Burgundy Canal Cruise
Climb aboard the 12-berth L’Impressioniste for a passage through the picturesque locks and sleepy villages to discover the best of Burgundy. You’ll sample the exquisite wines of the region, visit the Cistercian Abbeyat La Bussière and explore the medieval hilltop village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois with its cafés, shops and scenic views.
This cruise is fully inclusive of six nights accommodation, gourmet meals, fine wines and open bar, daily excursions, local transfers and full use of all onboard amenities.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
The designated meeting and drop off point is The Westminster Hotel in Paris. Other arrangements can be made for charter groups
The starting day for this holiday is Sunday.
There are other barges and itineraries available too – please call for details.
Videos
- Burgundy Canal Cruise on board L’Impressioniste
Burgundy Canal Cruise on board L’Impressioniste
Itinerary & Hotels
1
Arrival day 1
- Summary
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the elegant L’Impressioniste 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 captain and crew. Dinner on board.
- Hotel
Hôtel Barge - L’Impressioniste
Fleurey-sur-OucheSister ship to La Belle Epoque, L’Impressioniste began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the gorgeous hotel barge she is today. Her light and airy interior features picture windows and a selection of prints, fabrics and wall coverings reminiscent of the era after which she has been named. Each comfortable cabin is complemented by an en suite shower room. The spacious, wood-panelled saloon features comfortable leather sofas and individually designed fitted furniture. She also has a sun-deck, spa pool and 12 touring bikes.
She is crewed by a professional crew of six - Captain, Master Chef, Tour Guide, Deck Hand/Steward and two Hosts/Hostesses who will ensure you have everything you need on your all-inclusive vacation.
A week cruising aboard L’Impressioniste on the Lower Burgundy Canal introduces you to a wonderful blend of Burgundian countryside, history and viticulture.
Facilities
- A choice of a junior suite or stateroom is available and either a double and twin bed configuration is possible
- All cabins are air-conditioned
- Sun deck
- Salon/dining room
- Jacuzzi
- Internet access
- HiFi system with CD player
- Bicycles
- Board games
- Binoculars
Board
- Cuisine
Cuisine on board L'Impressioniste is French. All meals are composed of fresh ingredients and typically feature a different selection of regional cheeses and wines daily. Non-alcoholic beverages, regular or decaffeinated tea & coffee, and whole or low-fat milk are offered with all meals.
Regional Specialities
Filet d'Agneau au Basilic;Magret de Canard au Ratafia de Bourgogne; Poulet à L'Estragon;Filet
de Boeuf Charolais avec Sauce EpoissesWine Cellar
Domaine Laroch;, Chablis Premier Cru; Domaine Bruno Clair; Marsannay; Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils, Meursault ‘Les Clous’;Domaine Comte Georges de Vôgué; Musigny;Château de la Saule; Montagny Premier Cru; Domaine Jadot; Ladoix ‘Les Clous d’Orge’Cheese Board
Aisy Cendré; Bouton de Culotte; Epoisses; Ami du Chambertin; Le Petit Vougeot
2
Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche day 2
- Summary
This morning experience your first day’s cruise along this enchanting canal, which also promises a walk or cycle along an ever-present towpath cruising 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 tasting of fine Burgundy wines in the cellars of a reputable domaine, such as Chateau André Ziltener, a family-run winery built on the foundations of an old Cistercian abbey. Dinner on board.
3
Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere day 3
- Summary
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 Bussiere. Dinner on board.
4
La Bussiere to Pont d’Ouche day 4
- Summary
After a morning cruise to Pont D’Ouche, we go on an 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 Emmanuel Hebrard in the Bistro or Garden Restaurant whilst enjoying a selection of local Burgundies. Mid-afternoon, we visit the medieval 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. Dinner on board.
5
Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois day 5
- Summary
After breakfast we cruise to Vandenesse-en-Auxois, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages crossing the only canal bridge on the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon we drive through the premier cru vineyards into Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country with a history going back over 2,000 years. We absorb the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice before visiting another one of Burgundy’s oldest winemakers, such as Bouchard Pere et Fils, renowned for its Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines and of course, enjoy a tasting. Dinner on board.
6
Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Escommes day 6
- Summary
Our last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1,250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. This afternoon we visit Chateau de Bussy, once the home of the Comte Roger de Bussy-Rabutin who was exiled to his estate due in part to his scandalous lifestyle and satirical chronicles of French nobility which found him in great disfavour with King Louis XIV. The bitter Bussy-Rabutin amassed a collection of portraits that included his former mistresses, mistresses of French kings as well as military greats of the time. The galleries give insight into the decadent reign of the Sun King. There is time to stroll through the French-style garden and enjoy the views of the château surrounded by its moats. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
7
Last morning day 7
- Summary
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to the designated drop off point.
