From the St. Lawrence River to the American East Coast : Montreal - Gloucester

Famous for its gentle way of life, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a warm and cosmopolitan metropolis. Situated on the eponymous river island, it is home to a multitude of districts, each as unique as the other. Set off to discover Old Montreal, most of which is declared a historic area, Little Italy, be able to stroll around the largest open-air market in North America, or the Golden Square Mile, the luxurious district located on one of the hills of Mount Royal and which has sumptuous Victorian-style residences. Simultaneously marked by the influences of the Old Continent and North-American gigantism, Montreal never ceases to amaze you.

The capital of ﾓLa Belle Provinceﾔ sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall ﾖ a historic civil engineering work, and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. Fall in love with the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.

Sailing on the Saguenay River is your guarantee of majestic sights in the heart of Quebec. This river, which originates in the Laurentian Highlands of Lac Saint-Jean and reaches the famous Saint-Laurent River, offers unforgettable landscapes to those who cross it. The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multicolored houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call is also an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique, or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

If you appreciate the beauty of the scenery and geological phenomena, you will fall under the irresistible spell of Percé, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apart from the attractions of the town itself, Percé owes its reputation to its proximity to the famous rock of the same name that rises opposite it in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Along with the neighboring Bonaventure Island, this rocky outcrop forms a national park famed for its natural, historical, and geological heritage. With a choice of hiking, underwater exploration, and cultural activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in this fascinating region.

Although it is the administrative and economic center of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is above all considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.

Set in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Breton Island turns up fun-to-explore curiosities such as Louisbourg, the former capital from when it was named Ile Royale. This picturesque little town is home to one of the country’s most significant historical sites: the symbolic and beautifully restored Fortress of Louisbourg. A tour transports you back to the heart of 18th-century Canada. Access the old fortified square via the drawbridge and Dauphin Gate, which is guarded by a sentry. You can then explore the fortified town as it was in its heyday. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure that’s more than just a journey back in time.

Stretching out along the eastern seaboard of Nova Scotia, the picturesque port of Lunenburg leaves an indelible impression. Admire the colonial architecture of this fishing village whilst strolling through the chequerboard streets studded with brightly colored houses. The enchanting charm of the old town has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The former naval shipyard town of Lunenburg is where you will also find the replica of the legendary Bluenose schooner, originally built in this port.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call is also an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique, or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

With landscapes that seem to have come straight from a Stephen King novel, made up of long rocky outcrops plunging into the cold waters of the Atlantic, the region of Maine is full of unexpected delights. Bar Harbor is one of them. A seaside resort for aristocrats of another era, this former fishing port, founded in the early 18th Century reveals an atmosphere that is both chic and refined, and over time has become the ideal destination for romantics and lovers of open spaces.

At the far end of Cape Cod is where you find this hidden little New England village. Its elongated bay offers pristine, sandy beaches. For a bit of shopping, you can explore Commercial Street and the many art galleries and coffee shops there. At the end of the street, you’ll come across the Pilgrim Monument and its 116 steps. This tower was built at the beginning of the century to celebrate the first pilgrims who arrived a few hundred years earlier. The Provincetown Museum commemorates the history and way of life of the Mayflower Pilgrims. Fine food is not scarce here, and you’ll be tempted by delicious seafood platters in the restaurants opposite the harbor!

This little town is the ideal starting point for a stroll around Martha’s Vineyard. The gentle lifestyle of this incomparable setting has been attracting American presidents for several decades. Oak Bluffs surprise you first and foremost with its Gingerbread Houses. The story goes that the Methodist community settled here more than a century ago, and built these colorful houses, straight out of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale. Enjoy a visit to the Flying Horses, the oldest wooden carousel in the United States.

Gloucester is a coastal town in Massachusetts, founded on the site named “Le Beau port” by Samuel de Champlain in 1604. The oldest fishing port on America’s Eastern seaboard enjoyed a prosperous economy. The stunning seaside landscapes of Cape Ann and its proximity to New York and Boston made this a popular holiday destination for artists. Among these were Impressionist painters such as Rudyard Kipling or Edward Hopper. Be captivated by the coming and going of ships in the harbor, the creative vibe on Rocky Neck Avenue, and the serene beauty of the surrounding nature. You may also spot some whales.