L’IMPRESSIONNISTE

French Hotel Barge Impressionniste offers barging cruises in Burgundy France

Cruising the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy, France
Between Escommes and Fleurey-sur-Ouche

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2026 Standard Classic Cruise Itinerary

Cruising the Canal du Centre in Burgundy, France
between Chalon-sur-Saône and St-Julien-sur-Dheune

From May to October 2026

The French Hotel Barge L’Impressionniste has changed her route due to engineering work in 2026. From early May through October, she 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, the Canal du Centre offers enchanting landscapes, historic villages, and authentic Burgundy wine and gastronomy experiences.

Hotel Barge Impressionniste's itinerary map for 2026 - Canal du Centre

Sunday, Day 1 – Chalon-sur-Saône

Crew meet the guests in Paris or Dijon, where they transfer the guests 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

This morning, we cruise through Southern Burgundy along the River Saône, joining the Canal du Centre to moor in Fragnes.

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 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.

L’IMPRESSIONNISTE > ITINERARIES > 2026 Standard Classic Cruise Itinerary