A treasure of the Côte Fleurie, Honfleur is located on the edge of la Crique de Rouen in Normandy. You will no doubt admire the historical ships moored in its old port. With its tall, slate-covered houses, the quays provide a great setting for a very nice walk. In the streets behind the harbor, you will see many timber houses. These picturesque places were the cradle of several pre-impressionist painters. You can see their works in the Eugène Boudin museum. Exhibited works represent scenes of medieval streets and the coastline as it used to be, as illustrated by the Butin beach and its lush green hillsides.

The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge you back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When you drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.

Lying to the South of Brittany, Belle-Île is very aptly named. The largest of the Ponant islands, it owes its glowing reputation to its exceptional environment and generous natural attributes: pristine moors and dunes, headlands and cliffs cut into granite points, rocky inlets, and sheltered bays with sandy or pebble beaches. Aboard your ship, let the wild coastline of Belle-île-en-Mer surprise you, this little speck of land lying on the ocean, sparkling with colors in the morning light.

Discover the town of La Rochelle with its picture-postcard harbor, medieval fortifications, and breathtaking skyline during this delightful half-day excursion that will have you traveling mainly on foot through the city. From the pier, board your coach and start a scenic drive along the picturesque seafront of La Rochelle, viewing La Corniche, the elegant gardens of Le Mail and the Old Harbour with its two towers—St Nicolas’ Tower and Tour de la Chaîne. In the Middle Ages, these towers were built to safely close off the harbor each night, but today they serve as the town’s most dramatic landmarks.

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 will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the onboard photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

La Coruña stands on a peninsula in north-west Spain.  As you enter the harbor, you can see the imposing Castillo de San Antón, which houses archaeological collections from Galicia. In the old town, you’ll travel back in time as you meander through the streets from the medieval church of Santiago to the contemporary Domus building, a museum dedicated to human biology and psychology. Brightly colouredCee is located at the end of a bay on the north-western Spanish coast. A stone’s throw from the marina, the maritime promenade is a great place to stroll alongside one of the town's beaches or luxuriant gardens.
tramways connect to the waterfront, on one side, Riazor beach, and on the other, the Hercules tower: this lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, listed for its history dating back to Antiquity. The center can be reached by a pleasant walk down quaint streets bordered by pines and palms. These streets lead you to the market square with its shops offering a profusion of all kinds of delicious food. You’ll want to dally under the arcades and perhaps be tempted by a slice of bica gallega, a regional cake that’s both moist and crunchy.  Try it with acortado or a machado, two delectable espresso drinks.  

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, the port of Leixões lies less than 10 kilometers from Porto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center of Porto is worth a visit for its famous Ribeira district, the metallic silhouette of the Dom-Luis bridge looming over its ancient houses, its richly decorated Baroque churches, and its national Soares dos Reis museum. The São Bento station is also interesting for its typically Portuguese decoration, using Azulejos, blue square ceramic tiles decorated with geometric patterns or figurative scenes. 

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Sample the local delicacies such as the pasteis de nata—delicious creamy bakery flans. On the Alfama hillside, as you explore the Moorish streets, you may well hear sounds of fado drifting from the bars. Along Chiado’s elegant streets, big fashion labels will entice you for a bit of luxury shopping.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your journey home.