese capital on the Tagus with the Belém Tower and the Fado quarters.
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
10 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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Pauillac
On the right bank of the Gironde estuary in France's Médoc, this small town lies at the heart of one of the world's most celebrated wine regions. Three of Bordeaux's five Premier Grand Cru châteaux stand nearby: Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton-Rothschild.
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Royan
Set where the Gironde estuary meets the Atlantic, Royan is an elegant seaside resort on France's west coast. The bold 1950s concrete church of Notre-Dame recalls the town's post-war reconstruction.
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Bilbao
Bilbao in the Basque Country is home to the Guggenheim Museum (Frank Gehry) - the building that coined the term "Bilbao effect". Pintxos bars in the old town, the funicular up Mount Artxanda and the nearby Costa Vasca shape the port.
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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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Figueira da Foz
On central Portugal's Atlantic coast, the Mondego river meets the sea at Figueira da Foz. The broad Praia da Claridade ranks among the country's most popular surfing beaches, and the nearby university city of Coimbra makes the town a classic Portuguese summer destination.
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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 Champlain
Le Champlain belongs to the Ponant Explorer class: 184 guests, Blue Eye Underwater Lounge, Zodiac fleet and equipment designed for the most remote waters on earth. Expedition and luxury - at Ponant, no contradiction.
In northern Europe, Le Champlain sails through the fjords of Norway, the Baltic Sea and along the coasts of Scotland - expedition routes with cultural depth.
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 Champlain
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 | € 7.110 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 7.840 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.210 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 8.660 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 11.900 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 11.900 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 15.960 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 16.770 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 17.580 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 17.580 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 19.270 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 25.080 | 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 6.350 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Champlain?
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?
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.
