L'Impressionniste cruises the rich wine producing region of Burgundy through tranquil countryside with wine tastings along the way. This itinerary through scenic Burgundy runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
From her mooring in Fleurey sur Ouche, L'Impressionniste sails the enchanting Burgundy Canal to Clos de Vouquet, headquarters of the revered Chevaliers Tastevin followed by a tasting of fine Burgundy wines at an impressive domaine. In Beaune, explore the 15th-century Hotel-Dieu Hospice and Chateau de Beaune, before ending on a high note with a private tour of Château de Commarin accompanied by Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Count de Vogue will offer insight into the Château’s fascinating history, after which guests can explore the regal interior, rustic stables and surrounding gardens.
Large picture windows and spacious interiors give L'Impressionniste a light and airy feel. She takes 12 passengers in single, double and twin suites, all with en suite facilities, attended by an expert crew and a Tour Guide. Relax on the sun-deck, in the spa pool or take a drink with your travelling companions in the 24-hour bar. Bicycles are provided for rides along the tow path or exploring independently.
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Burgundy on L'Impressioniste Itinerary
Day 1 - Fleurey sur Ouche (France)
Guests are met 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.
Day 2 - 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 Cote 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 another long-established domaine. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - La Bussiere
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.
Day 4 - 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 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, 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.
Day 5 - 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.
Day 6 - Escommes
Our 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.
Day 7 - Escommes
After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris**.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary runs in reverse on alternate weeks. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. **Other locations available for Private Charter bookings