Cruise Le Dumont d Urville: Malta, Italy, France departing from Nice

The port:

In general, cruise ships over 180 m in length calling at Nice, the pearl of the Côte d'Azur in the Mediterranean, drop anchor in the Villefranche-sur-Mer roadstead, a naturally protected bay offering a spectacular setting. Villefranche-sur-Mer is around 6 kilometers from Nice and is linked to the city by regular train, bus and cab services. The Port of Nice, home to the more intimate cruise ships, is adjacent to the city center and benefits from direct connections via tramway and bus lines, providing quick and easy access to Nice's main attractions and lively Mediterranean ambience.

What to visit in Nice

Explore Nice for its unique blend of culture, history and natural beauty. The Promenade des Anglais, lined with pebble beaches and cafés, is the ideal place for a relaxing stroll. Discover the charm of Vieux Nice, with its lively alleyways, colorful markets and historic churches. For a breathtaking view of the Baie des Anges, climb to the Colline du Château. Art lovers will be delighted by the collections of the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall.

What to visit in the surrounding area

Around Nice, destinations abound. Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its picturesque bay and ancient village, is a gem to discover. Luxurious Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with its sumptuous villas and exotic gardens, is just a few minutes away. Grasse, the world capital of perfume, offers a unique olfactory experience. Monaco, with its glamour and elegance, is a fascinating getaway, famous for its casino and Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Calvi, on the island of Corsica in France, is famous for its citadel and magnificent beaches. Explore the old town and its citadel, offering spectacular views over the bay. The fine sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing. Discover the local cuisine, including fresh fish and Corsican charcuterie. Calvi is a charming stopover for those seeking to combine history, culture and relaxation.

Saint-Florent is a picturesque port in Corsica. Stroll through the old town, visit the Citadel and the church of Santa Maria Assunta. The beaches of Roya and Saleccia offer relaxation and wild beauty. Take a boat trip to the Agriates desert. Corsican gastronomy, with its local cured meats and cheeses, will tantalize your taste buds. Nearby, the Patrimonio vineyards offer tastings of renowned wines.

The port:

The port of Portoferraio, Italy's main gateway to Elba, is located directly in the town. This proximity gives visitors easy access on foot to Portoferraio's historical and cultural treasures. The port, surrounded by impressive fortifications and bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, offers a spectacular setting in which to begin your discovery of the island.

What to visit in Portoferraio

Portoferraio, with its rich historical heritage, is a charming town to explore. Visit Napoleon's house, where he lived during his exile in Elba. The Medicean Fortress, a complex of fortifications overlooking the town, offers panoramic sea views. The historic center, with its narrow streets and ancient buildings, is ideal for a stroll. For diving and swimming enthusiasts, the beaches around Portoferraio, such as Spiaggia delle Ghiaie, are renowned for their beauty and crystal-clear waters.

What to visit in the area

The island of Elba offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover. Explore the island's other picturesque villages, such as Marciana and Capoliveri, each with its own unique character. For hiking enthusiasts, the Tuscan Archipelago National Park offers trails through magnificent scenery. The island's beaches, such as Cavoli and Fetovaia, are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. For a cultural experience, visit the island's iron mines, testimony to its industrial past, or board a boat for an excursion around the island, discovering hidden coves and spectacular views.

Port:

Cruises calling at Portofino usually anchor in Genoa, an important port city in Italy's Liguria region. From here, shuttle buses take visitors to Portofino, some 36 kilometers away. This short distance makes it easy to discover the picturesque village of Portofino, a Mediterranean gem renowned for its elegance and exceptional natural setting.

What to visit in Portofino

Portofino, a small fishing village with colorful houses, is a jewel on the Italian Riviera. Stroll along the charming quayside, lined with luxury boutiques and café terraces. Be sure to visit the church of San Giorgio and the Castello Brown, offering panoramic views of the sea and the village. The Portofino Regional Nature Park offers hikes in unspoilt surroundings, with breathtaking views of the coast. The Piazzetta, in the heart of the village, is a lively and friendly meeting place.

What to visit in the surrounding area

The surrounding area offers many opportunities for discovery. Santa Margherita Ligure, close to Portofino, offers pleasant beaches and a lively setting. The Cinque Terre, a little further afield, is famous for its picturesque villages and spectacular coastal scenery. Genoa, the port of call, is well worth a visit for its rich historical heritage, including its historic center and aquarium. A boat trip along the Ligurian coast reveals magnificent views, secret coves and waters ideal for swimming and diving.

The island of Giglio, in Italy, will charm you with its authenticity and natural beauty. Explore its picturesque villages, such as Giglio Porto, with its colorful houses. Hikes in the hills offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Beaches such as Cannelle and Arenella are perfect for relaxing in the sun. Diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters reveal a wealth of marine life. Sample the local cuisine, including seafood and the island's wines. Giglio is an enchanting stopover, ideal for discovering maritime Tuscany.

Porto Ercole, a charming fishing village in Tuscany, Italy, is located on Monte Argentario. This picturesque destination offers spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the historic Spanish forts and enjoy the tranquil beaches. The town has a relaxed atmosphere with good restaurants and cafés.

Sailing days are the ideal opportunity to take advantage of the facilities available. Depending on the ship, you'll have access to pools, whirlpools, spas, gyms and theaters, ensuring relaxation and entertainment for all.

Port :

The port of Lipari, in the heart of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a picturesque and charming port of call. Just a few steps from the center of Lipari, it's easily accessible on foot. The port of Lipari, jewel of the Aeolian Islands, is an ideal starting point for exploring the natural and cultural riches of the archipelago's largest island.

What to visit in Lipari

Lipari, with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, offers an authentic experience of island life. Lipari Castle, dominating the town, is a must-see for history buffs, housing an archaeological museum rich in discoveries from the region. Don't miss the black sand beaches, unique to the archipelago, such as Canneto beach. Local restaurants offer Aeolian specialities, including fresh fish and capres dishes.

What to see and do in the area

The Aeolian Islands around Lipari are full of wonders to discover. Vulcano, famous for its mud baths and hot springs, is a short ferry ride away. The island of Salina, known for its verdant landscapes and vineyards, is a paradise for nature lovers. An excursion to Stromboli to observe its active volcano is a sight not to be missed. These islands, with their unique charms and natural beauty, offer a memorable getaway in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Stromboli, an island volcano in Italy's Aeolian Islands, offers an impressive natural spectacle with its active volcano. Climbing up to the crater to watch the eruptions is an unforgettable experience. Stromboli's black sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and charming village lanes offer relaxation and discovery. Local cuisine features seafood and Sicilian specialties.

The port :

The port of Valletta, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, is a real gem for cruisers. Iconic and steeped in history, the port is just a stone's throw from Valletta's historic center. Its immediate proximity to the city, less than a kilometer away, offers visitors quick and easy access to the treasures of the Maltese capital.

What to visit in Valletta

Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city of art and history. Start your visit with St. John's Co-Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque art, and don't miss the Palace of the Grand Masters, bearing witness to the island's chivalric history. Stroll through the gardens of Upper Barrakka for a breathtaking view of the Grand Port. Valletta also offers a rich cultural scene, with museums such as the National Museum of Archaeology and the Maison de la Valette, dedicated to the city's history.

What to visit in the surrounding area

The island of Malta around Valletta is full of sites to explore. Mdina, the ancient capital, with its medieval streets, is around 14 kilometers away. Don't miss the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, fascinating testimonies to the island's ancient history. For a more natural experience, the blue cave and cliffs of Dingli offer a striking natural spectacle. Finally, for beach lovers, Mellieħa Bay offers crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches less than 25 kilometers from Valletta.