Cruise in Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge L'IMPRESSIONNISTE
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 13-passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque in Burgundy, began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today. Her light and airy interior features picture windows and selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which she has been named. There are two large suites and four junior suites with twin beds or queen bed, plus a single cabin with bathroom. She is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Master Chef and crew of three.
L'Impressionniste cruises in Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne between Dijon and Escommes. This itinerary includes excursions to Dijon, Beaune, Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, private wine tasting at a family run Domaine in the heart of Nuits-St-Georges on the route des Grands Crus, 13th century Chateau de Commarin, and the 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere including luncheon in the Michelin starred restaurant.
Features
- Size of barge: 126 by 16.5 ft
- Number of Passengers: 13
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 7
- Crew: 5
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Salon/dining area with large picture windows, built-in sofa area and large dining table.
- Bar: Open bar.
- Deck: Two sundecks (one is shaded) with steamer chairs, reclining chairs, large table for dining, and jacuzzi
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Monet Stern Suite 170 sq feet with twins or queen bed, Renoir Bow Suite 155 sq feet with queen bed, both including ensuite bathroom with bathtub. Degas and Sisley Junior Suites (stern) 135 sq feet with twins or queen bed. Cezanne and Pissaro Junior Suites (bow) 125 sq feet with twin beds. Single cabin with twin bed 90 sq ft. Junior suites and single cabin include ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase VW Caravelle minibus and 6-seater (not including driver) VW Sharan minibus, both air-conditioned.
- Accessibility: Steps to salon and to cabins.
- Bicycles: 12 mountain bikes with 14 speed gears.
L'Impressionniste's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:
Really fantastic, relaxing, great service, the crew - Captain Nicholas, Laurent, Sarah, Tara, and Aiden the amazing chef all bent over backwards to make us feel special and the sights and events really rewarding. Highlight of the trip - Aiden prepared the meals beautifully using fresh ingredients every day and was quite proud to describe his dishes in wonderful detail. Wines and cheeses were perfect complements to the meals - descriptions provided were also informative and added to the experience.
-- J.H., NH, USA
I was happy with the entire cruise. All 5 members of the staff were excellent. They were very friendly and anxious to please. The crew went out of their way to make everything perfect. The meals and wines were excellent. Again, the chef and crew did everything possible to make sure we had the best of everything. He worked hard to come up with special items that we mentioned.
-- S.W. NJ, USA
Just wanted to let you know that we have returned from our trip. The barge trip was even better than I thought it would be. Thank you for all your work in coordinating and seeing that we were picked up. It was an exceptionally nice crew and a pleasant mix of passengers. I didn't get bored, because I was off the barge early either walking or biking in the morning. In the afternoon they transported us daily to some interesting place. I would recommend you and the barge company to everyone.
-- A.K., CA, USA
Lovely trip, fabulous crew. I felt that Nikko was extremely qualified for his job...excellent skipper. Aiden, Sarah, Laurent and Tara put the trip over the top each in their own way. Scenery and choice of towns we visited was wonderful. Would have liked more time in some towns. Thank you all for everything! We will always remember this as a very special trip.
-- T.H., NJ, USA
Barging on the canal aboard L'Impressionniste in Burgundy was one of the most delightful vacations I have ever taken:) The crew, Neal, John, Pixie, Barbara, and Darren were so knowledgeable, professional, caring, and fun, providing us with a marvelous 6 days. The food, wine, and cheeses were superb....the accommodations most comfortable and of course the locale was idyllic! I couldn't be more enthusiastic in relating to friends here just how unique and memorable this adventure proved to be.
-- J.L., IL, USA
We truly enjoyed everything, especially our wonderful crew. They made us feel like we were the best group they had all season.
-- R.G., CA, USA
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Southern Burgundy: Canal du Bourgogne:
Fleury sur Ouche to Escommes
Sunday - Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche
You are met at the Hotel de la Cloche in Dijon at 4.30pm or Dijon TGV Station at 4.00pm (on request) and transferred to the elegant L'Impressionniste moored in Fleurey sur Ouche for your cruise through Burgundy. A Champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides you with a chance to meet the crew. Dinner on board.
Monday - Fleurey sur Ouche to Gissey 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 cruising past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses. After lunch we visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a special prized label to the finest Cote d'Or vintages. On the way back to the barge visit one of the great cellars of Burgundy where we enjoy a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday - Gissey sur Ouche to La Bussiere
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon including a visit to the produce market, mustard shops and the flamboyant 14th century Ducal Palace which hosts the art museum of Dijon (or enjoy some excellent shopping time). Return to the boat for lunch and leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussiere. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday - La Bussiere to Pont d'Ouche
An exclusive tour of the magnificent 12th Century Abbaye de la Bussiere. The ornamental gardens and lake, wine press, crypt and cellars are interwoven with ancient colonnades, stone staircases and huge stained glass windows. After a Kir Royale aperitif, we enjoy the gastronomic delights of Master Chef Olivier Elzer in the vaulted Michelin starred restaurant whilst enjoying the sommelier's choice of local burgundies. This afternoon we visit the moat-encircled 13th century Chateau de Commarin. Going back 26 generations, the de Vogue family ownership portrays an insight into the glamorous lives of the French aristocracy as well as showing off the Chateau, stables and landscaped gardens. Late afternoon cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Light dinner aboard.
Thursday - Pont d'Ouche to La Repe
After breakfast we cruise to Vandenesse, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages crossing the only canal bridge on the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon we cross the premier cru vineyards into Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country with a history going back over 2000 years. We absorb the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice and visit Maison Champy, Beaune's oldest winery established in 1720 with even older cellars. Dinner aboard.
Friday - La Repe to Escommes
Our last day's leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. Mid afternoon, we visit the medieval village, craft shops and castle of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy and offering a fine overview of the feeder lakes, canal and surrounding countryside. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday - Escommes to Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon TGV station, Dijon centre or Hotel de la Cloche by 9.40am. (Suggested train to Paris TGV 6710 departing Dijon at 9.57 and arrive in Paris, Gare de Lyon at 11.37am).
Note: This is a sample itinerary and subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.
L'Impressionniste
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 28 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Apr 4 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Apr 11 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Apr 18 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Apr 25 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| May 2 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| May 9 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| May 16 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 23 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 30 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 6 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 13 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 20 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 27 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 4 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jul 11 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 18 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 25 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Aug 1 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Aug 8 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Aug 15 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Aug 22 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Aug 29 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Sep 5 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 19 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 26 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 10 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Oct 17 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Oct 24 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Oct 31 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Nov 7 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
L'IMPRESSIONNISTE
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE Mar 28 thru May 15 Jul 25 thru Sep 4 Oct 17 thru Nov 13 |
REGULAR May 16 thru Jul 24 Sep 5 thru Oct 16 |
|
Junior Suite (per person, double occ) |
$4,350 |
$4,990 |
|
Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,590 |
$5,290 |
|
Single in Single Cabin |
$4,750 |
$5,450 |
|
Suite Single Supplement |
$1,700 |
$1,900 |
|
Charter for 10 |
$46,900 |
$54,500 |
|
Charter for 11 |
$48,200 |
$56,000 |
|
Charter for 12 |
$49,500 |
$57,500 |
|
Charter for 13 |
$50,800 |
$59,000 |
|
Golf Supplement (pp w/ 4 players minimum) |
$400 |
$400 |
|
Golf Cruise Charter Supplement |
$4,000 |
$4,000 |
|
Wine Cruise Charter Supplement |
$5,000 |
$5,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- transfers from Dijon to the barge and return
- all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- all wines with lunches and dinners
- open bar
- all escorted side-excursions (golf at additional cost)
- use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- transportation from Paris to Dijon and return
- suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain
 |
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|
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Last Update: January 19, 2010
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