Standard Classic Cruise Itinerary
From May 2026 through end of season
From early May 2026, for the remainder of the 2026 season, due to engineering work on her usual itinerary, L'Impressionniste will cruise on the Canal du Centre, approximately 25 miles to the south. Most of L'Impressionniste's usual excursions will still be offered, including Dijon, Clos de Vougeot, and Beaune.
While the route is slightly different, guests can still enjoy the charm, scenery, and cultural experiences that make a Burgundy barge cruise so special. The Canal du Centre offers equally enchanting landscapes, historic villages, and opportunities to explore Burgundy's renowned wine and gastronomy, ensuring a memorable and authentic experience.
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Sunday, Day 1 - Chalon-sur-Saône
Guests are met in Paris or Dijon and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to L'Impressionniste. A champagne welcome and the opportunity to meet the crew, followed by dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Chalon-sur-Saône to Fragnes
We begin our voyage this morning through Southern Burgundy along the peaceful River Saône, before joining the Canal du Centre at Chalon-sur-Saône to arrive at our mooring in Fragnes. After lunch we visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin (translates as “Fraternity of Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup”), who award a special prized label to the finest Côte d'Or vintages every year. On our way back to the barge, we will stop at the prestigious vineyard of Romanée Conti for a brief history on the significance of its wines. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Fragnes to Rully
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. We return to L'Impressionniste for lunch followed by an afternoon cruise with perfect opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath en route, to our mooring near the village of Rully. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Rully to Remigny
After a short morning cruise to Chagny, 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 defense 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 to the barge for an afternoon cruise to Remigny. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Remigny to St-Léger-sur-Dheune
This morning's leisurely cruise takes us past picturesque Burgundian villages such as the famous wine-producing village of Santenay. You might wish to cycle along the towpath en route before we moor at the pretty little port of St-Léger-sur-Dheune. 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 (weather dependent), and the opportunity to meet Count Bertrand de Vogüé – the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogüé family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Guests can then explore the regal interior, rustic stables, and surrounding gardens. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - St-Léger-sur-Dheune to St-Julien-sur-Dheune
This morning, we continue our cruise along the Canal du Centre through undulating countryside to moor at the little village of St-Julien-sur-Dheune. We will ascend a series of 11 locks while cruising past the villages along the way. After lunch on board, we visit the 14th century Château de Germolles, the best preserved of the residences of the Dukes of Burgundy, with its ducal chapel, medieval wall paintings and romantic gardens. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 - St-Julien-sur-Dheune
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Paris or Dijon.
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternative weeks the cruise operates in reverse direction and the pickup and drop off points are reversed.
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