L'Impressionniste luxury barge cruises

Fleurey sur Ouche

Sunday
Visitors are greeted at the conveniently located Hotel Westminster in Paris and taken to the classy L'Impressioniste via a private chauffeured minibus.
You are greeted on board with a champagne reception and have the chance to get to know the captain and crew.
After that, savour your first meal aboard.

Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche

Monday
We set out on a delightful cruise along the Canal du Bourgogne, passing through charming lock houses and peaceful villages. Following lunch, we go to Clos de Vougeot, home of the prestigious Chevaliers du Tastevin, who recognize the best Cote d'Or vintages annually with a special prized label. We're going to explore the famous cellars.
We stop at the family-run Domaine Rion for a fine Burgundy wine tasting before returning to the hotel barge.
Dinner on board.

Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche to La Bussière

After breakfast, take a walking tour of Dijon, stopping at the vibrant produce markets, mustard shops, and the striking Notre Dame de Dijon. You can also spend some time shopping in the charming little boutiques.
After lunch, take a leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussiere and back to L'Impressioniste. You could even walk or bike to the next lock or two.
Dinner on board.

La Bussière to Pont d'Ouche

Wednesday
Following a brief morning cruise, we drive through the Côte de Beaune's UNESCO-listed vineyards. Our wine expert will provide us with a thorough understanding of the process used to produce the Domaine's Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines. We proceed to Beaune, the wine country capital of Burgundy, where we will enjoy a private tasting at the esteemed Domaine Chanson and a tour of the wineries.
The tour includes a visit to the medieval Bastion de l'Oratoire, a 15th-century defense tower with 25-foot-thick walls that ensures the perfect temperature for wine aging. The tour culminates in a private gourmet lunch in the magnificent chateau of the domaine.
After this, we travel back in time to the intriguing Hotel Dieu Hospice, which dates to the fifteenth century and has a plethora of intriguing exhibits. Before going back to the barge for a quick evening cruise to Pont d'Ouche, there is time to explore the town.
Dinner on board.

Pont D'Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois

Thursday
This morning, we will cross the aqueduct to reach our mooring at Vandenesse-en-Auxois. After lunch on board, we will visit this medieval fairytale village, craft stores, and the Chateaneuf-en-Auxois castle. Vandenesse-en-Auxois, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy, rises majestically above the valley below, offering a superb view of the feeder lakes, canal, and surrounding countryside. Remember to snap pictures during the day as well as at night! When the chateau is illuminated at night, it assumes an amazing beauty.
Dinner on board.

Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Escommes

Friday
We cruise slowly on our final day to the top of the canal, which is located just before the Pouilly tunnel at a height of 1250 feet above sea level.
We take a private tour of the moat-enclosed Chateau de Commarin this afternoon. Count Bertrand de Vogue, the owner and current occupant, will serve as your guide. He is the 26th generation of his family to reside here! Explore the opulent interior, the quaint stables, and the surrounding gardens.
We return to the barge to our wonderful Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Escommes

Saturday
After breakfast, guests are transferred to the Westminster Hotel in Paris. Au revoir!