French Explorers Jean-Louis and Elsa Pény-Étienne Share Polar Missions and Vision in San Diego

(photos : Alliance Française San Diego)

This October, San Diego welcomed two extraordinary French explorers whose visit bridged science, art, and environmental advocacy. Jean-Louis Étienne, celebrated physician, climate advocate, and first man to reach the North Pole solo, and his long-time collaborator Elsa Pény-Étienne, explorer, writer, and Executive Director of their joint expeditions, spent several days in the city before setting sail toward their next great adventure, a journey that will soon take them to the Southern Ocean.

Their stop in San Diego followed a visit to San Francisco, where they engaged with members of the scientific and Francophone communities. Returning to Southern California held special significance: both had lived in San Diego years ago, forging lasting ties with the local research community.

The couple’s stay marked a highlight in the ongoing expedition, a visionary program that merges oceanography, sustainable innovation, and education. The visit included a public lecture at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and exclusive fundraising evenings aboard their 42-meter schooner, PERSEVERANCE, docked in San Diego Bay.

Exploring the Frontiers of the Southern Ocean

Dr. Lia Siegelman, Dr. Luc Lenain and Jean Louis Etienne (photo : Alliance Française San Diego)

On October 9, the Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla drew a full house for an evening devoted to oceanographic research and climate science. Explorer Jean-Louis Étienne headlined the event with his keynote, “Polar POD: Unprecedented Exploration of the Southern Ocean,” in which he outlined the bold vision behind the mission, a pioneering, zero-emission platform set to drift for three years across the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, one of the most remote and challenging regions on Earth.

He was joined by Dr. Luc Lenain and Dr. Lia Siegelman, two distinguished French scientists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Together, the three offered a compelling vision of what the Polar POD represents: a bold, collaborative endeavor to push the frontiers of marine science and expand our understanding of the planet’s most remote regions.

PERSEVERANCE: A Vessel of Discovery and Advocacy

(photos copyright 7C by courtesy of Perseverance team and Alliance Française San Diego)

For several days, the schooner PERSEVERANCE transformed the San Diego waterfront into a space of dialogue and discovery. Built in Brittany two years ago, the vessel embodies the cutting edge of maritime innovation, highly efficient, self-sufficient in fresh water, and designed for minimal carbon emissions. 

During the fundraising evenings aboard, guests had the rare opportunity to meet Jean-Louis and Elsa Pény-Étienne in person, tour the ship’s research facilities, and enjoy a reception prepared by the onboard chef. Proceeds from the events directly supported the expedition’s scientific and educational programs.

More than a ship, PERSEVERANCE is a symbol, a testament to a new era of exploration that unites adventure, science, and environmental advocacy. As it continues its voyage southward, the schooner will document fragile Antarctic ecosystems. 

Their first stop will be the remote French atoll of Clipperton, a tiny desert island where they will work to protect the rare bird species that inhabit it. Individuals interested in joining the expedition can book a trip aboard PERSEVERANCE, whose interior, designed by Elsa Pény-Étienne, is elegant, modern, and comfortable, offering a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the adventure and scientific work of the mission.

Elsa Pény-Étienne: At the Crossroads of Art and Exploration

Elsa Peny Etienne at the French Literature and Arts Festival - photo : Alliance Francaise San Diego

While Jean-Louis Étienne’s name is long associated with polar adventure, Elsa Pény-Étienne brings an equally essential perspective. A writer and illustrator of youth books, she was also among the featured authors at the French Literature and Arts Festival (FLAF) organized by the Alliance Française de San Diego. Her participation highlighted the deep connection between art, exploration, and ecology.

“Our expeditions are not only about discovery,” she said. “They are about connection, between science and art, the individual and the collective, humanity and its environment.”

True to their life’s mission, the Étiennes devoted part of their stay to education and outreach. Through engaging talks and school visits, they encouraged young people to see exploration not as an act of escape, but as a way to care for the planet.

Sailing Southward

As PERSEVERANCE departs for the Southern Ocean, Jean-Louis and Elsa continue to raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of our planet’s most remote regions.

Those who wish to support their mission and contribute to the expedition can visit their website to make a donation, helping the team continue documenting, educating, and inspiring future generations.

Perseverance© Francis Latreille copyright 7C by courtesy of Perseverance team