Marquesas Islands & Tuamotu From 20/04/2021 From Papeete, Tahiti Island Ship: LE SOLEAL to 04/05/2021 to Papeete, Tahiti Island Aboard Le Soléal, set sail to discoverFrench Polynesia, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. From Tahiti, PONANT invites you to embark on an all-new 15-day expedition cruise to the heart of idyllic islands and atolls hemmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and surrounded by an exceptional coral reef. Discover the unique charms theof Marquesas Islands. The singer- songwriter Jacques Brel sang about the Marquesas Islands and the painter Paul Gauguin was inspired by these islands which stand like dark green fortresses surrounded by theindigo blue of the Pacific. Here, you will find neither lagoons nor reefs. The archipelago’s charm lies in its wild beauty. In the heart of the dense forests ofNuku Hiva, droplets from the waterfalls dive off the vertiginous cliffs. As for the islands Hivaof Oa and Fatu Hiva, they still hide mysterious ancient petroglyphs. Le Soléal will also stop at the heart of theTuamotu Islands. You will spend some time in the wonderfulRangiroa atoll. This gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery is most known for the cultivation of its famous black pearls. Be sure to try snorkelling in these natural aquariums where colourful fish, rays and friendly sharks can be found playing amid the reefs. Before disembarking in Papeete, feast your eyes on the incomparable beauty of Raiatea, a picture-postcard of paradise, and Moorea, its hillsides covered with pineapple plantations and its luxurious peaks. The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. The information in this document is valid as of 17/08/2020 Marquesas Islands & Tuamotu YOUR STOPOVERS : PAPEETE, TAHITI ISLAND Embarkation 20/04/2021 from 16h00 to 17h00 Departure 20/04/2021 at 19h00 Capital of French Polynesia, the city Papeeteof 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 theMaison 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. MAKATEA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS Arrival 21/04/2021 Departure 21/04/2021 mid morning Located in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Makatea (from the Polynesian words for rock, “maka”, and white, “tea”) is a raised coral atoll belonging to the Palliser group of islands in French Polynesia. Tikehau, the nearest atoll, is 75 km south and Tahiti is some 200 km north-east. Its cliffs coveredlush in vegetation overlook the ocean, whose magnificent underwater world you will be able to explore while snorkelling. MANIHI ATOLL, TUAMOTU ISLANDS Arrival 22/04/2021 Departure 22/04/2021 In the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia, in the King George Islands subgroup, Manihi is an atoll situated 500 km north-east of Tahiti. This oval atoll with a land surface of 13 km2 and a 160 km2 lagoon is a paradise for snorkelling and diving. As the birthplace of Polynesia’s black, grey or dark green pearls, also called Tahitian pearls,Manihi is home to several pearl farms. You will love discovering this natural aquarium famous for the diversity of its marine life. AT SEA Arrival 23/04/2021 Departure 23/04/2021 During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment. OMOA, FATU HIVA ISLAND Arrival 24/04/2021 Departure 24/04/2021 Your ship will take you to Omoa, a peaceful fishing village far from all civilisation, nestling in a magnificent bay on the island of Fatu Hiva. In the valley, you will be able to spot some tohua, former sacred sites, as well as the many burial caves lost in the island’s abundant tropical forest. During your port of call, you’ll be able to discover the Maison Grelet, a museum that houses remarkablewooden sculptures and local works of art. Right in front of you, the village’s artisans will demonstrate how they make tapa, a bark cloth obtained through the technique of beating layers of wood, and explain the manufacturing processes of umu hei, a bouquet garni made from a delicious mix of fragrances. HANAVAVE (BAY OF VIRGINS), FATU HIVA ISLAND Arrival 24/04/2021 Departure 24/04/2021 Grandiose, striking and powerful,the Marquesas are more rugged than their Polynesian sisters. The archipelago’s charm lies in its extraordinary wild beauty: waterfalls flowing down vertiginous peaks, jagged cliffs sinking into the indigo sea, and lush vegetation. On the island ofFatu Hiva, you’ll discover the famous Hanavave Bay, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Make the most of your free time to stroll among the houses and gardens of the village. Its inhabitants, specialised in the manufacture of tapa (bark cloth), will welcome you withukulele music and traditional songs. You’ll also have the pleasure of tasting the soft and juicy citrus fruits that grow on the island. ATUONA, MARQUESAS ISLANDS Arrival 25/04/2021 Departure 25/04/2021 You’ll immediately understand why this remote and unusual chain of islands bathing in thecrystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean inspired Jacques Brel’s final album. During your cruise, we will stop atHiva Oa, considered to be the “ garden of the Marquesas Islands.” A special kind of power and charm emanate from its craggy skyline and black sand beaches. This port of call will provide you with an opportunity to visit the small village of Atuona, home to the tombs of Jacques Brel and Paul Gauguin, as well as a cultural centre devoted to the memory of the famous French painter. HAPATONI, TAHUATA ISLAND Arrival 25/04/2021 Departure 25/04/2021 Located on Tahuata, the smallest of the inhabited Marquesas Islands, the village ofHapatoni will open its doors to you. A road built in old stones will lead you from the seashorethe to village cathedral. You will also find a craft centre presenting various sculptures and engravings in bone or wood.Marquesan art is, in fact, recognised all over French Polynesia. Further on, vegetation takes over, inviting you to walk among its beautiful green valleys. Here, the population will give you a proper welcome, with traditional singing and dancing. A moment of conviviality you’ll remember! HATIHEU, NUKA HIVA ISLAND Arrival 26/04/2021 Departure 26/04/2021 Entering Hatiheu Bay, you will quickly make outthe statue of the Virgin, which, standing more than 300 metres high, overlooks this beautiful little village. Located on the north of Nuku Hiva Island, this locality is dominated by impressive basalt pitons. In the past, the fear of tsunamis and attacks from other clans led the tribes to settle in the interior of the valleys. As a consequence, many archaeological sites remain preserved and make for interesting excursions. You will find many of the ceremonial plazas, calledtohua , notably those of Kamuihei and Hikokua where you will be able to observe several reconstructed traditional houses. SAILING IN ANAHO BAY, NUKU HIVA ISLAND Arrival 26/04/2021 Departure 26/04/2021 Considered to be one of the most beautiful bays in Polynesia, Anaho offers you a unique sailing experience in a grandiose natural setting. Surrounded by majestic mountains covered with lush vegetation and edged by a long sweep of white sand, the crystal-clear waters in countless shades of blue are home to a teeming population of marine wildlife. It is also famous for having the only reef platform in the Marquesas Islands. TAIOHAE, NUKA HIVA ISLAND Arrival 27/04/2021 Departure 27/04/2021 Taiohae Bay welcomes you in a sumptuous setting. Your ship will drop anchor a few kilometres from the black sandy beaches, nestled between majestic valleys. You will find yourself in the middle of the main village on the island of Nuku Hiva. You can follow the footpaths on foot or in an all-terrain vehicle. From the top of the hill of Mount Muake, a breathtaking panorama allows you to clearly identify the rocky islands that emerge on either side of the bay. Further on, the site of Piki Vehine shows itstikis , sacred statues used for religious practices. In addition, do not miss the Notre Dame des Marquises cathedral. Its distinguishing feature is that is was built using stone taken from the six Marquesa Islands. HAKAHAU, UA POU ISLAND Arrival 28/04/2021 Departure 28/04/2021 Located in the Marquesas Islands, in the north-east of French Polynesia, Hakahau is the main village and port of Ua Pou (meaning “pillars”), the third largest island in the archipelago. Nestling in the curve of a sheltered bay,Hakahau will charm you with its tranquillity and the wild splendour of its scenery.