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L'Impressionniste
Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Escommes
Overview
France is where the idea of luxury barge cruises first started, due in no small part to the myriad of waterways which cross not only its scenic countryside, but also many of its historic towns and cities. And while a Burgundy barge cruise may not be one of the best known holiday options for visitors to France, those who do discover hotel barging in Burgundy are sure not to be disappointed. In fact, taking a Burgundy barge cruise down one of the region’s canals is a truly wonderful experience. The area boasts some of the world’s finest wines with around 60,000 acres of sunlit vines and arguably the prettiest canals in France. The waterways wind through the heart of the territory’s renowned vineyards, medieval towns, elegant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals, picturesque villages and wonderful local markets. En route, barging in Burgundy guarantees our clients a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. This is a region with a vast variety of cheeses, in all shapes, sizes and colours, strong in character or mild and fresh and all can be enjoyed with full-bodied red Burgundies, or perhaps with lighter white Chablis wines. The Burgundian gastronomic tradition is rich and diverse and a sedate Burgundy barge cruise along one of its delightful waterways will allow you to indulge along the way in good food and wine: two of life’s essential pleasures. Please Note: Culinary, Family, Golf, Wine Appreciation Theme Cruises available. Please contact us for more details. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1,250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. This afternoon we visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin where we are lucky enough to enjoy a private tour, accompanied by none other than Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Count de Vogue will offer insight into the Château’s fascinating history, after which guests can explore the regal interior, rustic stables and surrounding gardens. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
L'Impressionniste
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge / River Boat Length: 128 feet / 39.01 meters Passenger Capacity: 12 L’Impressionniste is in many ways similar to our other 12 passenger hotel barge in Burgundy, La Belle Epoque, offering an onboard ambience that combines traditional and more modern French influences. Her light and airy interior features picture windows and prints reminiscent of the era after which she has been named. In the spacious saloon with its rich-coloured teak flooring and soft lighting, there are balloon-backed dining chairs and comfortable leather sofas that complete the effect. The cabins, each one bearing the name of a renowned Impressionist painter, offer a choice of accommodation in two junior suites or four staterooms, complemented by modern en suite shower rooms. Twin or double bed configurations are also available. L’Impressionniste glides gently through the picturesque Ouche Valley in Southern Burgundy through locks with their charming lock-houses. You will see medieval villages perched on hilltops and have the opportunity to discover a region famed for its history and viticulture, with visits to such places as Beaune, the local ‘wine capital’, and the elegant city of Dijon.
Highlights
• Visit Clos de Vougeot, home of the Chevaliers du Tastevin • Private wine tastings in the cellars of renowned Burgundy domaines • Tour of Dijon and its markets • Visit to the moat encircled Château de Commarin • Visit to Beaune, including Hôtel-Dieu Hospice • Gastronomic private lunch at Château de Beaune • Visit to medieval Châteauneuf-en-Auxois • Optional hot air ballooning • Excellent towpath for walking and cycling • “Biking Plus” option available
Map
