Cruise Ponant From Tahiti to Society Islands

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks. If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.

Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Island.

Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo’orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo’orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook’s Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

In September 2019, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises joined the PONANT family, while retaining its personality: its relaxed, international atmosphere and destination expertise; an atmosphere that is decidedly different from the company’s other ships. Le Paul Gauguin has been specially designed to sail in Polynesian waters. Her shallow draft allows for close access to shallow lagoons and isolated islands for optimal docking time. The ship’s new interior designed by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and its recent fittings evoke South Seas elegance. All 165 cabins and suites have a view of the outside world.

Maximum guests: 330

Staterooms and suites: 165

Crew members: 209

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

• Floral arrangement upon arrival (Window Stateroom E – Deck 4)

• One queen-size (160 x 200 cm) or two single beds (80 x 200 cm) in selected staterooms only

• A lounge area with sofa (Window Stateroom E – Deck 4: sofa bed 75 x 200 cm)

• A bathroom with bath

• A panoramic window (Window Stateroom E – deck 4) or two portholes (Porthole Stateroom F – Deck 3)

• Floral arrangement upon arrival (Window Stateroom E – Deck 4)

• One queen-size (160 x 200 cm) or two single beds (80 x 200 cm) in selected staterooms only

• A lounge area with sofa (Window Stateroom E – Deck 4: sofa bed 75 x 200 cm)

• A bathroom with bath

• A panoramic window (Window Stateroom E – deck 4) or two portholes (Porthole Stateroom F – Deck 3)

• Butler service

• Champagne, fruit plate, and floral arrangement upon arrival

• A fruit basket every day

• One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)

• A lounge area with sofa bed (180 x 130 cm), two armchairs, and a second TV
A bathroom with bath

• A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer

• A panoramic sliding bay window

• A private 18 m² balcony

The Veranda welcomes you for breakfast and lunch with a varied buffet. For dinner, by reservation only, the chef highlights Polynesian flavours.

Open for dinner only, L’Étoile offers international cuisine and local flavours in a refined atmosphere.

Located by the pool, the Grill is the perfect restaurant for an outdoor breakfast, buffet lunch (grilled dishes, salads and fresh tropical fruits), or a casual dinner featuring Polynesian specialties, upon reservation.

The large lounge room is a spacious theatre that showcases, to the sound of percussion and guitars, the traditional performances of Polynesian dancers and singers.

With its intimate atmosphere, the piano bar is ideal for relaxing with a book or a board game while accompanied by music.

Open to the outdoors, with its grand piano and the artists who take turns there, La Palette is a popular lounge bar known for its friendly atmosphere, which is ideal for dancing.

Enjoy deck 9 to relax with a book and a cocktail or to admire the sunset.

Facing the pool, a bar offers refreshments throughout the day.

At the Algotherm Dermo Ocean spa, discover a range of treatments and massages based on marine cosmetics, plus hairdressing services and a fitness room, for self-care and well-being. With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool on deck 8 is perfect for relaxing in the sun.