The French travel philosophy to live by, particularly now
Sponsor: Ponant Research
Michelle Bateman
Some journeys are unforgettable for where they take you; others for how they made you feel when you were there. Currently, the usual hassles and complexities of public transport have been replaced by simplicity, convenience and a desire for calming and down-to-earth travel, where everything is thoughtfully taken care of.
The French have long had a word for this: art of living It is a way to move forward in the world, celebrating beauty, pleasure and intention. He replaces urgency with curiosity and knows that elegance is hidden in the smallest details.
Small ship cruises bring this sensitivity to the water. There is a certain peace of mind that only ocean travel can offer. Once you set sail, you’ll find that hotel check-ins, queues, and the usual frictions of travel disappear. In their absence? The kind of convenience that will allow you to truly experience travel as an extension of the French art of living. Tailored to the access only small ships can offer, yacht-style itineraries favor meaningful exploration over hasty transportation.
What supports the boutique feel of these ships is their intimate scale; many are limiting their capacity to only a few hundred guests. This ensures the service is warm, discreet and truly personal, while the lounges, restaurants and terraces maintain the tranquil, boutique atmosphere of a private retreat rather than a floating resort.
Hassle-free travel, closer to home
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Expedition itineraries exploring our Asia-Pacific region, shaped by the freedoms of small ship cruising, make each destination feel not just visited but truly experienced. Immersing yourself in jaw-dropping environments such as the towering golden cliffs of the Kimberley, the vibrant coral systems of French Polynesia, the marine parks of Western Australia and the UNESCO-listed natural areas of New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands is a standout experience.
So does true cultural depth, as encounters with the Indigenous heritage of places like Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, Vanuatu, or the rich coastal histories of countries like Indonesia and Japan provide an added layer of context to journeys.
Cruises with an onboard expedition team provide a particularly meaningful experience, offering the chance to explore a new corner of the world through naturalists, historians and local guides with real expertise and passion. From oceanographers to marine biologists, archaeologists to sommeliers, their presence adds depth and richness to daily adventures.
life at sea
Life aboard is as much a part of the experience as the main destinations. Ponant Explorations brings this sensitivity to water; For almost four decades, the luxury small ship line has built its identity around a distinctly French approach to life on board, with a natural sociability shaped by the company’s dedication to the art of ’emotional hospitality’. Guests can enjoy a long lunch, a drink on the open-air deck, or settle down in the great lounge or elegant observation area lined with books and surrounded by stunning sea views.
This sense of relaxed elegance is no coincidence, but part of a broader design language shaped by renowned architect and interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. Trained at the legendary Beaux-Arts de Paris and with a background in luxury hotel design, Nuel’s signature quiet luxury brand combines classic Parisian sophistication with warmth and comfort. To outfit Ponant Explorations’ “sisterhoods” (Le Soléal, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial and L’Austral), she worked with Ligne Roset furnishings and a palette of teal blues teamed with calming sandy neutrals.
A gastronomic adventure
It is the center of haute cuisine art of living, The culinary program includes collaboration with world-famous Chef Alain Ducasse from Ducasse Paris. Under Ducasse’s expert guidance, the kitchen turns out impeccable French pastries for breakfast, delicately cooked seafood for lunch, and generous French cheeseboards where you can enjoy sommelier-selected wines from both the old and new worlds. In addition to French specialties, all ships feature grill-style restaurants serving al fresco lunches and themed dinners for a more casual dining experience, ensuring dishes from local regions are featured on the daily menu. The team ensures local food is sourced and presented to perfection wherever you are in the world. Think Mahi Mahi freshly caught in Tahiti, sashimi paired with Japanese whiskey on the way from Osaka, and famous Margaret River wines paired with world-class oysters from Western Australia.
Finally, art of living It’s all about details like this, reminding us that the most memorable journeys are often the ones that invite us to slow down, take a closer look, and enjoy the moment, and they may be closer than you think.
From exquisite cuisine to genuine hospitality, Ponant Explorations blends the French touch with the discovery of new horizons. To discover art of living for yourself, learn more at au.ponant.com.
