MEETING POINT
Meeting Point: France – Dijon - Hotel de la Cloche– 4:30pm

L'Impressionniste Barge Information

The 12 passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque, 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. She offers a sun-deck, spa pool, 12 bikes, and an always open inclusive bar.

A choice of single cabin, junior suite or suite is available and we can offer both double or twin bed configuration. All cabins are air conditioned and have en-suite facilities. She is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Mater Chef, Tour Guide and two Housekeepers who will assure you have everything you need on your all inclusive vacation.

Impressionniste in Southern Burgundy Renoir Bow Suite now has a NEW shower cubicle and no longer a bath for the 2011 season. The Monet still has a full length bathtub with hand held shower and shower curtain

Click here for Agde to Avignon Itineraries

ITINERARY FOR Escommes to Fleurey-sur-Ouche

Sunday – Escommes
You are met at Dijon TGV station at 4pm (If you are staying at Hotel de la Cloche the night before you can be met there at 4.30pm), if you are arriving by TGV and transferred to the elegant L’Impressionniste moored in Escommes for your cruise through Burgundy. A Champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides you with a chance to meet the crew. Enjoy a stroll into Escommes before Dinner aboard.

Monday – Escommes to La Repe
We begin our cruise this morning from the canal summit in Escommes, 1250 feet above sea level, and cruise to La Repe where we cross the only canal bridge on the Burgundy canal. This afternoon we visit Chateau de Commarin built in 1346. 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. Dinner aboard.
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Tuesday – La Repe to Pont d’Ouche
Morning cruise to Pont d’Ouche and then after lunch, we embark on an excursion cross the premier cru vineyards to Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country with a history going back over 2000 years. We tour the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice and visit an excellent Burgundy winery and sample some of the local wines . Dinner aboard.

Wednesday – Pont d’Ouche to La Bussière
Morning tour of the medieval village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, situated on top of a hill overlooking the Auxois plains and the village of Vandenesse. The original square keep of the Chateau, built in the 12th Century, is surrounded by structures built a few centuries later as updated living quarters in a flamboyant late Gothic style. Exclusive tour of the magnificent 12th century Abbaye de la Bussière. 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. Return to the barge and cruise to La Bussière. Light dinner aboard

Thursday - La Bussière to Gissey sur Ouche
After breakfast we cruise to Gissey sur Ouche. In the afternoon we visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a prized special label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages. Next, we stop in one of the great cellars of Burgundy for a tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner aboard

Friday – Gissey sur Ouche to Fleurey sur Ouche
Transfer to Dijon after breakfast and enjoy the produce market and a walking tour of old Dijon. We also visit the flamboyant 14th century Ducal Palace, a fine example of early classical French architecture and home of a fine art museum. If you prefer you can enjoy some excellent shopping time. After lunch we cruise to Fleurey sur Ouche for our final mooring. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday – Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station or to Dijon centre by 9.40am.

This is a sample a itinerary and is subject to change.  On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.

ITINERARY - Fleurey sur Ouche to Escommes

Sunday, Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche
You are met at Dijon TGV Station at 4.00pm, (If you are staying the night before at Hotel de la Cloche in Dijon we can meet you there at 4.30pm) 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 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 Vandenesse
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 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. 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 on board

Saturday, Escommes to Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon TGV station or Dijon centre by 9.40am.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.  On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.