Le Dumont-D'urville sailing on August 3rd, 2026

About Nice

Synonymous for decades with the words opulence, a sophistication and wealth, the French Riviera is the jewel of the Mediterranean Sea. Walk the Promenade des Anglais which borders the sea, and rub shoulders with royalty and film stars on golden beaches. Take a trip to Monte Carlo to see million dollar yachts in the most picturesque setting of Monte Carlo´s bay.

Nice Attractions

The Old Town is a must to be explored. Its look has changed little since the 1700s. Narrow streets and winding alleys are lined with faded 17th- and 18th-century buildings. The famous flower market never ceases to delight visitors as well as residents. The Italian façades of modern Nice and early 20th-century residences, which made the city one of Europe’s most fashionable winter retreats, remain largely intact. Although not blessed with excellent beaches, its pebbled sands continue to attract scores of sun worshippers every year.

Nice Activities

Musée National - Marc Chagall Established by the artist himself, the collection features the most important permanent exhibit of his work. The main focus is a series of 17 canvases comprising his colorful “Biblical Message.” The excellent use of space and light further enhances the featured paintings, sculptures and mosaics. Musée Matisse - Housed in a 17th-century Italian villa, the museum features exquisite paintings and bronzes by the great master. These works of art illustrate the different stages of Henri Matisse’s career and his development from the late 19th century to his death in 1954. Especially interesting are the sketches he made for his paintings in the Chapelle de Rosaire in Vence. This project was done by Matisse to thank resident nuns who nursed him back to health. Parc du Château - This large, shady public park is located on a 300-foot hill and offers beautiful views of the city and the sea. The château, after which the hill and park are named, was established in the 12th century, but razed in 1706 by Louis XIV. Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas - Located in the western part of the city, the multicolored cathedral crowned by six onion domes was built in the early 1900s in 17th-century style. It is one of the most elaborate and exotic structures in Nice. Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art - The museum specializes in French and American avant-garde artwork from the 1960s to the present. Its collection includes the work of Cesar,Warhol and Christo, to name a few. Anatole Jakovsky International Naïve Art MuseumDonated to the city by Mr. and Mrs. Anatole Jakovsky in 1982, the museum traces the progression of naïve art since the 18th century.

About Calvi

There´s a good bit of Italy in this French resort, which remain tained its ties to Genoa long after the rest of Corsica declared independence. The Genoese Citadel dominates the coastline; you can visit it by crossing a drawbridge. The nearby Oratoire, a Renaissance chapel containing religious art, is also worth exploring. However, the main attractions of Calvi are the gorgeous beaches and lively marina.

Calvi Activities

A 50-minute train ride from Calvi to L'Ile Rousse takes you right along the coast. You can see the quaint old town and the main square, and watch (or even join) locals playing boules under the plane trees. About an hour's drive from Calvi is the Forest of Bonifatu, where there are secluded rock pools for swimming and great picnic spots.

About Ajaccio

The port city of Ajaccio on Corsicas southwest coast is the birthplace of Napoleaon Bonaparte. Stroll the pastel-painted town and appreciate its collections of Napoleonia at Maison Bonaparte and the Musee Fesch. Outside town, enjoy the islands Mediterranean vistas from a mountain walking trail.

Ajaccio Attractions

In this, the homeland of Napoleon Bonaparte, you can't miss his actual home. Located on the Rue de Letizia, just off Rue Saint Charles, Maison Bonaparte features period furniture and family portraits.

Ajaccio Activities

Visit Ajaccio's 16th-century cathedral dedicated to La Madonuccia, the city's patron saint who is thought to have protected the residents from the Black Plague. Enjoy a rest in the Place Foch, the city's finest square. Lined with palm trees, it features a statue of Napoleon atop a fountain facing the Gulf of Ajaccio. Stroll through Musée Fesch, the city's finest art museum, which happens to be the former residence of Napoleon's uncle. Many of the paintings were presented to Joseph Fesch by his nephew Napoleon.

About Sanguinaires Islands, Corsica

About Bonifacio

With its spectacular cliff-top setting, this ancient Corsican fortress-town has withstood many sieges. The 15th century steps, cut high in the rock face, are evidence of its troubled history. Today, medieval buildings crown the slopes leading to the fortress which overlooks the beautiful, multi-colored sea below.

Bonifacio Attractions

Stroll down the narrow, twisting lanes of this lovely walled cliff top medieval town past ancient buildings where native son Napoleon walked when he commanded the local garrison in 1793. Visit stunning churches like Ste. Marie-Majeur, a 12th-century structure with a fountain that collects rainwater and the old market. Or explore the starkly beautiful countryside and Sartene, a traditional Corsican town.

About Alghero

On Sardinia's west coast, the picturesque seaport of Alghero is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Sample local wine and wander the narrow streets to shop for handmade woolem goods and jewelry. Nearby is a magnificent coastline with isolated beaches.

About Mahon, Minorca

Minorca is a beautiful unspoiled island of green pastures and white-washed villages. Stroll through the cliff-top town of Mahon, visiting one of the lovely churches, or spend a relaxing day on one of the islands pristine beaches.

Mahon, Minorca Activities

Stroll the picturesque harbour of Mahon. Venture to the cliff-top monastery at Monte Toro. Plaça de s’Esplanada - This is Mahon’s main square. The narrow streets to the east of the square comprise the oldest part of the town. The Arc de Sant Roc, a 16th-century archway at the top end of Carrer de Sant Roc, is the only remaining relic of the medieval walls that once surrounded the old city. Santa Maria Church - Located in the Plaza de la Constitucion, this church was founded in 1287 and rebuilt in neo-classical style in the 18th-century. Music festivals feature its 19th-century organ, one of the world’s largest with 3,004 pipes.

About Ibiza

The Balearic Islands lie scattered in the western Mediterranean off the southeast coast of Spain. Regular ferry service connects the principal islands of the archipelago with the mainland. Through history, the three main islands, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, were the object of invasion by outside powers. Moorish forces arrived during the 8th century and established their hold until the disintegration of the Caliphate of Cordoba. James I of Aragon gained control over these specks of land in 1229, only to see them integrated into the independent kingdom of Mallorca in 1276. Later they were returned to the Aragonese crown. Today, invasions occur daily at airports and yacht harbors around the islands. The alluring mild climate attracts scores of northern Europeans who grow weary of cloudy days and cold temperatures. They come here to enjoy the sunshine and the beaches; at night they fill the clubs until the early morning hours. The name Ibiza has become synonymous with pleasure seeking.

Ibiza Attractions

As your ship pulls into the port of Eivissa (also known as Ibiza Town), you will have a fine view of the impressive fortifications. An easy stroll along the cobbled streets takes you to the lively downtown area of shops and restaurants. D'Alt Vila, the old town dominates the port and seafront. With its historic buildings and stately mansions, D'Alt Vila is the very heart of Eivissa. Step inside the cool recesses of the 13th-century Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Nieves (Our Lady of the Snows) or visit the Archaeological Museum, where the island’s history is well represented. As the sun arcs overhead, pause in an outdoor cafe for a glass of chilled Ibizan sangria.

Ibiza Activities

Ses Salines - The salt extracted here provided the base for one of the first industries on the island; ships still arrive at Ses Salines to load salt. This is also a popular beach area, located six miles from town. Puig d’en Valls - The 18th-century windmill of Puig d’en Valls shows the importance of windmills in the development of Ibiza. There is a fine panoramic view over Ibiza Town from here. Cala Portinaitx - This beautiful bay offers numerous attractions. The beaches are sheltered from the open sea by a much-eroded rock barrier, usually lashed with heavy surf. Museum of Contemporary Art - This museum, housed in the fortress of D'Alt Vila, features contemporary Spanish paintings and sculptures.

About Valencia

Stylish and friendly Valencia is together with Barcelona the most important city on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. While the original founding goes back to Roman times, it was the Moors who arrived in 709 AD and made Valencia prosper, thanks to a booming trade in paper, silk, leather, ceramics, glass and silver work. After Almanzor's death, the area was conquered by the legendary "El Cid" during the Christian re-conquest of Spain. Not much is left from the Roman period, but the architectural legacy of the Moors is abundant and can be seen in the remains of the old walls, the Almirante bath house and the tower, el Miguelete, which was the minaret of the old mosque.

Valencia Activities

Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas - This baroque palace is on the Calle del Poeta Querol. Extensively rebuilt during the 18th-century, it is fronted by an extravagant façade, hand carved in alabaster. Torres de Serranos - This well-preserved 14th-century tower was part of the original walls that surrounded the old city. Beaches - The main city beach is Playa de la Malvarrosa. It is not the most pristine beach in Spain and is lined with restaurants, bars and discos. About 5 miles south of the city is Playa El Salér, which is backed by attractive public gardens.

About Barcelona

Founded by Romans in the first century BC, Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalonian Spain. Many of the worlds finest treasures can be seen in Barcelonas museums and monuments. Romanesque and Gothic frescoes and treasures can be enjoyed at the Catalan Art Museum. Among the most treasured sites is Gaudis masterpiece, The Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona Attractions

While you're in Barcelona, don't miss the Picasso Gallery. Several adjoining 15th-century palaces house a huge collection (over 2,000 pieces) of Picasso's work.

Barcelona Activities

Stroll along Las Ramblas, a wonderfully vibrant part of the city where street vendors and performers vie for your attention. Explore the many churches and cathedrals of Barcelona and discover the city's modernist architecture along Paseo de Gracia. Visit Antoni Gaudí's unfinished Segrada Familia. With eight soaring spires and a spectacular main façade, this cathedral is a true architectural masterpiece.