Standard Classic Cruise Itinerary
Glide gently along the Canal du Bourgogne aboard the French Hotel Barge l’Impressionniste. Cruise 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
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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 of the cellars and a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines at the family-owned Domaine Rion. 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 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 château. 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 disembark l'Impressionniste and transfer to the designated drop off point in Paris.
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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