PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys: Savoir Faire in the South of France

At PONANT, we have created an alliance with Smithsonian Journeys and together, we’re elevating voyages along the southern shores of France by inviting brilliant Smithsonian Journeys Experts along. It’s the perfect pairing. Through engaging lectures and discussions, you’ll gain immeasurable insight into the cultural and historic treasures along the fabled coast, all while savoring the finer things in life on board our luxury small ship. Join us on select 2025 and 2026 departures of our Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea for the ultimate in French enlightenment and high-style French living.

When you sail with PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys, you’re not simply traveling through France—you’re delighting in the French art de vivre upon which our French-owned company was founded. World-class cuisine inspired by the gastronomy of famed Chef Alain Ducasse, elegant yacht-style accommodations, and impeccable service will pamper every moment of your Mediterranean exploration. And you’ll feel deeply connected to each port, fascinated by illuminating commentary, and immersed in rewarding experiences curated just for you.

We’ve collaborated with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, to design a travel experience that’s as luxurious as it is inspiring, and enriching. You’ll delve into a rich heritage. Admire stunning coastal vistas. And peel back layers of history, art, and culture.

Here are some highlights you’ll have the chance to discover along the magnificent coast of Southern France.

Sète: The Venice of Languedoc and the Treasures of Occitanie

Laced with a placid network of canals, Sète is often called the “Little Venice of Languedoc.” In this charming and vibrant port, colorful boats bob in canals. Locals unload their daily catch in La Pointe Courte, the old fishermen’s quarter. Bustling cafés invite you to relax, take in the views, and sample just-caught sardines and cuttlefish. It is pure pleasure to simply wander and absorb this seaside gem, perhaps tapping into its artistic soul in one of the inviting galleries.

Sète is the perfect gateway to the treasures of the Occitanie region. You’ll want to join a guided visit to nearby Carcassone, the spectacularly preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural wonder and model of medieval city planning is encircled by two miles of fortified walls, 52 watch towers, and two concentric defensive walls. Strolling its atmospheric streets transports you back hundreds of years; a local guide will illuminate your time here.

Marseille: Ancient Port, Modern Energy

Marseille is the oldest city and harbor in France. Today, its ancient past blends seamlessly with an exuberant contemporary life – much of it chronicled and archived in the city’s no fewer than 12 museums. In the heart of the city’s historic Old Port, the sea breeze carries the scent of fresh seafood and salty air. Since its founding by the Greeks some 2,600 years ago, layer upon layer of history has shaped this important cultural capital.

Head inland to Avignon, where the papacy moved the Holy See in the 14th century during a time of political turmoil in central Italy. Its fantastic Gothic palace – the largest of its kind ever constructed – has been heralded as a masterwork of period architecture and recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where some of the world’s finest wines are produced, for a tour and tasting. The village’s name translates into “new castle of the pope,” but wines were made here long before the papacy arrived.

Nice: Côte d’Azur Elegance and Charm

No visit to the South of France is complete without experiencing the glamour of Nice, the celebrated cultural center of the Côte d’Azur. As your ship glides into port, the mountains behind the city, splendid coastline, and azure waters create picture-perfect vistas. Old-world opulence is the atmosphere in this elegant seaside gem, but it also sways to the ebb and flow of the 21st century, making Nice an enduring symbol of Riviera elegance.

You won’t want to miss Nice’s Old Town, a maze of narrow streets bursting with life, markets, and the scent of lavender and fresh produce. The Cours Saleya – once the domain of the upper class – is a feast for the senses, brimming with Provençal flowers and the aromas of regional delicacies. Time is well spent here, an opportunity to soak in graceful architecture and hear the whispers of artists and poets.

An Enriching Voyage with PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys

Refined onboard amenities and cuisine inspired by fine French living. Fascinating and insightful scholars and guides to enlighten your journey at every turn. In the South of France, our collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys reveals the most remarkable stories, secrets, and splendors. This is more than a journey; it’s an invitation to savor, explore, and be inspired.

Indulge in the South of France as never before during our Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea voyage. Discover more today.

PONANT’s collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys adds immeasurable historic and cultural enrichment to your voyage. Learn more about how, together, world-class Smithsonian Journeys Experts bring you deeper into your destination’s history and natural world.