L' Impressionniste
Cruising in Burgundy

Passengers: 12
Size: 126 feet long
Rating: Deluxe, A/C

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter for 12:
$50,800 - Value Season
$59,000 - Regular Season
Individuals:
$4,350 - Jr Suite - Value Season
$4,990 - Jr Suite - Regular Season
$4,550 - Sr Suite - Value Season
$5,290 - Sr Suite - Regular Season
Train transfers to and from Dijon are additional to the cruise price. We can assist in setting up the purchase of train transfers.

Value Season dates are:
March 29 to May 16; July 26 to August 29; and October 18 to November 14.
Regular Season dates are:
May 17 to July 19; and August 20 to October 17.
Six-night cruises depart late-afternoon in Dijon every Sunday and return mid-morning to Dijon the following Saturday.

In 2009 L'Impressionniste moves to the Canal de Bourgogne. This route is a very good fit for this intimate barge. Decor on board features striking original oil paintings as well as copies of the great Impressionist masterpieces. A major updating of the carpets, wallpaper - even new hardwood doors - completes the comfortable ambiance.

L'Impressionniste is the only 12-passenger vessel on this outstanding route. The drives through the vineyards to the wine villages are divinely beautiful. Other high points include the pristine Hospice de Beaune; Dijon with its Medieval Core; and wine-tasting at top venues. Shop for antiques, gourmet foods and souvenirs in Dijon and Beaune

We welcomed a marvelous charter in 2007. The Jacobsmeyers said: "The crew on our barge was fabulous. Our chef Aiden, made the most delicious, incredible and fresh meals! We loved how he would pick his herbs from his garden each day and purchase fresh fish, meat, oysters, breads from the local markets and turn them into works of art. The wine tasting at Chateaunuef de Pape was a favorite of Jake and mine. We were treated to a private winetasting in a 2000 year old wine cave by a true expert. We all learned alot from him, and our group knew a lot about wine before the barge trip."

L' Impressionniste

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

The Ouche Valley Cruise: Dijon to Escommes
Sunday: Dijon
You are met at the meeting hotel at 4.30pm and transferred to the elegant L’Impressionniste moored in the Port of Dijon for your cruise through Burgundy. A Champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides you with a chance to meet the crew. Enjoy a stroll into Dijon before Dinner aboard.

Monday: Dijon to Fleurey 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. We offer a private tasting of Vosne Romanee, Gevrey Chambertin, Cote de Nuits and Nuits-St-Georges at the family run Domaine Jafflin in the heart of Nuits-St-Georges on the route des Grands Crus. Our excellent relationship with the Jafflin family goes back over 20 years. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Fleurey sur Ouche to Gissey sur Ouche
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon including a visit to the vivid flower and produce market, mustard shops and the flamboyant 14th century Ducal Palace (or enjoy some excellent shopping time). Return to the boat for lunch and leisurely afternoon cruise to Gissey sur Ouche. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday: Gissey sur Ouche to La Bussiere
This morning 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 French aristocracy as well as showing off the Chateau, stables and landscaped gardens. After lunch we cruise to La Bussiere, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages. Dinner aboard.

Thursday: La Bussiere to Crugey
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 in the private music room, the former chapel, 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 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 country side. Dinner aboard.

Friday: Crugey to Escommes
Our last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. 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. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard

Saturday: Return to Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station by 9.00. (suggested train to Paris TGV 6710 departing Dijon at 9.57 and arrive in Paris, Gare de Lyon at 11.37am).

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barge cruises in Provence Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

L' Impressionniste

Guest Book

"This was our second barge cruise and it was wonderful.  Our chef not only made great meals, his personality was outstanding.  He even gave us a cooking lesson!  We enjoyed going into the small towns.  Our guide Mark was very helpful and knowledgable."
-Tom and Judy Aaberg, 2008

"As our signings in the guest book indicated, we had a great time.  A bright, enthusiastic and fun captain and crew.  Super food and wine!"
-Pat and Alice Wilkinson, 2008

"This was our first barge trip - our high expectations were more than met by Captain Nicolas and his marvelous crew."
-Tom and Kay Conneely, 2007

"The crew on our barge was fabulous. Our chef Aiden, made the most delicious, incredible and fresh meals! We loved how he would pick his herbs from his garden each day and purchase fresh fish, meat, oysters, breads from the local markets and turn them into works of art. The wine tasting at Chateaunuef de Pape was a favorite of Jake and mine. we were treated to a private tasting in a 2000 year old wine cave by a true expert. We all learned alot from him, and our group knew a lot about wine before the barge trip."
-Cyndy and Jake Jacobsmeyer 2007

"Very good sightseeing, interesting routes and excellent service. "
-Larry and Betty Mulryan 2007

"Fabulous - I'm planning to cruise again, maybe next time in Burgundy. The crew was helpful and fun. The tours with Dean were terrific. He had great knowledge of history and architecture. Rebecca's cuisine was deliciously different, especially our oyster lunch. Loved it all..."
-GiGi Carlton 2005

L' Impressionniste Floor Plan

126 Feet long
- Large salon/dining area with colorful and pretty Provenical fabrics
- 2 Senior sutes at 150 and 170 square feet
- 4 Junior suites at 125-135 square feet
- Single cabin with bathroom
- Hot tub on deck