{"id":18322521,"date":"2026-06-10T19:42:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T17:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=18322521"},"modified":"2026-06-11T19:21:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T17:21:18","slug":"behind-the-names","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/behind-the-names\/","title":{"rendered":"Behind The Names"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dSection\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||21px|0px|false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">From legendary explorers to winds, light, and latitude, discover the inspiration behind the ship names of PONANT EXPLORATIONS<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px|10px|true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Resized_Shooting_Champlain_Dumont_StMalo_23042020_50\u00a9StudioPonant_MargotSib.jpeg\u201d alt=\u201dSnorkeling with stingray aerial shot\u201d title_text=\u201dResized_Shooting_Champlain_Dumont_StMalo_23042020_50\u00a9StudioPonant_MargotSib\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\">Le Dumont-<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW69289174 BCX0\">d\u2019Urville<\/span><\/span><\/em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\">and<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><em><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\">Le Champlain<\/span><\/em><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW69289174 BCX0\">\u00a0navigating the Atlantic, honoring two of France\u2019s most celebrated explorers.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW69289174 BCX0\" data-ccp-props='{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":1,\"335551620\":1,\"335559685\":0,\"335559737\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":279}'>\u00a0 (Photo Credit: @Studio PONANT \/ Margot Sib)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p>The names carried by a ship have always mattered. They speak to heritage and ambition. To the spirit of discovery that first inspires a voyage long before a course is ever charted. Whether fun or dreamy, serious or fanciful, each is a reflection of the people and philosophies behind it.<\/p>\n<p>For PONANT EXPLORATIONS, ship names are declarations of a bold pioneering spirit and a deep connection to the natural world. They represent voyages driven by curiosity, wonder, and the enduring human impulse to discover what lies beyond the horizon.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px|10px|true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d50px||50px||true|\u201d custom_padding=\u201d19px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3><strong><em>Le Ponant:<\/em> The Beginning<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Ponant is an old French maritime word meaning west. Partner to levant, meaning east, it is steeped in the seafaring tradition that heralds the western wind blowing from the Mediterranean toward the open Atlantic\u2014the direction of departure and possibility. Distinctly French and quietly evocative, it is the name given to this company and its first ship, a three-masted sailing yacht called <em><strong>Le Ponant.<\/strong><\/em> intimacy over scale, authenticity over spectacle<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-61_Australie_Le_Ponant_Kimberley\u00a9StudioPONANT-SofiaSteeg.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dLe Ponant at sea\u201d title_text=\u201dLow Resolution-61_Australie_Le_Ponant_Kimberley\u00a9StudioPONANT-SofiaSteeg\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d min_height=\u201d800px\u201d height=\u201d800px\u201d max_height=\u201d800px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Le Ponant<\/em>, the sailing yacht that marked the beginning of PONANT EXPLORATIONS. (Photo Credit: PONANT \/ Sophia Steeg)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px|13px|true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3>The Sisterships: French Elegance Meets Exploration<\/h3>\n<p>Atmospheric, elemental, and celestial, the fleet\u2019s four sisterships continue the poetic relationship to the natural world. <a title=\"Le Boreal Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?cruise_name_ship=SISTERSHIP_BO&amp;stock=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>Le Bor\u00e9al<\/strong><\/em><\/a> takes her name from Boreas, the ancient Greek god of the north wind, the same root that gives us aurora borealis, while <a title=\"L'Austral Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?cruise_name_ship=SISTERSHIP_AU&amp;stock=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>L\u2019Austral<\/strong><\/em><\/a> looks south with a name rooted in the austral hemisphere, the vast reaches below the equator the fleet regularly explores.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Resized_filippo_vinardi_le_boreal_hd_horizontal.jpeg\u201d alt=\u201dLe Boreal at sea\u201d title_text=\u201dResized_filippo_vinardi_le_boreal_hd_horizontal\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d min_height=\u201d800px\u201d height=\u201d800px\u201d max_height=\u201d800px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW20533819 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW20533819 BCX0\">Bor\u00e9al<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW20533819 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW20533819 BCX0\">\u00a0approaching shore, carrying the elegance and adventurous spirit of the Sisterships. <\/span><\/span>(Photo Credit: @Studio PONANT)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Le Soleal Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?stock=true&amp;cruise_name_ship=SISTERSHIP_SO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>Le Sol\u00e9al<\/strong> <\/em><\/a>turns toward the sun\u2014soleil in French\u2014carrying warmth and light in her name.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Le Lyrial Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?stock=true&amp;cruise_name_ship=SISTERSHIP_LY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>Le Lyrial<\/strong> <\/em><\/a>reaches skyward to the Lyra constellation, her name inspired by Vega, its brightest star. Together, the four names suggest ships that can hold their bearing in any direction, under any sky.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Resized_CHAMPLAIN_BOUGAINVILLE_CHARCOT\u00a9-Studio-Ponant_Ophelie-Bleunven-30.jpeg\u201d alt=\u201dLe Champlain and Le Bougainville at sea together\u201d title_text=\u201dResized_CHAMPLAIN_BOUGAINVILLE_CHARCOT\u00a9 Studio Ponant_Ophelie Bleunven-30\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d force_fullwidth=\u201don\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Le Champlain<\/em> and <em>Le Bougainville<\/em> at sea together, reflecting a shared legacy of curiosity, discovery, and exploration. (Photo Credit: @Studio PONANT \/ Ophelie Bleunven)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3>The Explorer Class: A Legacy of France\u2019s Boldest Adventurers<\/h3>\n<p>The Explorers are named for six Frenchmen who made exploration and discovery their life\u2019s work. Each sailed toward the unknown with purpose, conviction, and an insatiable desire to know more about the world.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?stock=true&amp;cruise_name_ship=EXPLORER_EX\"><strong>Le Jacques-Cartier<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>In 1534, Jacques Cartier sailed into the Gulf of St. Lawrence\u2014the first European to map the waterway\u2014and claimed it for France. In doing so, he also inadvertently named Canada. He borrowed the Iroquoian word kanata, meaning \u2018village,\u2019 and applied it to the entire region. On his second voyage, he wintered in what is now Qu\u00e9bec and learned from the Iroquoian people of a plant remedy for scurvy, saving his crew.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mike-Louagie_MXL_1683_Le-Jacques-Cartier-cropped.jpeg\u201d alt=\u201dMike Louagie_MXL_1683_Le Jacques Cartier \u2013 cropped\u201d title_text=\u201dMike Louagie_MXL_1683_Le Jacques Cartier \u2013 cropped\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Le Jacques Cartier<\/em> at sea in the South Pacific.\u00a0 (Photo Credit: @Studio PONANT\/Mike Lougie)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a title=\"Le Champlain Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?stock=true&amp;cruise_name_ship=EXPLORER_EC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Le Champlain\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Known as the \u201cFather of New France,\u201d Samuel de Champlain is the man who mapped the St. Lawrence River and founded Qu\u00e9bec in 1608. What is less commonly known is that Champlain crossed the Atlantic at least 27 times between 1603 and 1633. He was also among the first European explorers to document Indigenous peoples with genuine curiosity, producing detailed accounts of their languages, customs, and ways of navigating the land.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Resized_Shooting_Champlain_Dumont_StMalo_23042020_34\u00a9StudioPonant_MargotSib.jpeg\u201d alt=\u201dLe Champlain sailing through open waters, embodying the spirit of exploration that defines PONANT EXPLORATIONS.\u201d title_text=\u201dResized_Shooting_Champlain_Dumont_StMalo_23042020_34\u00a9StudioPonant_MargotSib\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW72028546 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW72028546 BCX0\">Le Champlain<\/span><\/span><\/em><span class=\"TextRun SCXW72028546 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW72028546 BCX0\"><em>\u00a0<\/em>sailing through open waters, embodying the spirit of exploration that defines PONANT EXPLORATIONS.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0(Photo Credit: \u00a9Studio PONANT\/ Margot Sib)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Le Bougainville Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?stock=true&amp;cruise_name_ship=EXPLORER_EG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>Le Bougainville<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Louis Antoine de Bougainville led the first French circumnavigation of the globe, from 1766 to 1769. Hidden among his crew was Jeanne Baret, a botanist who had disguised herself as a man to join the expedition (women were not allowed on naval ships), making her first woman known to have circumnavigated the globe. In Rio de Janeiro, she helped collect and name a flowering vine that adorns gardens, walls, and homes all across the world to this day: bougainvillea.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1000\u00d7638-LE-BOUGAINVILLE-ILE-DAIX\u00a9Studio-PONANT-Clement-Louineau-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dResearch during PolarSOWCr \u2013 Informing the Search for Life on Ocean Worlds (Photo by Miriam Naseem)_800x500\u2033 title_text=\u201d1000\u00d7638 LE BOUGAINVILLE \u2013 ILE D\u2019AIX\u00a9Studio PONANT- Clement Louineau (1)\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d force_fullwidth=\u201don\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i>Le Bougainville at sea.<\/i> (Photo Credit: \u00a9Studio PONANT)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d27px||27px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Le Laperouse Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?stock=false&amp;cruise_name_ship=EXPLORER_ER\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>Le Lap\u00e9rouse<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jean-Fran\u00e7ois de Galaup, count of Lap\u00e9rouse, set sail from Brest in 1785 on one of the most ambitious scientific expeditions of the age. Commissioned by Louis XVI to complete the discoveries of Captain James Cook, Lap\u00e9rouse visited Chile, Hawaii, Alaska, Korea, Japan, Samoa, and Australia. And then he vanished. His ships were never heard from again after leaving Botany Bay in 1788. The mystery gripped France so deeply that Louis XVI, on his way to the guillotine in 1793, paused to ask if there was any news of Lap\u00e9rouse.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Resized_16_R230519__Laperouse_Hunter-River-Mitchell-Waterfalls_Kimberleys_Australia\u00a9StudioPONANT_Laure-Patricot_1200x800.jpeg\u201d alt=\u201dResearch during PolarSOWCr \u2013 Informing the Search for Life on Ocean Worlds (Photo by Miriam Naseem)_800x500\u2033 title_text=\u201dResized_16_R230519__Laperouse_Hunter River-Mitchell-Waterfalls_Kimberleys_Australia\u00a9StudioPONANT_Laure Patricot_1200x800\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d force_fullwidth=\u201don\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Le Lap\u00e9rouse<\/em> in the Kimberley region, honoring the enduring spirit of adventure that defined Jean-Fran\u00e7ois de Lap\u00e9rouse. (Photo Credit: @Studio PONANT)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Le Dumont-d'Urville Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?stock=false&amp;cruise_name_ship=EXPLORER_EU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>Le Dumont-d\u2019Urville<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jules Dumont d\u2019Urville was quite the Renaissance man: naval officer, botanist, cartographer, and linguist fluent in a dozen languages. A French scientific station in Antarctica now bears his name as does the surrounding sea. He claimed Ad\u00e9lie Land for France in 1840, naming it for his wife. The Ad\u00e9lie penguin takes its name from the very land he discovered, which means every sighting of these tuxedoed seabirds is a small tribute to Madame d\u2019Urville.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Le_Dumont_DUrville_Low-Resolution-U150619_SOVIK_StudioPONANT-Fred-MICHEL-45-M.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dResearch during PolarSOWCr \u2013 Informing the Search for Life on Ocean Worlds (Photo by Miriam Naseem)_800x500\u2033 title_text=\u201dLe_Dumont_D\u2019Urville_Low Resolution-U150619_SOVIK_StudioPONANT-Fred MICHEL-45-M\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d force_fullwidth=\u201don\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Le Dumont D\u2019Urville <\/em>\u00a0departs the shores of Norway. (Photo Credit: @Studio PONANT \/ Fred Michel)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Le Bellot Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?stock=false&amp;cruise_name_ship=EXPLORER_EE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em><strong>Le Bellot<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Joseph-Ren\u00e9 Bellot was 25 when, in 1851, he volunteered to join a British Arctic expedition searching for Sir John Franklin, whose two ships and 128 men had vanished in the Canadian Arctic in 1845. He sailed at his own request, paying his own way. He discovered Bellot Strait in 1852, and died in the Arctic the following year at 27, falling through the ice. The British erected a granite obelisk in his honor at Greenwich, the only Frenchman ever so recognized in England.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Le_Bellot_50_HolandesCay_SanBlas_Panama_plage_LeBellot-StudioPONANT-Thibault-Garnier.webp\u201d alt=\u201dLe_Bellot_50_HolandesCay_SanBlas_Panama_plage_LeBellot-StudioPONANT-Thibault-Garnier\u201d title_text=\u201dLe_Bellot_50_HolandesCay_SanBlas_Panama_plage_LeBellot-StudioPONANT-Thibault-Garnier\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Le Bellot <\/em>sailing the waters of San Blas, Panama. (Photo Credit: @Studio PONANT )<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a title=\"Le Commandant Charcot Cruises | PONANT\" href=\"https:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises?stock=false&amp;cruise_name_ship=POLAR_EXPLORER_CC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Le Commandant Charcot<\/a>: <\/strong><\/em><strong>The Ultimate Expression\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Jean-Baptiste Charcot, the French polar explorer and physician whom his contemporaries called \u201cthe gentleman of the poles,\u201d was a man of independent means who could have lived comfortably in Paris. Instead, he funded his own expeditions to the Southern Ocean to collect scientific data for the sake research\u2014no territorial claims, no commercial ambition. He died at sea in 1936, when his beloved ship Pourquoi-Pas? (\u201cWhy Not?\u201d) foundered off Iceland in a storm. He was 70 years old and still exploring.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/No-62_Antarctica-KAYAK-Explore-to-inspire-Le-Commandant-Charcot-\u00a9StudioPONANT-Romain-Farge-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dNo-62_Antarctica -KAYAK-Explore to inspire-Le Commandant Charcot \u00a9StudioPONANT-Romain Farge (1)\u201d title_text=\u201dNo-62_Antarctica -KAYAK-Explore to inspire-Le Commandant Charcot \u00a9StudioPONANT-Romain Farge (1)\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0Guests paddle on open kayaks as<em> Le Commandant Charcot <\/em>stands tall anchored in Antarctica. \u00a0(Photo Credit: @Studio PONANT)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"TextRun SCXW140238754 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW140238754 BCX0\">Every Voyage, A Legacy<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW140238754 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><em>Le Ponant<\/em> set the direction. The Sisterships oriented the fleet to the elements. The Explorer class honored those who went first. And Le Commandant Charcot carried the vision of its founders to the furthest reach.<\/p>\n<p>Board any one of these ships, and you are sailing in distinguished company.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d saved_tabs=\u201dall\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/iStock-855637872-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dHouse in Saksun, Faroe Islands\u201d title_text=\u201drandonnee-islande-iles-feroe\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d445px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d max_height=\u201d445px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-90px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d text_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_margin=\u201d10px||20px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|||20px|false|false\u201d border_width_left=\u201d5px\u201d border_color_left=\u201d#26afc2\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Explore the World with PONANT\u00a0 EXPLORATIONS<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re drawn to remote coastlines, cultural treasures, or expedition voyages, PONANT\u2019s fleet of purpose-built ships lets you explore the world your way\u2014in comfort, style, and unmatched authenticity.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruises\u201d url_new_window=\u201don\u201d button_text=\u201dExplore the World | View All Cruises\u201d button_alignment=\u201dleft\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||20px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/us.ponant.com\/cruise-ships\u201d url_new_window=\u201don\u201d button_text=\u201dLearn More | See all PONANT SHIPS\u201d button_alignment=\u201dleft\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||20px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the legendary French explorers behind PONANT\u2019s ship names. Explore their remarkable journeys and lasting legacy of discovery.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":18330871,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"900px\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_2_line_height=\"1.4em\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\"]<\/p><h2>Rencontre avec une photographe dont les clich\u00e9s sont les t\u00e9moins d\u2019un monde fascinant.<\/h2><blockquote><p>Depuis 13 ans, Nathalie Michel est l\u2019une des signatures images de PONANT. Escales vous propose de faire un retour sur un parcours hors norme, qui met en lumi\u00e8re une fa\u00e7on unique de travailler, \u00e0 travers le monde. Curiosit\u00e9, respect des sujets et des animaux, amour du voyage et des tr\u00e9sors les plus recul\u00e9s de la plan\u00e8te guident Nathalie Michel dans sa fa\u00e7on de regarder le monde.<\/p><\/blockquote><p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p><h3>Comment avez-vous choisi la photographie de voyage ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel :<\/strong> Je suis tomb\u00e9e un peu par hasard sur ce m\u00e9tier qu\u2019est la <strong>photographie<\/strong>, et pour lequel j\u2019ai eu un v\u00e9ritable <strong>coup de foudre<\/strong>. Je m\u2019y suis retrouv\u00e9e dans la <strong>passion<\/strong>, l\u2019envie de partager, de t\u00e9moigner. L\u2019amour de la mer, l\u2019envie d\u2019embarquer, ont ensuite naturellement ax\u00e9 mon travail sur la <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/les-instagrameurs-voyage-a-suivre-absolument\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">photo de voyage<\/a>. Le monde maritime est tr\u00e8s fort selon les conditions que l\u2019on peut avoir de <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/vents-marins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">temp\u00eate<\/a>, de lumi\u00e8re, et m\u00eame si \u00e7a ne transpara\u00eet pas par la photo, d\u2019odeur. Ce sont des <strong>ambiances<\/strong> chaque jour renouvel\u00e9es.<\/p><p>Et puis, pour moi c\u2019est important d\u2019apprendre tout le temps sur les peuples, la faune, la flore. Ce qui pourrait d\u00e9finir le mieux ce m\u00e9tier, c\u2019est la <strong>curiosit\u00e9<\/strong>, la <strong>passion<\/strong> et l\u2019<strong>envie de partager<\/strong>. J\u2019ai la chance de voyager sur tous les continents. Je peux communiquer sur les connaissances et la beaut\u00e9 du monde aupr\u00e8s des gens qui ne peuvent pas voir tout cela.<\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"100%\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\"731,733,735,737,739\" posts_number=\"6\" show_title_and_caption=\"off\" show_pagination=\"off\" module_class=\"gal-col\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"1000px\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px|10px|true|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" custom_padding=\"50px||50px||true|false\"]<\/p><h3><strong>Comment ce m\u00e9tier vous a amen\u00e9e chez Ponant ?<\/strong><\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel :<\/strong> J\u2019ai eu la chance d\u2019embarquer il y a d\u00e9j\u00e0 25 ans pour une autre compagnie. Et puis, le <strong>monde de la mer<\/strong> passe de fa\u00e7on incontournable par <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponant.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PONANT<\/a>. Certains de mes amis y travaillaient d\u00e9j\u00e0 et m\u2019ont invit\u00e9e \u00e0 les rejoindre en promettant que j\u2019allais y trouver ma place. Je ne cache pas qu\u2019au d\u00e9but j\u2019ai peut-\u00eatre embarqu\u00e9 en me disant : \u00ab Je vais faire un an ou deux \u00bb. Finalement, je n\u2019ai pas vu les treize derni\u00e8res ann\u00e9es passer ! J\u2019ai embarqu\u00e9 sur tous les navires : Le Diamant puis <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponant.com\/le-boreal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Le Bor\u00e9al<\/em><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponant.com\/l-austral-au-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>L\u2019Austral<\/em><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponant.com\/le-soleal-so-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Le Sol\u00e9al<\/em><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponant.com\/le-lyrial-ly-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Le Lyrial<\/em><\/a>, et enfin <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponant.com\/le-laperouse-er-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Le Lap\u00e9rouse<\/em><\/a>, ce magnifique bateau, inaugur\u00e9 en juillet 2018. <strong>PONANT<\/strong>, c\u2019est une aventure qui avance vite, qui va loin. Et qui, je pense, nous permet de r\u00e9aliser toutes ces<strong> envies de voyages<\/strong> et de <strong>d\u00e9couvertes<\/strong> non-stop. J\u2019ai toujours envie d\u2019aller plus loin. Ce qui est passionnant dans mon m\u00e9tier, c\u2019est de se dire que la plus belle photo, c\u2019est celle que l\u2019on fera demain.<\/p><h3>Aujourd\u2019hui, combien de photographes et de vid\u00e9astes \u00e9voluent au sein de la flotte Ponant ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel :<\/strong> On a eu la chance de d\u00e9marrer sur <strong>Le Diamant<\/strong>, avec mon mari, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric, qui est vid\u00e9aste. Nous \u00e9tions une petite \u00e9quipe. Puis, avec l\u2019av\u00e8nement des <strong>nouveaux navires<\/strong>, il a fallu recruter et former les gens. Nous recherchons des profils toujours aussi passionn\u00e9s, impliqu\u00e9s, avec une soif de d\u00e9couverte constante. Aujourd\u2019hui, nous avons <strong>dix photographes et vid\u00e9astes<\/strong> sur les navires. A l\u2019horizon 2021, on parle de <strong>30 photographes<\/strong> et cam\u00e9raman embarqu\u00e9s.<\/p><p>L\u2019objectif est de faire vivre le <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ponant.com\/vie-a-bord\">Studio Ponant<\/a>, cr\u00e9\u00e9 en 2016, et compos\u00e9 d\u2019une banque d\u2019images, d\u2019une phototh\u00e8que. Il a pour but de v\u00e9hiculer<strong> l\u2019image PONANT<\/strong> et d\u2019apporter une visibilit\u00e9 \u00e0 la compagnie partout dans le monde. Ces photos sont en effet utilis\u00e9es sur les r\u00e9seaux sociaux, dans nos brochures\u2026 Le Studio Ponant, c\u2019est l\u2019<strong>ADN images<\/strong> de Ponant tant au niveau photos que vid\u00e9os.<\/p><h3>Quelle est la vie et l\u2019emploi du temps d\u2019un photographe ou vid\u00e9aste \u00e0 bord ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel :<\/strong> D\u00e8s le premier jour de la croisi\u00e8re, quand les passagers arrivent, nous sommes pr\u00e9sents. Nous sommes l\u00e0 pour <strong>tracer l\u2019histoire<\/strong> de leur croisi\u00e8re. Nous immortalisons l\u2019accueil avec le Commandant, la premi\u00e8re poign\u00e9e de main, le premier contact avec le navire. Puis, on continue par le d\u00e9roul\u00e9 classique : les consignes de s\u00e9curit\u00e9, le premier cocktail du Commandant, avec les <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/valise-croisiere\/\">tenues de gala<\/a>, l\u2019esprit de <strong>la croisi\u00e8re \u00e0 la fran\u00e7aise<\/strong>, ses coutumes, son apparat.<\/p><p>Et surtout, que l\u2019on soit en croisi\u00e8re d\u2019exp\u00e9dition ou pas, on va tr\u00e8s vite d\u00e9couvrir la destination. Nous immortalisons tous les <strong>temps forts<\/strong> : paysages, faune et flore, rencontres avec des peuples, d\u00e9couvertes de l\u2019artisanat local\u2026 Les passagers pourront les retrouver sur un DVD retra\u00e7ant l\u2019histoire compl\u00e8te de ce voyage, nourrie des interviews des conf\u00e9renciers, des naturalistes, des Commandants. Un tr\u00e8s beau <strong>Best Of photo<\/strong> reprend \u00e9galement l\u2019int\u00e9gralit\u00e9 de ces temps forts.<\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_enable_color=\"off\" background_enable_image=\"off\" width=\"100%\" width_tablet=\"\" width_phone=\"\" width_last_edited=\"on|phone\" max_width=\"1100px\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_padding=\"||5px||false|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_enable_color=\"off\" background_enable_image=\"off\" background_size=\"contain\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nathalie-michel-georgie-du-sud-1200x800-1.jpg\" alt=\"Nathalie Michel en Georgie du Sud \/ \u00a9Nathalie Michel\" title_text=\"nathalie-michel-georgie-du-sud-1200x800\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||on||||||\" text_text_color=\"#767676\" text_font_size=\"12px\" background_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0)\"]Nathalie Michel en Georgie du Sud \/ \u00a9Nathalie Michel[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"1000px\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px|10px|true|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" custom_margin=\"||50px|||\" custom_padding=\"19px|||||\"]<\/p><h3>Comment conciliez-vous votre travail de photographe avec celui des naturalistes ou m\u00eame la pr\u00e9sence des passagers ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel :<\/strong> Nous travaillons forc\u00e9ment avec les <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/deborah-pardo-naturaliste-antarctique\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">naturalistes<\/a> et les conf\u00e9renciers pour conna\u00eetre les noms de certains animaux, des histoires, des lieux, qui peuvent \u00eatre racont\u00e9s en images. Ils nous aident \u00e9norm\u00e9ment pour toutes nos l\u00e9gendes. Il y a un vrai <strong>travail d\u2019\u00e9quipe<\/strong> \u00e0 bord.<\/p><p>Lors des croisi\u00e8res d\u2019exp\u00e9dition, nous participons aux briefings que le chef d\u2019exp\u00e9dition fait aux naturalistes avant chaque d\u00e9barquement. Les \u00e9quipes photos et vid\u00e9os partent avec le premier Zodiac mis \u00e0 l\u2019eau. Les naturalistes font un <strong>rep\u00e9rage de terrain<\/strong> pour assurer la s\u00e9curit\u00e9 des passagers, pour prot\u00e9ger les zones o\u00f9 sont les animaux. Les photographes et cam\u00e9raman les accompagnent. Nous prenons des clich\u00e9s dont ils se serviront lors des r\u00e9unions de fin de journ\u00e9e. Mais aussi, \u00e9videmment pour saisir des<strong> instants d\u2019exception<\/strong>, d\u2019un albatros sur son nid, d\u2019une colonie d\u2019otarie. On voit la m\u00eame chose que nos passagers, mais notre travail d\u2019image n\u00e9cessite notre pr\u00e9sence en avance sur le terrain.<\/p><h3>Quand vous prenez une photo, qu\u2019est-il essentiel de partager ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel :<\/strong> Quand on parle de photographe et vid\u00e9aste professionnel, le minimum que l\u2019on attend, c\u2019est la <strong>qualit\u00e9 des images<\/strong>. Pour moi, les plus belles photos ne seront pas les plus techniquement parfaites. L\u00e0 o\u00f9 le photographe de terrain est bon, c\u2019est quand il transmet une <strong>\u00e9motion<\/strong>, quand il capture quelque chose de sensible de l\u2019animal, qui peut nous amuser, nous secouer. Concernant, les paysages, il faut en trouver <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/reussir-photos-couchers-soleil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">une essence particuli\u00e8re<\/a>, apporter un \u0153il artistique. Il faut savoir regarder et <strong>transmettre, partager, \u00e9mouvoir<\/strong>.<\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"100%\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\"753,755,757,759,761,763\" posts_number=\"6\" show_title_and_caption=\"off\" show_pagination=\"off\" module_class=\"gal-col\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"1000px\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px|10px|true|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" custom_padding=\"50px||50px||true|false\"]<\/p><h3>Comment se passe la rencontre avec des populations au bout du monde, quand on a un appareil photo dans les mains ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel<\/strong> : Partout dans le monde, au <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/differences-arctique-antarctique\/\">Groenland<\/a> ou en Oc\u00e9anie, lors de la <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/nicolas-dubreuil-croisiere-ponant\/\">cr\u00e9ation des croisi\u00e8res<\/a>, les chefs d\u2019exp\u00e9dition entrent en contact avec des chefs coutumiers ou des repr\u00e9sentants des peuples visit\u00e9s. Ils leur indiquent le nombre de personnes qui d\u00e9barqueront, ils leur demandent ce qu\u2019on peut faire ou non pour <strong>respecter<\/strong> leur mode de vie. Nous sommes pr\u00e9sents lors de cette phase. Nous leur demandons quelles sont leurs limites afin de ne pas perturber leurs vies.<\/p><p>En ce qui me concerne, j\u2019ai beaucoup de facilit\u00e9s \u00e0 entrer en contact avec des gens dont je ne parle pas la langue. Une chose est s\u00fbre, c\u2019est que jamais je n\u2019\u00e9tablis de premier contact en mettant mon objectif entre la personne et moi. Il faut <strong>prendre connaissance<\/strong> de l\u2019autre, <strong>prendre conscience<\/strong> de l\u2019autre, dans un \u00e9change. C\u2019est ensuite que vient l\u2019envie de faire la photo. L\u00e0, je demande une autorisation ; et je respecte si on me dit non. Parce qu\u2019un portrait r\u00e9ussi ne peut \u00eatre beau que si on a le <strong>consentement<\/strong> de l\u2019autre. M\u00eame si le regard n\u2019est pas direct, il y a des fous rires, des attitudes\u2026 J\u2019ai d\u2019ailleurs intitul\u00e9 une s\u00e9rie de photos \u00ab Quand Ponant regarde le monde, le monde lui sourit \u00bb, parce que nous avons un<strong> int\u00e9r\u00eat<\/strong>, un <strong>respect<\/strong>, et une envie de <strong>partage<\/strong> avec les gens. On ne vient pas dans le but de les exploiter, de commercialiser, et ils le sentent.<\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"100%\" max_width=\"100%\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\"767,769,771,773,775,777\" posts_number=\"6\" show_title_and_caption=\"off\" show_pagination=\"off\" module_class=\"gal-col\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"1000px\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px|10px|true|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font=\"||||||||\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" link_font=\"||||on||||\" header_2_font=\"|300|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#334556\" header_2_font_size=\"38px\" header_3_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_3_text_color=\"#307f90\" header_3_font_size=\"26px\" header_3_line_height=\"1.4em\" custom_padding=\"50px||50px||true|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p><h3>Quel est le plus beau compliment que l\u2019on peut vous faire sur une photo ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel :<\/strong> Je n\u2019ai pas forc\u00e9ment envie qu\u2019on me dise \u00ab<em> Oh, c\u2019est une belle photo<\/em> \u00bb ! Je pr\u00e9f\u00e8re qu\u2019on me dise : \u00ab <em>Cette photo-l\u00e0 m\u2019a donn\u00e9 des <strong>frissons<\/strong><\/em> \u00bb. J\u2019aime v\u00e9hiculer des \u00e9motions, faire resurgir des souvenirs, \u00e0 travers un portrait, un paysage.<\/p><h3>Quel est votre plus beau souvenir de voyage ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel :<\/strong> J\u2019en ai beaucoup, mais surtout, j\u2019ai fait des <strong>rencontres humaines<\/strong> qui m\u2019ont boulevers\u00e9e. L\u2019important, ce n\u2019est pas d\u2019avoir fait trois fois le tour du monde, c\u2019est d\u2019\u00eatre libre d\u2019aller partout dans le monde, de le faire et de mesurer cette <strong>chance<\/strong>. Je peux me dire : \u00ab <em>Aujourd\u2019hui je suis au pied du Corcovado au <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/archipel-fernando-noronha-bresil\/\">Br\u00e9sil<\/a>, hier j\u2019\u00e9tais sur un glacier en <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/expedition-antarctique-experience\/\">Antarctique<\/a>, demain je suis au <strong>Kamchatka<\/strong> avec les orques, \u00e0 l\u2019extr\u00e9mit\u00e9 est de la Russie<\/em> \u00bb.<\/p><h3>Existe-t-il un lieu que vous n\u2019avez pas encore explor\u00e9 et qui vous fait r\u00eaver ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel : L\u2019Afrique<\/strong> est mon continent de c\u0153ur, qui m\u2019\u00e9meut vraiment. Apr\u00e8s, m\u00eame les pays que j\u2019ai d\u00e9j\u00e0 visit\u00e9s ont toujours quelque chose de nouveau \u00e0 offrir. Tout d\u00e9pend de l\u2019\u00e2ge auquel on y va, de la p\u00e9riode \u00e0 laquelle on y va, mais on y trouve toujours un int\u00e9r\u00eat. Petite, je demandais : \u00ab Qu\u2019est-ce qui se passe ailleurs ? \u00bb Cette envie est toujours pr\u00e9sente, in\u00e9puisable.<\/p><h3>Quels sont vos prochains projets ?<\/h3><p><strong>Nathalie Michel :<\/strong> Dans cet esprit de partage de mon travail, j\u2019ai co-\u00e9crit avec St\u00e9phane Niveau, le premier tome d\u2019une s\u00e9rie de livres photo voyage : <em>Cap au Nord<\/em>, sur l\u2019Arctique. Je suis en train d\u2019\u00e9crire <em>Cap au Sud<\/em>.<\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"1000px\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" background_color=\"#f7f7f7\" custom_padding=\"|50px|50px|50px|false|true\" custom_padding_last_edited=\"on|phone\" custom_padding_phone=\"|20px||20px|false|true\" custom_margin=\"||50px||false|false\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"4_4\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"|20px||20px|true|true\" header_2_font=\"|300|on||||||\" header_2_text_align=\"center\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" background_enable_color=\"off\"]<\/p><h2>Les essentiels de Nathalie Michel<\/h2><p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" divider_weight=\"3px\" width=\"15%\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_padding=\"15px||15px||true|false\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<strong style=\"color: #307f90;\">1. Vous \u00eates plut\u00f4t Exp\u00e9dition polaire ou tropicale ?<\/strong><br \/>Impossible de choisir ! J\u2019ai eu un gros coup de c\u0153ur pour les deux ! C\u2019est tellement diff\u00e9rent !<\/p><p><strong style=\"color: #307f90;\">2. Quel est l\u2019accessoire indispensable \u00e0 un photographe de terrain ?<\/strong><br \/>De bonnes chaussures de marche !<\/p><p><strong style=\"color: #307f90;\">3. Quel photographe est une source d\u2019inspiration pour vous ?<\/strong><br \/>Sebastiao Salgado pour son respect et son engagement pour la nature et les peuples, pour son travail sur les ombres et la lumi\u00e8re. Et les \u00e9motions qu\u2019il arrive \u00e0 donner au travers de ses clich\u00e9s.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" global_module=\"853\" saved_tabs=\"all\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_color=\"#334556\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" column_structure=\"1_2,1_2\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_2\" custom_padding=\"|50px||50px|false|true\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/push-tpl.jpg\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" title_text=\"push-tpl\" max_width=\"445px\" max_height=\"445px\" module_alignment=\"center\" custom_margin=\"-90px||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"||20px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_2\" custom_padding=\"|50px|||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" custom_padding_last_edited=\"on|phone\" custom_padding_tablet=\"|50px||50px|false|false\" custom_padding_phone=\"|20px||20px|false|true\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" text_text_color=\"#ffffff\" text_font=\"|700|||||||\" text_font_size=\"38px\" text_line_height=\"1.4em\" border_width_left=\"5px\" border_color_left=\"#26afc2\" custom_padding=\"|||20px|false|false\" custom_margin=\"10px||20px||false|false\" width=\"70%\" width_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" width_tablet=\"100%\"]<\/p><p>Partez au bout du monde<\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" text_text_color=\"#ffffff\" width=\"70%\" width_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" width_tablet=\"100%\"]<\/p><p>De l\u2019Arctique \u00e0 l\u2019Antarctique, du Canada au Vanuatu, Ponant vous emm\u00e8ne dans les plus beaux endroits de la plan\u00e8te.<\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=\"D\u00c9COUVREZ NOS DESTINATIONS\" _builder_version=\"4.7.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" button_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"20px||20px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" button_url=\"https:\/\/www.ponant.com\/decouvrez-nos-destinations\" 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