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.

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.

Cabins 126 Feet long

• 2 Junior Suite *143-152 sq ft incl. en suite
• 4 Staterooms *110-127 sq ft inlc. En suite

Public Area

• 6 person Spa pool (hot tub)
• 12 Bicycles (See Cycling & Walking)
• A small library of books and maps
• A collection of board games
• Boules
• Nordic walking sticks (on request)
• Hi-Fi System with CD player, radio and iPod docking station. There is a selection of CDs on board.
• Guest i-Pods can be connected to the Hi-Fi system

• There are 2 sundecks. The first is 12ft 6″ x 35ft (3.8m x 10.6m). and the second is 12ft 6″ x 9ft 6″ (3.8m x 2.9m). Both decks are made of African Iroko hard-wood and there is a heated Spa pool (hot-tub) for up to 6 passengers.

  For al-fresco dining there is a large table plus 2 smaller ones and 11 chairs and 2 recliners.

L’IMPRESSIONNISTE CLASSIC BURGUNDY CRUISE

Escommes to Fleurey-sur-Ouche

Or vice versa

Sunday, Day 1 Escommes Guests are met 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. Enjoy a stroll into Escommes before dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 Escommes to Vandenesse We begin our voyage this morning from the canal summit in Escommes, 1,250 feet above sea level and cruise to Vandenesse-en-Auxois. 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. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 Vandenesse to Pont d’Ouche This morning we cruise to Pont d’Ouche, crossing the only canal bridge on the Burgundy Canal and a perfect time to explore the towpath on foot or bicycle. After lunch, 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.
Wednesday, Day 4 Pont d’Ouche to La Bussiere 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 production of the domaine’s 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 La Bussière. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 La Bussiere to Sainte Marie-sur-Ouche After breakfast, we cruise past Gissey-sur-Ouche towards our mooring at Sainte Marie, again with plenty of opportunity to walk or cycle along the ever-present towpath past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses. In the afternoon we visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who annually award prized special labels to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages. 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.
Friday, Day 6 Sainte Marie-sur-Ouche to Fleurey-sur-Ouche This morning, we take a walking tour of old Dijon, including a visit to the vivid flower and 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, with perhaps a walk or bicycle ride to the next lock or two, to arrive at our final mooring at Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Fleurey-sur-Ouche After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris**. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. *** Weather dependent ** Other locations available for Private Charter bookings
Friday, Day 6 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***. 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, Day 7 Escommes After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris**. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. *** Weather dependent ** Other locations available for Private Charter bookings

Rates

Rates upon application, Please contact us for current availability.

What is included?

Six nights’ accommodation

All gourmet meals prepared by your private chef

All wines, bar, and refreshment drinks aboard

Transfers to and from the barge from the designated meeting point

Daily excursions with your tour guide in private vehicle

Use of on-board bicycles, library and sound system