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.
Below you can find some of the highlights of the cruises we are currently offering on L'Impressionniste, along with some examples of the cuisine and fine wines the master chef will present you with on board.
Cruise Highlights
Cuisine Aboard
Visit Clos de Vougeot, home of the Chevaliers du Tastevin
Sample the renowned Domaine Jafflin at a wine tasting
Visit Beaune, including a tour of Hotel Dieu Hospice and Main Champy
Enjoy a tour of Abbaye de la Bussiere
A Lunch ashore at a Michelin-starred restaurant
Tour the 13th century Chateau de Commain
Explore Dijon and Ducal Palace
Regional Specialities
Filet d'Agneau au Basilic, Magret de Canard, Poulet à L'Estragon
Wine Cellar
Chateau de la Saule 2005, Domaine Corsin, Pouilly Fuisse, Domaine Laroche, Chablis Pr. Cru, Domaine Bruo Clair, Marsannay, Gevrey Chambertin, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue, Musigny
Cheese Board
Aisy Cendré, Bouton de Culotte, Epoisses, Ami du Chambertin
Sunday, Day 1 Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche
You are met at the Hotel de la Cloche in Dijon at 4.30pm or Dijon TGV Station at 4.00pm 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, Day 2 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, as we ascend gradually to the canal summit, past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses. Leaving Dijon, we pass Lake Kir and cruise by the limestone escarpments which feed the nearby vineyards. 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 wine tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 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 Gissey sur Ouche. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 La Bussiere to Pont D’Ouche
Early morning cruise and 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. Light dinner aboard
Thursday, Day 5 Pont D’Ouche to Vandenesse
After breakfast we cruise to Pont D’Ouche, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages crossing the only canal bridge of the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon we 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 Maison Champy, Beaune’s oldest winery established in 1720 with even older cellars. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 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 continue to the mediaeval 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 aboard
Saturday, Day 7 Escommes to Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon TGV station or a Dijon hotel by 9.45am.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
An optional hot air balloon ride is available on this cruise. The balloon company charge approximately C$280 per person which is to be paid to the balloon owners on the day of the flight. Please let us know at time of booking if you are interested.
We recommend you book the following trains in advance: Before cruise (Sunday) Paris Gare de Lyon to Dijon departs Paris Gare de Lyon at 13:58hrs and arrives in Dijon at 15:36hrs. End of cruise (Saturday) Dijon to Paris Gare de Lyon departs at 9:57hrs and arrives in Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:37hrs.
