Banner

L'impressionniste

Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy

Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy

ITINERARY*

Sunday, Day 1 Fleurey-sur-Ouche

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.

Monday, Day 2 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 and a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 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, Day 4 La Bussière to Pont d’Ouche

After a short morning cruise, we set off on a drive through the slopes of the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. Here, our expert guide will offer an insight into the production of the region’s finest Premier and Grand Cru wines. We continue to Beaune – the capital of the Burgundy wine country, for a private tour and tasting at the renowned Domaine Chanson. The tour includes its medieval Bastion de l’Oratoire, a 15th century defence tower whose 25-foot-thick walls now maintain the perfect temperature for ageing wine. This is followed by a private gastronomic lunch in the domaine’s chateau. Afterwards, we visit the fascinating Hôtel-Dieu Hospice with time to explore the town, before returning for a short evening cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 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, 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. This afternoon we visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin where we are lucky enough to enjoy a private tour with a majestic falconry display, followed by the opportunity to meet Count Bertrand de Vogue – the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Guests can then explore the regal interior, rustic stables and surrounding gardens. 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 will be in the reverse direction.
**other locations available for private Charter bookings.

CONTACT US ABOUT THIS CRUISE

I confirm that I have read and agree to European Waterways Privacy Policy.

Cruise Route

Limpressioniste cruise map

Photo Gallery

L'Impressionniste

L'Impressionniste barge

L’Impressionniste is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that cruises the Burgundy Canal in the wine region of Southern Burgundy

12 Passengers 6 Crew More Details

Related Articles

Is Beaune the Most Beautiful Town in Burgundy?

Beaune is overflowing with history, art and wine. Here are the best sites for culture lovers, including parks, museums and of course, tastings. Read More

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Burgundy, France

Burgundy is one of the most idyllic regions in rural France. With so many beautiful places to explore, you’ll need our Top 10 guide to see the best bits! Read More

Clos de Vougeot: Home of the Chevaliers du Tastevin

Learn the secrets of the historic vineyards of Clos de Veugeot and discover why the ancient site represents the winemaking industry of Burgundy Read More

The Ultimate Guide to the Burgundy Canal

The Ultimate Guide to the Burgundy Canal - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more! Read More

Meet L’Impressionniste Captain, Mélissa Gilly

Having lived on a boat from 3 months old to living on a remote French island in the Pacific, L'Impressionniste Captain, Mélissa Gilly has a fascinating story! Read more... Read More

The History of the Burgundy Canal

From how it was made to how it's enjoyed today - read all about the Burgundy Canal's rich and complicated history Read More

X