Barge Cruise: L'Impressionniste
Cruise In France On The Canal de Bourgogne In Southern Burgundy Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge L'IMPRESSIONNISTE
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 12-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 coverings that are reminiscent of the turn of the century era for which she has been named. There are two large junior suites plus four smaller cabins, all with either twin or queen size beds. Each cabin also has its own ensuite bathroom with shower. She is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Master Chef, Tour Guide and a crew of three.
L'Impressionniste cruises in Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne between Fleurey sur Ouche and Escommes. This itinerary includes excursions to Dijon, Beaune, Clos de Vougeot, the headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, a private wine tasting at a family run Domaine in the heart of Nuits-St-Georges on the route des Grands Crus, and a gastronomic lunch in the delightful orangery of Chateau de Beaune.
We have visited and cruised on L'Impressionniste many times over the years and have found that it consistently provides a great cruise, great cuisine and wines and excellent excursions. It also offers family cruises, wine appreciation charters and golf charters -- itineraries and rates can be provided upon request. In September 2018 we spent a week on board enjoying the beautiful Burgundy Canal as well as the outstanding cuisine and the excursions led by Captain Dan.
Features
- Size of barge: 126 by 16.5 ft
- Number of Passengers: 12
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
- Crew: 6
- 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 (smaller one is shaded) with 2 steamer chairs, reclining chairs, large table for dining, and jacuzzi
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Monet stern junior suite 156 sq feet, Renoir bow junior suite 152 sq feet, Degas and Sisley stern cabins 124 sq feet, Cezanne and Pissaro bow cabins 110 sq feet. All with twin beds or queen bed and include ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase Mercedes minibus and 6-seater (not including driver) Mercedes minibus, both air-conditioned.
- Accessibility: 2 steps from deck to salon, 9 steps from the salon to stern cabins with handrail plus 5 steps up to bow cabins.
- Bicycles: 12 bicycles on board.
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
L'Impressionniste's Deck Plan
| L'IMPRESSIONNISTE 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 4 thru Apr 24 Jul 18 thru Aug 28 Oct 3 thru Oct 30 |
REGULAR Apr 25 thru Jul 17 Aug 29 thru Oct 2 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,350 |
$6,290 |
| Junior Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,650 |
$6,590 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,950 |
$2,250 |
| Charter for 8 |
$54,900 |
$63,300 |
| Charter for 9 |
$56,600 |
$65,400 |
| Charter for 10 |
$57,900 |
$67,100 |
| Charter for 11 |
$59,200 |
$68,800 |
| Charter for 12 |
$60,500 |
$70,500 |
| L'IMPRESSIONNISTE 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 3 thru Apr 30 Jul 17 thru Aug 27 Oct 9 thru Oct 29 |
REGULAR May 1 thru Jul 16 Aug 28 thru Oct 8 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,590 |
$6,590 |
| Junior Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,950 |
$6,990 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$2,050 |
$2,350 |
| Charter for 8 |
$57,900 |
$66,600 |
| Charter for 9 |
$59,600 |
$68,800 |
| Charter for 10 |
$60,900 |
$70,600 |
| Charter for 11 |
$62,200 |
$72,400 |
| Charter for 12 |
$63,500 |
$74,200 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return for cabin bookings. Transfers from Paris, Geneva or Lyon to the barge and return for charter bookings.
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one gastronomic lunch on shore
- 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
- Trip cancellation insurance
|
L'Impressionniste 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 4 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Apr 11 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Apr 18 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Apr 25 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| May 2 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| May 9 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| May 16 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| May 23 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| May 30 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jun 6 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jun 13 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jul 18 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Jul 25 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Aug 1 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Aug 8 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Aug 15 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Aug 22 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Aug 29 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Oct 3 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Oct 10 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Oct 17 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Oct 24 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
|
L'Impressionniste 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Mar 27 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Apr 3 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Apr 10 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Apr 17 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Apr 24 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| May 1 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| May 8 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| May 15 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| May 22 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| May 29 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jul 10 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Jul 24 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Jul 31 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Aug 7 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Aug 14 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Aug 21 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Aug 28 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Oct 9 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Oct 16 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Oct 23 | 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.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal du Bourgogne
Fleurey-Sur-Ouche to Escommes 2023
Burgundy: Canal du Bourgogne
Fleurey-Sur-Ouche to Escommes 2023
Chateau de Clos de Vougeot
Notre-Dame de Dijon
Chateau Bouchard et Pere Fils
Chateauneuf-en-Auxois
Chateau de Commarin
Guests are met at the designated pick up 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.
Monday - Fleurey-sur-Ouche to 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 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..
Tuesday - Sainte Marie-sur-Ouche to 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, 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.
Wednesday - La Bussière to Pont d'Ouche
After a short morning cruise, we set off on a drive through the vineyards, stopping en route at the "vigne de l'enfant Jesus", a famous vineyard owned by the Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils. There, a wine expert will give us a real insight into the domaine's production of its Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines. We continue to Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country, for a winery tour and private tasting of Bouchard Père et Fils wines before enjoying a gastronomic lunch in the orangery of Château de Beaune, owned by the winery since 1820. Afterwards, we visit the fascinating 15th century Hôtel-Dieu Hospice and explore the town, before returning to the barge for a short evening cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse
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.
Friday - Vandenesse to Escommes
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 (weather dependent). 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.
Saturday - Escommes
After breakfast, guests are transferred to the designated drop off point in Paris. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the opposite direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Dining Aboard L'Impressionniste:
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
- Freshly baked croissants, pastries and breads
- Cereals
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh fruit juices
- Coffee and a selection of teas
LUNCH
- Vichyssoise, saffron & vegetable risotto with prawns cooked in a persillade
- Tarte provencale, eggs mimosa, pan fried Reblochon, green salad and savoie smoked ham
- Petit farcis stuffed peppers & mushrooms with rice nicoise salad
- Pasta with homemade pesto, grilled quail with honey and paprika accompanied by a green salad with avocado and spring onion
- Assorted cheese board that may include Comte, Chaource, Reblochon
- Fromage blanc with raspberries and Gavottes biscuits
- Pear & chocolate crumble
DINNER
- Salmon with lemon and chive cream
- Petite filo sacks with goat cheese, apples and honey
- Roasted breast of duck with raspberry and red wine sauce
- Guinea fowl with tarragon and raisin sauce accompanied by French beans and piperade (sauteed peppers)
- Scallops a la Bretonne
- Fillet of pork with a Dijon mustard sauce accompanied by ratatouille and gratin dauphinoise
- Fillet of beef with pepper sauce accompanied by mashed potato and tomato provencal and carrots
- Tuna tartar with a cucumber cream
- Roasted leg of lamb with a red wine & rosemary jus accompanied by snow peas, baby carrots and turnips
- Homemade foie gras terrine
DESSERTS
- Crepes Suzette
- Tiramisu
- Lemon tartelettes and raspberry coulis
- Vanillia crème brulee
- Tartlette tatin with vanilla ice cream
- Molten chocolate cake with vanilla custard
- Assorted cheese board St Felicien, Tomme de Savoie, Bleu de Auvergne, Ossau Iraty,Brie de Meaux, Regal de Bourgogne aux raisins, Camembert, Langres, Roquefort, Epoisses
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Domaine Laroche, Chablis Premier Cru; Domaine Bruno Clair, Marsannay; Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils, Meursault 'Les Clous'; Domaine Comte Georges de Vôgué, Musigny; Château de la Saule, Montagny Premier Cru; Domaine Jadot, Ladoix 'Les Clous d'Orge'
Passenger Comments:
The service was truly wonderful. The entire crew was professional, friendly, and catered to our every need. Captain and Tour Director Dan Jones not only ensured our safety and comfort but also proved to be an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Chef Joss delighted us with memorable meals throughout the week. Pilot Loic and matelot Albert amazed us with their precision and expertise. Dear Aoife and Max treated us royally and were attentive to our every need. The meals and wines were exceptional. Chef Joss is to be commended for his broad culinary skills. The variety of regional dishes, excellent wine pairings, and selection of cheeses from all of France were superb. I very much enjoyed Aoife's and Max's presentations on the wines and cheeses offered to us. I particularly enjoyed our day in Beaune, including the excellent Bouchard Pere et Fils tour and wine tasting led by Charles, lunch at the Chateau de Beaune, and Captain Dan's expert tour of the 15th century Hotel-Dieu Hospice. Another highlight of the cruise was the walking tour of old Dijon, particularly the visit to the produce markets led by Chef Joss.K.W. MD USA
Staff was wonderful!! I thought everyone was friendly and welcoming! The chef was fantastic! Some of the meals were really outstanding and everything was very good! I really enjoyed the lunch at the winery in Beaune, the market in Dijon and walking the path along the canal and into the little towns. I enjoyed watching the 'truffle dog" do his job.
B.S. WI, USA
It was fantastic. Loved everything about it! Even 6 days of rain and overcast did not spoil the fun. Dana and I were both very impressed. The high points were the cruising itself, through such beautiful countryside. The captain was a special treat, his being French was very nice and gave a special flavor to the trip. The meals were excellent and presented beautifully!
S.W. MO, USA
The barge trip was amazing. The high points were being together on board, the meals and the wine tasting, visiting the different locations and wine tasting, bike riding, exploring the area.
M.G. CA USA
Truly grand experience. Staff went overboard to give us a grand cruise with very special excursions, Especially one we requested to the Cistercian Abbey.
M.G. WI USA
LINKS to L'Impressionniste Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023