Cruise around Corsica on board Le Ponant

Corsica, France

Exclusive sailing yacht trip along Corsica

Not every island is worth exploring from the mainland. For centuries, Corsica has been most beautiful from the sea, where steep limestone cliffs, hidden bays, and Genoese citadels create one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Mediterranean. Corsican Shores, under Sail Aboard Le Ponant is a unique proposition of the French line PONANT, which takes guests on a journey around the island on board an elegant, three-masted sailing ship Le Ponant – the world's first sailing ship belonging to a prestigious association Relais & Châteaux.

This is one of the most intimate voyages in the Mediterranean. There are only 16 apartments, creating an atmosphere more reminiscent of a private cruise on a luxury yacht than a traditional cruise ship. The route takes you entirely around Corsica, allowing you to discover places that large vessels cannot reach. The cruise takes place in September, when the island recovers from the summer season, the sea remains warm, and the weather is perfect for both sailing and sightseeing.

Trip plan:

Day 1: Nice. The beginning of the Mediterranean journey.

The journey begins in Nice, one of the most elegant towns on the French Riviera. Upon boarding Le Ponant, guests are welcomed with a glass of champagne while the crew prepares the ship for departure. In the evening, the ship departs Port Lympia and heads south, leaving the panoramic view of the French Riviera behind. This is the perfect time to experience the ship's intimate atmosphere and savor your first dinner as the sun sets.

Day 2: Saint-Florent. Corsican Saint-Tropez

The first port of call is Saint-Florent, a small town nestled at the foot of the Cap Corse mountains. A former Genoese fortress guards a small marina filled with yachts, and cobblestone streets lead to elegant restaurants and boutiques. This is one of the most charming towns in the north of the island.

The area is also famous for the Désert des Agriates, home to some of Corsica's most beautiful beaches – Saleccia and Lotu. Their white sand and turquoise waters are often compared to the Caribbean.

Day 3: Ajaccio: Napoleon's City

The next day is dedicated to Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. A stroll through the historic center takes you past his childhood home, elegant squares, and local markets, where you can sample Corsican cheeses, aged meats, and renowned wines from the Ajaccio appellation.

In the afternoon, it's worth heading to the Gulf of Ajaccio, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the entire Mediterranean. Weather permitting, the red Sanguinaires Islands are clearly visible from the deck, turning an extraordinary, intense orange at sunset.

Day 4. Bay of Sant'Amanza

Le Ponant enters one of the least known, yet most unspoiled, parts of Corsica. The Bay of Sant'Amanza, located between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, is a haven for clear waters, white beaches, and limestone cliffs.

This is a day dedicated to relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Thanks to the ship's compact size, it can anchor in areas inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Guests can use paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment directly from the stern platform.

Day 5: Bonifacio. Corsica's most spectacular city.

Bonifacio is one of the most beautiful ports in Europe. The city is built on high, white limestone cliffs that rise almost vertically from the sea. The entrance to the port itself, through a narrow fjord, is one of the greatest attractions of the entire cruise.

A stroll through the medieval citadel reveals numerous bastions, historic churches, and the Staircase of the King of Aragon, carved directly into the rock. From the city walls, there's a panoramic view of the Strait of Bonifacio and Sardinia's northern coast.

Day 6. Bonifacio and Roccapina Bay

Before noon, guests have time to further explore Bonifacio, after which Le Ponant heads towards Roccapina Bay.

This is one of the most picturesque spots in southern Corsica. A distinctive granite rock, resembling the silhouette of a lion, dominates the golden beach. This part of the island is devoid of large hotels or marinas, leaving the landscape virtually untouched. It's the perfect place for a swim in the crystal-clear waters or a leisurely afternoon sailing.

Day 7. Calvi

The last port in Corsica is Calvi. The city is famous for its impressive Genoese citadel and one of the most beautiful marinas in the entire Mediterranean. According to local tradition, Christopher Columbus was born here.

Calvi boasts an elegant atmosphere, boutiques, restaurants serving fresh seafood, and a long sandy beach. It's the perfect place to end your Corsica trip.

Day 8. Return to Nice

In the morning, Le Ponant returns to Nice. After breakfast, disembarkation. Many guests choose to extend their voyage by a few days on the French Riviera or combine their cruise with a stay at the most prestigious hotels of the French Riviera.

The Corsican Shores, under Sail Aboard Le Ponant, cruise is one of the most intimate and exclusive voyages in the Mediterranean. It combines the art of sailing with the discovery of authentic Corsica – an island full of spectacular cliffs, historic citadels, and hidden bays. With just 16 suites on board, each cruise feels like a private luxury yacht, offering an experience no traditional cruise ship can offer.

The most important information:

Location

basis

Information about the expedition:

Departure dates

Cruise dates in 2026:

September 5–12, 2026
September 12–19, 2026
September 19–26, 2026
September 26 - October 3, 2026

Prices

How much does a cruise on Le Ponant cost?

Prices for a Corsican Shores cruise, under Sail Aboard Le Ponant, start at around €10,000–€12,500 per person in the cheapest 14 sq m stateroom with a window or porthole. Elegant 30 sq m Prestige Suites typically cost €15,000–€18,000 per person, while the most prestigious Owner's Suite reaches around €31,000 per person. The price includes accommodation, fine dining, selected alcoholic beverages, most excursions, and a comprehensive program of onboard activities.

Additional information:

The average age of guests on board PONANT ships

What is the average age of guests on board PONANT ships?

The average age on PONANT ships varies by route, but a few rules can be adopted.

On classic Mediterranean cruises like Corsica, Sardinia, Greece, and Croatia, the average age is typically 50-65. These are typically affluent couples, business owners, doctors, lawyers, and those who have previously traveled with lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent.

On longer expedition cruises (Antarctica, Arctic, Greenland) the average age increases to around 60–75 years, although these are usually very physically active people.

Meanwhile, on the exceptional sailing ship Le Ponant, which has only 16 suites, the guest profile is somewhat younger and more "yachty." Often aged 45-60, they prefer a more intimate atmosphere than large ships. This is also a popular choice for clients celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons, or private getaways with friends.

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