Overview
L’Impressionniste is a beautiful, 12-passenger luxury barge that cruises along the Burgundy Canal. The sister ship of La Belle Epoque, this hotel barge combines traditional and French influences to give you the coziest holiday in the French countryside. Light and airy features dominate the interior while selections of Impressionist prints, fabrics and wall colourings give it a classic vibe. There is a sun-deck, spa pool, 12 bikes, and an always open inclusive bar. A choice of single cabin, junior suite is available.
L’Impressionniste quietly voyages through the beautiful Ouche Valley in Southern Burgundy, passing through charming locks and fairytale landscapes. During your holiday you are given ample time to discover medieval villages and castles and enjoy wine tastings in the cellars of renowned Burgundy Domaines.
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge L’Impressionniste
Deluxe | 12 Passengers | 6 Crew
- 126 Feet Long
- 2 Twin/Double Junior Suites (152-156sq ft incl. en suite)
- 4 Twin/Double Staterooms (110-124sq ft incl. en suite)
- Spa Pool
- Air-Conditioned / Centrally Heated
Day 1 Paris Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Guests are met at the meeting point in Paris** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the elegant L’Impressionniste. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and the opportunity to meet the captain and crew. Then enjoy your first dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 2 Fleurey-sur-Ouche Sainte Marie-sur-Ouche
This morning, experience your first day’s cruise along this enchanting canal, which also promises a walk or cycle along an ever-present towpath past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses.
After lunch, visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award a special prized label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages every year. On the way back to the hotel barge, enjoy a tour and a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 3 Sainte Marie-sur Ouche La Bussière
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Old Dijon, including a visit to the vivid produce markets, mustard shops and the impressive Notre-Dame de Dijon church, or enjoy some excellent shopping time. Return to the hotel barge for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussière and perhaps a walk or bicycle ride to the next lock or two. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 4 La Bussière Pont d’Ouche
After a short morning cruise, set off on a drive through the slopes of the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. Here, your expert guide will offer an insight into the production of the region’s finest premier and grand cru wines.
Continue to Beaune – the capital of the Burgundy wine country, for a private tour and tasting at the renowned Domaine Chanson. The tour includes its medieval Bastion de l’Oratoire, a 15th century defence tower whose 25-foot-thick walls now maintain the perfect temperature for ageing wine. This is followed by a private gastronomic lunch in the domaine’s chateau. Afterwards, visit the fascinating Hôtel-Dieu Hospice with time to explore the town, before returning for a short evening cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 5 Pont d’Ouche Vandenesse
After breakfast, cruise to Vandenesse-en-Auxois, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages, crossing the only aqueduct on the Burgundy Canal.
After lunch on board, visit the medieval village, craft shops and castle of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy and offering a fine overview of the feeder lakes, canal and surrounding countryside. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 6 Vandenesse Escommes
Your last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1,250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. This afternoon, visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin where you are lucky enough to enjoy a private tour with a majestic falconry display, followed by the opportunity to meet Count Bertrand de Vogüé – the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogüé family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. You can then explore the regal interior, rustic stables and surrounding gardens. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 7 Escommes Paris
After breakfast, you are transferred back to Paris.
