KEELUNG (CHILUNG)

Boarding from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  
 

At the northeast tip of Taiwan, the port city of Keelung rises on one of the island's most beautiful coastlines. Neighboring the spectacular Yehliu Natural Park, it is worth spending some time there. You can easily explore the city on foot to discover its historical sites. Multiple trails wind through the lush hills surrounding the port. Chung Cheng Park and Fort Ershawan offer superb views of Keelung and the coastline.

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ISHIGAKI

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Located to the south of the main island of the Yaeyama archipelago, in the southwest of Japan, Ishigaki has all the advantages of an authentic little corner of paradise. You guessed it, it's obviously not for its skyscrapers that people come here but for the purity of its crystalline emerald waters, the immaculate whiteness of its beaches and its coral reef. You will find there everything you need to relax and enjoy a pleasant moment of relaxation in the heart of this heavenly natural setting. Ishigaki is also known for its cultivation of pineapples and black pearls.

TAKETOMIJIMA

Off the coast of Okinawa prefecture, the island of Taketomijima fascinates with its traditional character, preserved in a sumptuous green setting. Like its big sisters, Ishigaki and Kuroshima, the island of the Yaéyama archipelago is the ideal destination to soak up the typical landscapes and the island way of life of the ancient Ryukyu kingdom. Here, time seems to stand still. Very few cars circulate, bicycles or horse-drawn carriages pulled by imposing buffaloes remain the only means of transport. The perfect opportunity to stroll through the picturesque streets lined with traditional houses with red tiles and shisa statues in the shape of a lion, placed in front of the vast majority of houses to ward off evil spirits.

IRIOMOTEJIMA

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Nestled in the heart of the Yaéyama archipelago, the island of Iriomote looks like a hidden paradise. 90% covered with dense jungle and crossed by rivers crowned by impressive mangrove forests, Iriomote is the ideal destination for lovers of wide open spaces. With an exceptional fauna and flora, this lush jewel is home to many endemic species: perhaps you will have the chance to observe the Iriomote cat or the serpentine Bacha, a species of eagle. During this stopover, you will also have the opportunity to admire the enchanting seabed during a snorkeling session or to admire this verdant jungle up close during a cruise, along the calm waters of the rivers of the island.

KUMEJIMA

Located 90 km south-west of Okinawa Honto, Kumejima is a plural island that reveals itself through natural treasures. Thus, Hatenohama, a sublime beach of fine sand, 7 km long, promises fabulous moments of escape to discover the exceptional seabed off Kumejima. Mifuga, a rock face dug right through, on the north coast of the island, is a fine example of coastal erosion. The eastern peninsula offers another geological formation, visible at low tide. 1000 flat stones, one meter in diameter each, shaped by the contraction of lava from a nearby eruption a million years ago. They form a rocky plateau reminiscent of the traditional Japanese tatami, hence its name, Tatami-ishi.

ZAAMI

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Zamami is an island in the Kerama archipelago, located 40 km west of the island of Okinawa in the China Sea. This almost uninhabited islet of 16 km2 reveals its magnificent finery to visitors charmed by so many preserved natural treasures. You will discover a peaceful island with lush vegetation set with charming white sand bays caressed by the sparkling waters of Kerama Blue, around the archipelago. The island is also famous for the beauty of its coral reefs in the middle of which the colorful fish offer a magical ballet. The Takatsuki Mountain Observatory reveals a sumptuous panorama of the Kerama Islands, classified as a national park since 2014. In this azure with subtle chromatic nuances, paradise has found its name.

KIKAIJIMA

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Located between mainland Japan and the main island of Okinawa, Kikaijima is a small unspoiled coral island where nature unfolds in all its splendour. Among this plant profusion, you will be seduced by the hundred-year-old trees, the majestic banyan trees and the sugar cane plantations which produce a delicious brown sugar. This island, inhabited since the 10th century and located on the trade route between China and Japan, has had a turbulent history. As you explore, perhaps you will see some old coral stone walls, like an echo of the ever-present ocean. Between white sand beaches and coasts of limestone rocks, you can also enjoy a snorkeling trip or delicious moments of swimming.

AT SEA

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During your day at sea, take advantage of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the spa or keep in shape at the gym. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or by sunbathing. This non-stop day will also be an opportunity to attend the conferences and shows offered on board, to do some shopping at the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in the area dedicated to them. Lovers of the open sea, for their part, will go to the upper deck of the ship to admire the spectacle of the waves and may have the chance to observe marine species. A real enchanted parenthesis, between comfort, rest and entertainment.

OSAKA
Disembarkation at 08:00  

Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of age-old traditions and flawless technological innovation. With that little something extra of serenity, due to its geographical location along the Pacific coast. You will experience this feeling of calm at the first sight of Osaka Castle, which stands proudly in the middle of majestic skyscrapers. And it won't leave you, whether in the middle of the bustling alleys of Dotomburi or in the strange district of Shinsekai, where time seems to slow down. A multitude of restaurants will parade before your eyes, with regional specialties on the menu: octopus-based takoyaki and other succulent kushikatsu presented on skewers.

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OSAKA - PARIS

Departure from Osaka International Airport to Paris