Grands Espaces: Discovering One of Polar Travel's Boutique Pioneers

Grands Espaces is no exception.

Founded in 1998 by renowned French polar explorer Christian Kempf, the company has spent almost three decades introducing travellers to the Arctic and Antarctica through small-group expeditions shaped by science, education and a genuine passion for exploration. Kempf led the first French expedition cruise to Antarctica in 1987 with the support of legendary explorer Paul-Émile Victor, wrote more than 26 books, and founded the Arctic Ecology Research Group (GREA). His experience continues to shape every Grands Espaces voyage today.

Earlier this year, ExplorEarth founder Jos Dewing joined Kempf aboard Grand Explorer for a voyage through Svalbard. Over several days, they discussed everything from glaciology and Arctic wildlife to the evolution of expedition cruising itself. Those conversations became one of ExplorEarth's most popular original features, 'An Iceside Chat with the Legendary Expeditioner Christian Kempf', offering readers a rare insight into one of the true pioneers of modern polar travel.

At ExplorEarth, we believe the best travel recommendations come from experience rather than brochures.

Aboard Grand Explorer, that meant discovering what a true boutique expedition feels like. With only 12 guests on board, every landing, Zodiac cruise and wildlife encounter unfolded at a pace that larger ships simply cannot match. Plans evolved around sea ice, wildlife and weather rather than fixed schedules, while conversations with Christian Kempf and the expedition team continued over dinner, on deck and while drifting quietly beneath Svalbard's towering glaciers.

The voyage also reinforced something we often hear from the experts we collaborate with: that truly memorable expeditions are defined as much by the people leading them as the places they visit.

While Grand Explorer and her sister ship Grand Nanook remain at the heart of the Grands Espaces fleet, the company has continued to evolve without losing sight of its founding philosophy.

Alongside its intimate 12-guest expeditions, Grands Espaces now operates carefully selected expedition ships that allow travellers to experience the same expedition-led approach across a wider range of destinations and styles of voyage. These include the innovative 36-guest Captain Arctic, a pioneering low-emission expedition sailing yacht, and the 98-guest Heritage Discoverer, expanding the company's programme in both the Arctic and Antarctica.

Rather than growing through scale alone, Grands Espaces has focused on offering different ways to explore while maintaining the same emphasis on experienced expedition leaders, meaningful time in the field and responsible travel.

A founding purpose of ExplorEarth was to introduce travellers to exceptional expedition companies from around the world, regardless of their size or where they are based.

For English-speaking travellers, Grands Espaces may be a newer name. In France, however, the company has earned a respected reputation over nearly three decades for combining genuine exploration with scientific curiosity and highly personalised travel.

Following our own experience in Svalbard, welcoming Grands Espaces as an approved partner felt like a natural next step.

Our readers can now explore the company's ships, itineraries and destinations across the platform, supported by independent ship guides, original editorial features and first-hand insights from our team.

The size of their fleet does not define the finest expedition companies, but rather the quality of the experiences they create.