In the Ice of the Arctic, from Greenland to Svalbard

Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.

Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.

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 us discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to us.

Scoresby Sund, located on Greenland's eastern coast, is the largest fjord system in the world, offering stunning, unspoiled Arctic scenery. The town of Ittoqqortoormiit serves as the gateway to this majestic region, where towering icebergs and dramatic cliffs create a breathtaking landscape. The local museum provides insights into the history and culture of the Inuit people who inhabit this remote area.

For adventure seekers, Scoresby Sund offers opportunities for kayaking among the icebergs, hiking through rugged terrain, and wildlife spotting, including polar bears and whales. The pristine environment and serene beauty of Scoresby Sund make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

Covering an area of around one million square kilometres, almost half the island, the North-East Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world, is a particularly isolated region. Cut off for many months of the year by the ice floe, it is renowned for its pristine nature and rich wildlife.

The craggy coastline, formed by gigantic fjords, is 18,000 km in total and includes both the highest parts of the Northern Hemisphere’s largest ice cap and the world’s northernmost area of land.

Covering an area of around one million square kilometres, almost half the island, the North-East Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world, is a particularly isolated region. Cut off for many months of the year by the ice floe, it is renowned for its pristine nature and rich wildlife.

The craggy coastline, formed by gigantic fjords, is 18,000 km in total and includes both the highest parts of the Northern Hemisphere’s largest ice cap and the world’s northernmost area of land.

During your journey 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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant 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 observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of virgin, immaculate ice. The landscapes are constantly changing, shifting from a smooth, flat wilderness to a chaos of ice, then to channels of open water. Your ship will sail along these naturally open channels and through the areas where the frozen layer is thinnest, offering you the chance to experience magic maritime moments in the midst of drifting sea ice. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.

Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, located in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, Norway, is one of Europe's largest nature reserves. This pristine wilderness is characterized by vast glaciers, polar deserts, and unique geological formations. The area is a crucial habitat for polar bears, walruses, and various seabird colonies.

Visitors can experience the raw beauty of the Arctic through guided tours, which may include hiking, kayaking, and boat trips. The reserve’s remote and untouched landscapes offer a rare glimpse into the polar environment, making it an ideal destination for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Located on the Norwegian arctic archipelago of Svalbard, the Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park was established in the early 1970's to protect this exceptional environment against the growing interest of the mining industry.

It is a glorious land of mountain peaks, glaciers, islands and arctic tundra scattered with moss and lichen in shades of silver and gold. This region will fascinate you with its landscapes and with the numerous vestiges that bear witness to the history of the men who found themselves on these shores from the start of the 17th century.

Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.