The Gulf of Bothnia, at the Gateway to the Arctic

Fly from Paris to Kemi, where an English-speaking guide meets you at the airport before transferring to the pier for boarding.

Step into Finnish Lapland as Kemi sits on the Gulf of Bothnia. Explore the snow castle built from ice, then choose between an active snowmobile ride or a sled journey led by huskies or reindeer. Travel north to the Arctic Circle and visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, an iconic stop that captures Nordic holiday traditions. In these remote landscapes, experience the roots of Scandinavian culture shaped by history and the way of life of the Far North.

Kemi sits on the Gulf of Bothnia, where the snowy coast of Finnish Lapland sets the stage for winter activities. Walk through the temporary snow castle, then set out on a snowmobile ride or a sled pulled by huskies or reindeer. Head north to the Arctic Circle and explore Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, a landmark filled with holiday traditions. In these protected landscapes, see how Scandinavian heritage developed over centuries, shaped by history and the daily life of the Far North.

The bells are ringing, the snowflakes are whirling around in the air and the lights are illuminating the charming city of Oulu - the largest town in the north of Scandinavia, located 150 km (93 miles) from the Arctic Circle. On the edge of the Oulujoki River, the market square (Kauppatori) will tempt you with its stalls. The wooden houses that are home to cafés and restaurants make for reassuring refuges. Around you, the white kingdom awaits, with its snow-covered beaches and the promise of fabulous sunsets. Choose to go snowshoeing or on a nature excursion and become aware that you are breathing the purest air in Europe. Enter the tranquillity of the forest and familiarise yourself with Scandinavia’s emblematic animal, the reindeer, of course, during a visit to a farm.

Tucked away at the back of the Gulf of Bothnia, Lulea is the perfect departure point for exploring Swedish Lapland. Among the excursion opportunities, you will be able to go deep into the forest on a snowmobile or on snowshoes to attempt to glimpse a moose or a black grouse. Unless, of course, you would prefer to enjoy some ice fishing on a frozen lake. The Lappish Night often offers an unforgettable spectacle of stars. In Gammelstad, discover the best-preserved example of a unique type of settlement found in northern Scandinavia, the church-town. Wander through the alleyways of the old town by lantern light and observe its 424 brick-red houses constructed around the stone church, which dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. Used in the past on days of worship and on religious holidays by the faithful arriving from the surrounding countryside, they are still used today as pieds-a-terre by families during ecclesiastical events. 

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let you discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal.

Stretching for 500 km (310 miles), the western coast of Finland is dotted with historic towns founded at the height of the Swedish Empire. Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tells part of this exciting history. The old town is built around a Franciscan monastery, the remains of which are the Church of The Holy Cross dating back to the middle of the 15th century. Stroll the streets and alleyways of this medieval city and discover an exceptionally well-preserved example of traditional Nordic wood construction techniques. At the Marela Museum, a fine ship-owner’s home, you will dive into the town’s maritime and industrial history and be able to immerse yourselves in the day-to-day life of a wealthy 19th-century merchant.

The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Malar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgarden, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centers: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th-century three-masted ship, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let you discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal.

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical center, where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialties like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the center, is a good place to sit and unwind.