From the Northern Lights to the Polar Night | Le Commandant Charcot

Today marks the start of our Arctic expedition as we begin our journey from the captivating Tromsø, nestled in the north of Norway. Known as the 'Paris of the north' by the Norwegians, this secluded town in the Troms county holds a treasure trove of neoclassical architectural marvels waiting to be explored. As we set sail, you'll soon understand why this place holds such a title, especially when you encounter the striking Arctic Cathedral. Its architectural splendor beautifully mirrors the majestic silhouette of the surrounding mountains. Get ready to embark on an Arctic cruise filled with wonder and discovery from this unique and picturesque starting point!

Located beyond the Arctic Circle, Alta, situated in the northern reaches of Norway, stands as the largest city in Finnmark county. Celebrated for the mesmerizing beauty of its Northern Lights, the town unveils itself nestled within the embrace of its namesake fjord, the 'Altafjord.' Amidst a backdrop of serene forest landscapes and pristine vistas, you'll encounter exceptional opportunities to engage in unique experiences, meeting the Sami people, who are revered as reindeer herders with deep-rooted ancestral traditions. Pursuing the elusive Northern Lights is also a featured activity on our itinerary, promising unforgettable moments in this Arctic wonderland.

In the north of Norway, you will rediscover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms, marking your second visit to this remarkable destination. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Tromsø offers a visual feast with its snow-capped peaks, mirrored in the crystal-clear fjords that stretch across the horizon. The town itself, nestled between awe-inspiring mountain ranges and glistening waters, provides an enchanting backdrop for exploration. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of this extraordinary place, before we set sail towards Hammerfest.

Hammerfest, located on the north-western coast of the island of Kvaloya, beyond the 70th parallel north, is often considered the northernmost town in the world. Conserved in an immaculate natural setting, this charming fishing port enjoys a rich history, as is evidenced by various vestiges dating back to the Stone Age, Napoleonic wars or the Second World War. During your port of call, you will have the opportunity to discover the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of triangulations stretching across Europe from Hammerfest to the Black Sea, and the first technical and scientific object to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Reconstruction Museum, meet the Sami people, or visit the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, an emblematic spot in Hammerfest.

Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, you will sail not far from the coastlines of Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then looking for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjørnøya shelters ameteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds during summer.

Considered Spitsbergen’s southernmost fjord, Hornsund is famous as one of the first places to have been visited in the region. In 1610, the British explorer Jonas Poole named it thus, after one of the members of his crew brought him a reindeer antler. Shortly afterwards, the first whalers settled in the region and contributed to shaping its history. As you move deeper into this fjord, whose total length is 30 kilometres (19 miles), you will find yourselves immersed in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, in the mystery emerging from these small drifting icebergs, and in the glory of this gigantic glacier standing proudly before you.

Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

You will head towards the Bellsund fjord, to follow the traces of the first explorers, arriving from the Norwegian coasts, or those of the many trappers in search of game and trophies. Surprisingly rich in wildlife, the branches of the fjord separate to form two distinct valleys. Give free rein to your imagination in the heart of this majestic natural environment, where time seems to stand still.

Cruising between Norway and Spitsbergen, you'll revisit Bjørnøya, Svalbard's southernmost island, for the second time. Despite its foggy cover, the island boasts rugged cliffs, basalt beaches, and vibrant tundra vegetation. It's a haven for various seabird species, forming one of the largest colonies in the region during summer. Seal sightings are common, and occasionally, whales grace its coastal waters. The island's striking scenery and diverse wildlife make it an intriguing stop on your journey.

If you feel like you have arrived at the end of the world in Honningsvåg, it is because this is the case. Halfway between Oslo and the North Pole, it competes with Hammerfest for the status of “the northernmost town in Continental Europe”. Colourful houses light up this charming and typically Norwegian fishing port nestled in the hollows of the region’s mountainous terrain. Travellers come to stay in the village to go to the North Cape. At the end of the road, you will see the globe that indicates that you are at the very end of Europe. At this point, only the Svalbard archipelago separates you from the North Pole. There is sea as far as the eye can see. The Northern Lights, the view of the immense cliff plunging into the sea, the thousands of puffins, gannets and cormorants that spin around you: everything here is grandiose.

On the last day of our expedition before disembarkation, we'll encounter the small Reinøya Island, spanning a mere 3.35 km2 (1.3 square miles) situated in the heart of the Porsangerfjorden. This nature reserve may be small, but it holds numerous treasures waiting to be explored. Amidst the tranquility, witness the island’s unique geology, characterized by the whiteness of dolomite, and traces dating back a thousand years from the last ice age, whether on a hike or a Zodiac outing.

Following this memorable visit, we'll discover Lakselv, meaning “Salmon River”, located at the end of the vast Porsangerfjorden. Renowned for its abundant salmon fishing, the village is nestled amidst waters teeming with fish. Offering privileged access to magnificent surrounding nature, it preserves traces of the last ice age, notably in Trollholmsund, showcasing dolomites with surreal silhouettes—an extraordinary sight not to be missed!

Today, as our expedition draws to a close, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow explorers and guides before disembarking in Lakselv. This marks the end of our incredible journey, filled with remarkable encounters and unforgettable experiences.