Itinerary
Day 1 Paris Fleurey-sur-Ouche
You are met at your 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.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 2 Fleurey-sur-Ouche 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 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 enjoy a tour of the cellars and a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines at another long-established domaine. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 3 Sainte Marie-sur Ouche 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.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 4 La Bussière Pont d’Ouche
After a short morning cruise, 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 defence 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, 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.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 5 Pont d’Ouche Vandenesse
After breakfast, 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.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 6 Vandenesse Escommes
Your last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1,250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. After an early lunch, we visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin to be treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry***. The close up encounter with these majestic birds against the backdrop of the castle grounds is an amazing experience and afterwards, we meet Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century, who will give a fascinating insight into the Château’s history. This is followed by a private tour of the building. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge L'impressionniste in a Stateroom.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 7 Escommes Paris
After breakfast, you are transferred back to Paris.
