PONANT has celebrated the inauguration of Le Lapérouse, the first of the line’s new Explorer series of ice-breaking vessels.
A Breton-inspired ceremony celebrates the inauguration of Le LapérousePictures courtesy of @Studio Ponant
The vessel was christened by her godmother, Mrs François Pinault, in the Icelandic port of Hafnarfjörður, watched by prominent political and cultural figures.
Mrs Pinault is the wife of the president of Artemis Group, whose assets include Ponant.
A vibrant Breton-inspired ceremony – a nod to the origins of PONANT which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year – featured the Lann Bihoué Bagad’s bagpipes, Breton oboes and drums.
Breton singer Bleuwenn Mevel gave an acapella rendition of the Breton anthem, while the poignant sound of Konan Mevel’s bagpipe resonated at the prow of the ship as she was sailing off.
Another highlight of the day involved Le Lapérouse being greeted as she was sailing from Hafnarfjörður by Le Soléal, another Ponant ship, also positioned in Icelandic waters.