Nestled between the hills of Montjuic and Tibidabo, Barcelona offers visitors a unique mix of history and innovation. Known as an open-air museum, the city boasts a remarkable collection of artistic landmarks, including Roman ruins, medieval neighborhoods, and avant-garde features from the 20th century. The city has been shaped by influential figures like Picasso, Miro, and Gaudi, with many of their works recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Be sure to wander down the iconic Ramblas and soak in the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere of Catalonia's vibrant capital.

The port of Sete, often called the "Venice of Languedoc" due to its canals, is a coastal town known for its beaches and vibrant art scene. It serves as a gateway to the treasures of Occitanie, including Nîmes, home to a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater and the scenic 18th-century Jardins de la Fontaine. Nearby cities like Narbonne and Carcassonne provide a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. In Narbonne, explore the Palais des Archevêques and its Archaeological Museum, while Carcassonne offers a chance to admire its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The oldest harbor in France, Marseille is the city where PONANT has chosen to set up its company headquarters. Heart vibrating in its setting of Mediterranean Calanques, it reveals its raw and authentic beauty, made up of a thousand influences and cultures which, over the centuries, have made up its wealth. A stroll through the Old Port will allow you to discover the places corresponding to the city founded by the Greeks as well as Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica, with its astonishing neo-Byzantine architecture, which overlooks it. Close to the quays, the Place de Leche, which covers the ancient agora, will be perfect for a break in one of its lively cafés before melting into the maze of narrow streets with colorful houses in the Panier district, just a stone's throw away.

Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheater of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the Baie des Anges. Chateau hill is also a very pleasant place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.

Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half-moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognized since ancient times. Built-in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colors of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.

Located on the magnificent chiselled coast of Liguria, to the north-west of the Italian peninsula, Portovenere is an unusual little fishing village. Clinging to the southernmost tip of the Cinque Terre National park, this charming town benefits from an exceptional location, at the mouth of the gulf of La Spezia. As soon as you set foot on land, you will be mesmerised by the pastel shades of the buildings. Via Capellini is its lively and welcoming main street, brimming with shops and restaurants. At the end of a long promenade, a steep road leads to Doria castle. Below, on its rocky spur, the Church of Saint Peter offers a splendid view of Palmaria island.

On the Ligurian coast, Livorno invites us to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and is a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, Nuova Venezia is an enchanting district with small canals and streets to stroll along to discover a few architectural treasures, such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan Baroque style.

Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy-going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometers from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.