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Barges In France: L'Impressionniste
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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 junior suites and four staterooms with twin beds or queen bed, plus a single cabin with twin bed, all with ensuite bathroom with shower, except for the Monet suite, which has an ensuite bathroom with bathtub. 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 Jr. Suite 170 sq feet with twins or queen bed and ensuite bathroom with bathtub. Renoir Bow Jr. Suite 155 sq feet with queen bed, Degas and Sisley staterooms (stern) 135 sq feet with twins or queen bed. Cezanne and Pissaro staterooms (bow) 125 sq feet with twin beds. Single cabin with twin bed 90 sq ft. Renoir suite, 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
L'Impressionniste's Deck Plan



Passenger Comments:


This was the best organized travel we have ever encountered. Our excursions were vey interesting and informative, the barge provided a relaxed environment with great food and wines, there was easy interaction with other passengers, and we had a marvelous skipper and barge team.
Russell & Diane E., Australia, May 2011

The food was the high point of our cruise along with the incredibly beautiful French countryside. Dijon was a great city to walk through. Max made sure all excursions were good. He really tried his best at all times. He knows the area extremely well. He would take us on routes that gave us beautiful views. Chef Natalie was absolutely wonderful. She made great meals that not only were wonderful tasting but quite healthy. She used a great deal of vegetables which made the meals lighter. The wines were of a superior quality and Max did a great job of telling us about them. The crew was great, only ask once and they jumped.
Client, California, September 2011

Captain Max is a Burgundian treasure. His knowledge of French history, Burgundy and the wine pulled the whole tip together. The food and wines were all superb! Our best vacation ever!
Ted and Maryann H., Pennsylvania September 2011

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*
Burgundy: Canal du Bourgogne:
Fleury sur Ouche to Escommes

Sunday - Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche
You are met at the designated meeting point 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 aboard.

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 vivid and produce markets, mustard shops and the impressive Notre Dame de 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
After a morning cruise 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 Emmanuel Hebrard in the Bistro or Garden Restaurant whilst enjoying a selection of local burgundies. 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. Dinner aboard.

Thursday - Pont d'Ouche to La Repe

After breakfast we cruise to La Repe, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages crossing the only canal bridge on the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon we drive 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 an excellent Burgundy winery and sample some of the local wines. Dinner aboard.

Friday - Vandenesse to Escommes
Our last day's leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. 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. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board

Saturday - Escommes to Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to the designated drop off point.

NOTE: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.



L'Impressionniste
2012 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Apr 1 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Value
Apr 8 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Value
Apr 15 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Value
Apr 22 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Value
Apr 29 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Value
May 6 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
May 13 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
May 20 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
May 27 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jun 3 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Jun 10 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jun 17 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Jun 24 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jul 1 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Jul 8 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jul 15 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Value
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 22 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Value
Jul 29 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Value
Aug 5 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Value
Aug 12 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Value
Aug 19 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Value
Aug 26 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Sep 2 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Sep 9 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Sep 16 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Sep 23 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Sep 30 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Oct 7 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Value
Oct 14 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Value
Oct 21 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Value
Oct 28 Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Value


The L'Impressionniste's route through the Southern Burgundy, from Escommes to Fleury sur Ouche on the Canal de Bourgogne.
The L'Impressionniste's route through the Southern Burgundy, from Escommes to Fleury sur Ouche on the Canal de Bourgogne. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal de Bourgogne.

*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
2012 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION VALUE
Apr 1 thru May 5
Jul 15 thru Aug 25
Oct 7 thru Nov 3
REGULAR
May 6 thru Jul 14
Aug 26 thru Oct 6
Stateroom (per person, double occupancy)
$4,550
$5,190
Junior Suite (per person, double occ)
$4,690
$5,390
Single Occupancy Supplement
$1,750
$1,950
Single in Single Cabin
$4,890
$5,650
Charter for 8
$44,400
$52,500
Charter for 9
$45,900
$54,000
Charter for 10
$47,400
$55,500
Charter for 11
$48,700
$57,500
Charter for 12
$50,000
$58,500


What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Paris 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
- Suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain

Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™

For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com



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Last Update: January 12, 2012

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CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association, OSSN-Outside Sales Support Network. 
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Cards Welcome