Ponant Explorations
Le Soléal
Designed in 2013, Le Soléal combines French elegance with cutting-edge technologies to explore the world in comfort and style.
FRENCH ART DE VIVRE
Elegance beyond the horizon
Some journeys are defined by where they take you. Others are defined by the way you arrive. Aboard Le Soléal, exploration takes on a distinctly French character, one where discovery is paired with understated elegance, and every detail has been considered to preserve a sense of intimacy at sea.
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Unique Experience
Refined and elegant furnishings
Open to the horizon
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Celebrating the treasures of nature
FRENCH ART OF LIVING
Life on board
Designed with the understated elegance of a private megayacht, Le Soléal brings French art de vivre to the world’s most remote coastlines. Beyond the day’s raw expedition discoveries lies an sanctuary of quiet luxury—where world-class French gastronomy, curated vintages, and serene oceanview wellness spaces create a seamless rhythm of effortless sophistication.
An essential component of French culture both on land and at sea, gastronomy naturally holds a special place on board.
Elegance and intimacy
Staterooms and suites
Designed as a private sanctuary after each day of discovery, the staterooms and suites aboard Le Soléal reflect Ponant’s philosophy of understated French elegance. Light-filled, serene and thoughtfully appointed, each space offers a private connection to the landscapes unfolding beyond the horizon.
Balcony stateroom
Private 43 ft² balcony with a sliding panoramic window. Shower bathroom. King or twin bed with TV.
Balcony stateroom
Private 43 ft² balcony with a sliding panoramic window. Shower bathroom. King or twin bed with TV.
LIFE AT SEA
A day onboard Le Soléal
Whether on the ship or on land, every moment transports you to a unique universe, where refinement and wonder punctuate your day.
Start your day with a sweet or savoury breakfast in the restaurant or in your cabin: freshly baked pastries, golden breads of the day, homemade pastry creations, freshly squeezed juices.
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THE EXPEDITION
The Experience Beyond the Shore
The true privilege of travelling aboard Le Soléal lies in the rhythm of the journey itself. In the Kimberley, days are shaped by the movement of the tides, the changing light across ancient landscapes and the anticipation of what lies beyond the next bend. Each morning brings a new perspective, a secluded waterfall, a dramatic gorge carved through millions of years of history, or a quiet moment spent observing the coastline from the water.
With Ponant, the Kimberley is not simply a destination to visit. It becomes a journey to immerse yourself in, where exploration, nature and the art of travelling well exist in perfect harmony.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Understanding Le Soléal Experience
Le Soléal is a 142-metre expedition ship operated by Ponant, the French expedition cruise line. She was built by Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, and entered service in 2013. That September, she became the first French commercial ship to cross the Northwest Passage. In the Kimberley she sails ten-night voyages between Broome and Darwin.
Le Soléal carries up to 264 guests in 132 staterooms and suites, with a crew of about 140. She is among the larger expedition ships on the Kimberley coast. What that size brings is space on board: a pool, a spa, a theatre, lifts and a medical centre.
Le Soléal explores the Kimberley by Zodiac. The ship stays in open water, and guests go out in her 11 Zodiacs with Ponant's naturalist guides into rivers, across reef and onto beaches. In parts of this coast the tide rises and falls by more than 10 metres, so the timing of each outing follows the tide. One guided activity per guest is included at each stop.
Le Soléal sails Ponant's Australia's Iconic Kimberley, a ten-night voyage between Broome and Darwin that runs in both directions. Sailing from Broome, the published route lists the Lacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay, the Hunter River, Swift Bay, Vansittart Bay and Jar Island and the King George River, then a day at sea before Darwin.
Yes, all three are on Le Soléal's Kimberley programme. Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay fall within the two days in Collier Bay, and the King George River and its twin falls come at the eastern end of the voyage. Each visit depends on tide and weather on the day, and the route can change.
Mitchell Falls lies inland and cannot be reached by ship. Ponant offers an optional helicopter flight over the falls during Le Soléal's Kimberley voyage. It is not part of the fare, and it depends on weather and availability.
A Le Soléal fare covers full board from the day you arrive to the day you leave, your drinks in the restaurants, bars and minibar, 24-hour room service, unlimited Wi-Fi, national park fees and one guided outing per guest at every stop, led by the naturalist guides. The optional Mitchell Falls helicopter flight is extra. Flights and transfers vary, so we confirm exactly what your fare covers beyond the ship when you enquire.
Le Soléal has more than you might expect of an expedition ship: a swimming pool with its own bar, a spa with a hammam, a fitness room, a hair salon and a theatre where the expedition team gives its lectures. There are two lounges as well, the main lounge and a panoramic lounge with a library.
Yes. Le Soléal has a medical centre with a doctor and a nurse on board. It's still worth remembering how remote this coast is: a serious case can mean evacuation by air, which is why we recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
TALK WITH A SPECIALIST
A conversation, not a commitment
Have questions about life on board Le Soléal or Zodiac excursion logistics? Book a discovery call with a Kimberley specialist to get direct, practical answers grounded in true regional expertise.