The Company was created in April 1988. Le Ponant, three-masts sailing ship of 32 cabins, built by the French Company of Shipbuilding (SFCN) according to plans drawn by Michel BIGOIN (also designer of "Le Phocea") was delivered in May 1991.

Another important stage in the history of the Compagnie du Ponant was the building of a new ship, Le Levant, which started in December 1996. Le Levant was delivered in November 1998 and was inaugurated by Mrs Bernadette CHIRAC (wife of former French President Jacques CHIRAC). Le Levant is an upscale 100-meter long yacht with 45 outside cabins.

In 2004, the company acquired Le Diamant, a 124-meter-steamer with 113 outside cabins. This ship is also an expedition ship, perfectly equipped to reach the polar destinations. That same year, the Company acquired the Parisian Tour-Operator, Tapis Rouge International, specialized in luxury travel.

Le Boréal was delivered in May 2010, and her sister-ship, L'Austral, will follow next year. Built in the style of superb mega-yachts, these two 132 - stateroom/suite “sister-ships” remain faithful to our philosophy: to offer small capacity ships providing a unique and subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. Smooth and quiet to provide maximum comfort, Le Boréal and L’Austral have also earned the international “green ship” label for their numerous eco-friendly features (dynamic positioning system to avoid having to drop anchor, waste water treatment on board).

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