OVERVIEW

CLASSIC ITINERARY – SOUTHERN BURGANDY

L’Impressionniste, a 12-passenger hotel barge similar to La Belle Epoque, offers an enchanting onboard atmosphere that blends traditional and modern French styles, cruising through Southern Burgundy’s picturesque Ouche Valley. Named after the Impressionist era, the barge features a light and airy interior with picture windows and thematic prints that enhance its elegant design.

The spacious saloon boasts rich-coloured teak flooring and soft lighting, furnished with balloon-backed dining chairs and comfortable leather sofas, creating a refined and inviting environment. The cabins, each named after a famous Impressionist painter, provide a choice of two junior suites or four staterooms, all equipped with modern en-suite shower rooms and available in twin or double bed configurations.

As L’Impressionniste navigates through the scenic waterway, passengers can admire the rustic charm of lock-houses and medieval villages crowning the hilltops. The cruise offers explorations of a region celebrated for its deep historical roots and renowned viticulture. Excursions include visits to Beaune, recognized as the local ‘wine capital’, and Dijon, an elegant city that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the area. This voyage on L’Impressionniste not only promises a visual and sensory delight but also an immersive experience into the heart of Burgundy’s history and wine country.

 

 

 

     

     7 days

     From $8,925 per person, twin share

Send Enquiry

2 + 5 =

Cruise Package includes all meals catered for by the on-board Master Chef and an open bar with a large selection regional wines. Chauffeured and guided sightseeing plus the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles is also included.

Inclusions

  • 6 Nights accommodation in air-conditioned, en suite cabins
  • All excursions and admittance fees
  • All gourmet meals aboard and ashore
  • Champagne welcome
  • Local transfers to and from the designated meeting point
  • Open bar
  • Other hotel barge facilities such as a spa pool
  • Selected regional wines
  • Use of bicycles

City: Fleurey-sur-Ouche

Country: France

Guests are met at our 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.

 

 

City: Fleurey-sur-Ouche

Country: France

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 we 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 we enjoy a tour of the cellars and a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines at another long-established domaine. Dinner on board.

 

City: Sainte Marie-sur Ouche

Country: France

 

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, 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.

City: La Bussière

Country: France

 

After a short morning cruise, we set off on a drive through the slopes of the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. Here, our expert guide will offer an insight into the production of the region’s finest Premier and Grand Cru wines. We 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, we 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.

City: Pont d’Ouche

Country: France

 

After breakfast, we 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, we 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.

City: Vandenesse

Country: France

 

Our last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1,250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. After an early lunch, we visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin to be treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry***. The close up encounter with these majestic birds against the backdrop of the castle grounds is an amazing experience and afterwards, we meet Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century, who will give a fascinating insight into the Château’s history. This is followed by a private tour of the building. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

City: Escommes

Country: France

 

After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris.