Portugal, Northern Spain & Atlantic Coast: Lisbon and Bordeaux
Iberian Peninsula and Fortified Towns on the Atlantic
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Lisbon to Honfleur
Le Champlain, a 184-guest Ponant Explorer-class vessel, sails ten nights from Lisbon along the Iberian Atlantic coast and across the Bay of Biscay to Honfleur in Normandy. The route links Portuguese harbours with the coast of Galicia, Basque cuisine and fortified towns on the English Channel. With its marina, Blue Eye underwater lounge and sixteen Zodiacs, smaller landings are within easy reach. Premium all-inclusive service and an intimate onboard atmosphere shape the style. Saint-Malo and Guernsey mark the entry into the Channel.
Route highlights
- Lisbon: Departure at the Tagus estuary with Alfama, Belém and the city's yellow trams.
- Leixoes / Porto: Harbour for Porto with the Ribeira district and the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Vigo: Galician gateway to the Rias Baixas and the offshore Atlantic islands.
- Santander: Elegant Cantabrian summer harbour on the Bay of Biscay.
- Bordeaux: Garonne port with a UNESCO-listed neoclassical old town and surrounding wine country.
- Saint-Malo: Breton corsair town with massive granite walls rising directly from the sea.
- Guernsey: Channel island with a blended British and French character and dramatic coastal paths.
- Honfleur: Norman harbour that inspired painters such as Boudin and Monet.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 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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Querung des Raz Blanchard
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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
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.
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 | € 6.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 6.850 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 7.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 7.550 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 10.340 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 10.340 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 10.340 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 10.340 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 13.820 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 14.520 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 15.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 16.680 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 24.630 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
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 5.850 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 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.
