Grands Espaces
Grands Espaces is much more than an ordinary cruise. The voyages are exploratory tours into nature. The focus is on consciously experiencing the world and its landscapes. Welcome on board.
In the world of expedition travel, Grands Espaces stands out with a philosophy deeply rooted in respect for nature and its peoples. Founded over 25 years ago by the scientist and explorer Christian Kempf, the agency specializes in cruises with small groups. They offer an authentic immersion in the most remote regions of the world. Their mission statement: to explore in order to experience, understand and sustainably preserve.
Christian Kempf – researcher converted to tourism
The creation of Grands Espaces is inextricably linked to the extraordinary career of its founder Christian Kempf, a pioneer of research expeditions to the polar regions. When Kempf set foot on Arctic soil for the first time in 1973, his thirst for exploration was awakened. Since then, he has been fascinated by the far north, which has shaped his entire life’s work. For decades, he tirelessly roamed these magical landscapes, studying the fauna, the pack ice and the consequences of climate change. He received several French and European awards for his work and his global commitment to fragile ecosystems. In addition, he has always been keen to pass on his passion and raise awareness of nature. So in 1998, he founded Grands Espaces to use explorations to gain knowledge and invite fellow travelers to get involved in nature conservation beyond the trip itself. His motto “Amazement is the first step towards conservation” embodies the agency’s philosophy. He still runs Grands Espaces today and continues to be involved on the ground as an expedition leader.
Immerse yourself in harmony with nature
The Grands Espaces travel concept is based on the observation and understanding of nature as the sole ruler. Everything you have known up to now fades into the background: set off in small groups on adventures to the remotest regions of the world, where only the rhythm of the elements determines the time – and not rushing from appointment to appointment. There are no concerts or evening programs on these cruises. The only entertainment is what happens outside the ship, because the landscapes are self-sufficient. In addition to trips to the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, Grands Espaces also offers expeditions to other regions, such as the Amazon, the far north of Canada, southern Africa, Uganda or Norway. No matter where the journey takes them, travelers move “on tiptoe”, in harmony with the magnificent landscapes that surround them. Grands Espaces has always focused on small groups to minimize the impact on the environment of the areas visited. The trips take place on boats and yachts for only 12 to 70 travelers, so that remote areas can be visited that are not accessible to larger ships. This manageable size allows for longer stays ashore and unforgettable experiences: Discovery tours, dinghy trips and wildlife spotting. On board, experienced and articulate guides with their extensive knowledge of the areas visited ensure that every trip offers an opportunity for exchange and knowledge transfer – and invites you to enjoy nature together.
Sustainable and conservative
tourism approach
The company aims to raise travelers’ awareness of the need to protect the regions they visit. Grands Espaces is committed to responsible tourism, which includes an understanding of the habitats visited and respect for natural balances. The routes are flexible. They depend on the elements and are adapted to them. Special attention is paid to observing animals without disturbing them. Travelers are observers who absorb the beauty of the landscapes and cultures and make contact with flora and fauna on their forays. This commitment to responsible tourism is exemplified by the Captain Arctic. This revolutionary 70-metre-long ship with room for up to 36 guests combines comfort and technological innovation and makes a significant contribution to reducing the ecological footprint. It has wing masts fitted with solar panels that can withstand the polar cold. Thanks to wind and solar energy, the ship can sail 90% Co2-neutral. The Captain Arctic is able to independently obtain fresh water from the sea, is equipped with a pellet heating system that uses recycled wood waste and has innovative equipment designed to significantly reduce waste in the sea. From November 2026, Christian Kempf will organize trips on the Captain Arctic to the Norwegian fjords and marine life. From summer 2027, Spitsbergen and Greenland with their icebergs and polar bears await guests. Traveling with Grands Espaces means traveling authentically outside the hustle and bustle of everyday life, educating yourself, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the world and standing up for the preservation of untouched, fragile nature.
