L' Impressionniste Cruising in Burgundy

Passengers: 12	English Speaking Crew of: 6
Size: 126 feet long	Bicycles: 9
Last Visited: 2010	Air Conditioned: Yes
Rating: Deluxe

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2013 Value Season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $50,400
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $51,700
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $53,000
Individuals in a Stateroom: $4,750 per person double occupancy
Individuals in a Junior Suite: $4,890 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,750
Single Occupancy Cabin: $5,150

2013 Value Season dates

March 31 - April 6	July 14 - 20	August 18 - 24
April 7 - 13	July 21 - 27	October 6 - 12
April 14 - 20	July 28 - August 3	October 13 - 19
April 21 - 27	August 4 - 10	October 20 - 26
April 28 - May 4	August 11 - 17

2013 regular Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $58,000
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $59,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $61,000
Individuals in a Stateroom: $5,450 per person double occupancy
Individuals in a Junior Suite: $5,650 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,950
Single Occupancy Cabin: $5,950

2013 regular Season dates

May 5 - 11	June 2 - 8	June 30 - July 6	September 8 - 14
May 12 - 18	June 9 - 15	July 7 - 13	September 15 - 21
May 19 - 25	June 16 - 22	August 25 - 31	September 22 - 28
May 26 - June 1	June 23 - 29	September 1 - 7	September 29 - Oct 5

The Barge Lady's top team Caroline Sack Klein (Director of Sales & Marketing) and Kelly Weiss (Creative Director) cruised on the Impressionniste in 2010. Here is their report:

"We boarded to find a very congenial group of fellow cruisers - of many ages and backgrounds. But it was as if we had all known each other forever. Everyone was open to meeting new people and to having fun. The Impressionniste delivered spacious cabins, interesting excursions, a service-oriented crew, and most of all, fantastic cuisine! Our young and attractive chef Marie served cuisine moderate in portions but rich in flavor - and it was elegantly presented, too. Go to the menu section for pictures and a selection of delicious lunches and dinners. The hostess was delightful in her daily presentation and explanation of the wines and cheeses; of course, many wines of the Burgundy region were featured.

Speaking of wine, our visits to the vineyards of the Cote d'Or were very special. Our guide James is very knowledgeable about the vintages and we tasted wines completely new to us. We thoroughly enjoyed the sightseeing, especially the historic Hospice de Beaune and the restored Abbaye de la Bussiere where we ate lunch. The scenery was incredible. Every day we got up early to jog or bicycle. The towpath was very well maintained. We were able to explore in the little villages that line the canal. Overall, we enjoyed this lively barge and hope to return soon."

Ellen said: "In 2009 L'Impressionniste moved 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. The salon-dining area was substantially updated for the 2010 season. It is now welcoming and comfortable, reflecting the ambiance of this classic Deluxe vessel.

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.

Given the beauty of the route, the abundance of walking and bicycling opportunities, and the top sightseeing and winetasting available in the Cote d'Or, cruising on L'Impressionniste is a top experience. Our guests adored this barge!"

L' Impressionniste

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

ESCOMMES to FLEURY-SUR-OUCHE
Sunday: Paris to Escommes 
A Private Chauffeured Transfer From Paris to the Barge!
You’ll be met at 2:30 pm in the lobby of the Warwick Westminster Opera, elegantly located on the Right Bank near to major tourist attractions and shopping. From there, drive directly in the barge minivan to Escommes, a tiny harbor on the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy from where your cruise begins.  Estimated travel time is four hours.  Once on board, enjoy the traditional champagne welcome and introduction to crew.  There will be time to walk into town or take the bicycles out for a spin – before the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Escommes to La Repe
Privately-Owned Chateau
We begin our cruise this morning from the canal summit in Escommes, 1250 feet above sea level, and cruise to La Repe where we cross the only canal bridge on the Burgundy canal. This afternoon we visit Chateau de Commarin, pictured above, built in 1346. Going back 26 generations, the de Vogue family ownership portrays an insight into the glamorous lives of the French aristocracy as well as showing off the Chateau, stables and landscaped gardens. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: La Repe to Pont d’Ouche
Beaune, the Capital of Burgundy
Morning cruise to Pont d’Ouche and then after lunch, we embark on an excursion cross the premier cru vineyards to Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country with a history going back over 2000 years. We tour the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice and visit an excellent Burgundy winery and sample some of the local wines . Dinner aboard.

Wednesday: Pont d’Ouche to La Bussiere
Lunch in an Elegantly Restored Abbey
The morning begins with a tour in the dramatic hilltop village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Explore the little cobblestoned lanes before touring the haunting chateau, built in the variety of styles from the 12th to the 16th centuries. Then it's time for lunch at the magnificently-restored Abbaye de la Bussiere, built as an abbey in the 12th century now enjoying vibrant new life as an elegant inn. Still to be enjoyed are the gardens and lake, wine press, crypt, wine cellars, stone staircases and huge stained glass windows. Then it's time for lunch, in the vaulted restaurant, see at right. The sommelier will select a choice of local Burgundies to accompany your meal. Then return to L'Impressionniste for an afternoon cruise to the port of La Bussiere. Now is the perfect time to walk or bicycle on the towpaths, floating amidst magnificent scenery!


Thursday: La Bussiere to Gissey sur Ouche
Winetasting at Clos de Vougeot
After breakfast we cruise to Gissey sur Ouche. In the afternoon we visit Clos de Vougeot, pictured at left, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a prized special label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages. Next, we stop in one of the great cellars of Burgundy for a tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner aboard


Friday: Gissey sur Ouche to Fleury-sur Ouche
Explore Dijon
Transfer to Dijon after breakfast and enjoy the produce market and a walking tour of old Dijon. We also visit the flamboyant 14th century Ducal Palace, a fine example of early classical French architecture and home of a fine art museum. If you prefer you can enjoy some excellent shopping time. After lunch we cruise to Fleurey sur Ouche for our final mooring. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday: Fluery-sur-Ouche to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Your chauffeured transfer back to the Hotel Westminster departs at 9:00 am, and estimated arrival time into Paris is 1:00 pm. URGENT: Please make all onward travel plans out of Paris today on the basis of this timing.  Breakfast is your last on-board meal.  We hope to see you again on another go Barging/European Waterways vessel.  What about Scotland on the Scottish Highlander – look for the monster as the barge crosses legendary Loch Ness!

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FLEURY-SUR-OUCHE to ESCOMMES
Sunday: Paris to Fleury-sur Ouche
A Private Chauffeured Transfer From Paris to the Barge!
You’ll be met at 2:30 pm in the lobby of the Warwick Westminster Opera, elegantly located on the Right Bank near to major tourist attractions and shopping. From there, drive directly in the barge minivan to Fleury-sur-Ouche, a tiny harbor on the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy from where your cruise begins.  Estimated travel time is four hours.  Once on board, enjoy the traditional champagne welcome and introduction to crew.  There will be time to walk into town or take the bicycles out for a spin – before the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Fleury-sur Ouche to Gissey sur Ouche
Winetasting at Clos de Vougeot
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 every year a special prized label to the finest Cote d‘Or vintages. On the way back to the barge visit one of the great cellars of Burgundy where we enjoy a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner aboard.

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

Wednesday: La Bussiere toPont d’Ouche
Lunch in an Elegantly Restored Abbey
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 Olivier Elzer in the vaulted restaurant. The sommelier will provide a choice of local Burgundies. This afternoon 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 the French aristocracy as well as showing off the Chateau, stables and landscaped gardens. Late afternoon cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Light dinner aboard

Thursday: Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse
Beaune, the Capital of Burgundy
After breakfast we cruise to Vandenesse, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages crossing the only canal bridge on the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon we drive 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 an excellent Burgundy winery and sample some of the local wines. Dinner aboard.

Friday: Vandenesse to Escommes
Medieval Village and Castle
Our last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. 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. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board

Saturday: Escommes to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Your chauffeured transfer back to the Hotel Westminster departs at 9:00 am, and estimated arrival time into Paris is 1:00 pm. URGENT: Please make all onward travel plans out of Paris today on the basis of this timing.  Breakfast is your last on-board meal.  We hope to see you again on another go Barging/European Waterways vessel.  What about Scotland on the Scottish Highlander – look for the monster as the barge crosses legendary Loch Ness!
 
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, call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

L' Impressionniste

Guest Book

"It was a pleasant week traveling through Burgundy. We had many new experiences and met a group of diverse and interesting people. The excursions were interesting and informative. The crew was excellent. They always had a smile and went out of their way to help and meet our every need. The wine and cheese out were outstanding."
- Frank and Sharon Dugan, cruised October, 2012

"The cruise was just as our friends and your brochure described it, although it was almost sinfully filled with fabulous food and the never-ending wine! The crew was excellent – without exception friendly, knowledgeable, willing to do just about anything to make us happy. The tour through Dijon with our amazing guide Natalie as well as all the other visits to chateaus and little towns was a special treat. Overall, it was a great trip to decompress, feed body and spirit, learn a lot about France’s history and wine country. The Barge Lady is the best!"
- Satisfied Guests, cruised September, 2012

"We had a phenomenal time. James served as our captain and what great insight. Guide Natalie did a very good job, and Dave the Chef exceeded my expectations. I am a very picky eater and he catered to my every need. Other crew members Hanna and Becky did a fabulous job in serving and keeping our staterooms clean and making sure we had anything we needed. Rod who is a pilot in training was a load of fun and had a great sense of humor. The Barge Lady did an outstanding job in recommending the Impressionniste for the food and wine experience. I have already started telling our friends they must consider this trip in the future. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime."
- Jeffrey and Kelle Ruden, cruised September, 2012

"The scenery was beautiful and the tours were wonderful. The cruise was more than we expected. The cuisine was excellent and beautiful and Captain James was a real treasure. Overall, it was a wonderful, relaxing and beautiful experience."
-Earlyn and Hal Tompkins, cruised September 2011

"The cruise was everything we expected and more. The cuisine was excellent. Captain James was outstanding. Our experience was a wonderful blend of seeing new sights, tasting new wines, eating gourmet meals and still having time and an incredible venue to visit with old friends. Thanks to The Barge Lady for a job well done!"
-Mary and Bob Ives, cruised September 2011

"Our experience on the barge was a 10. The food was excellent-plus! The young cook Shariff did a super job with all meals and listened to our needs. The biggest plus on the cruise was Captain James. He was a 15 on a scale of 10. Total Customer Commitment. He is a responsive, punctual team player - a very exceptional individual and we were lucky to have him. We had a great itinerary of sites and tours and he was very knowledgeable about wines and the whole history of Burgundy. He was the "priceless" and all of us cannot say enough about him."
- Andy Szocs, cruised September 2011

"The barge was very nice and the cuisine was very good. The staff was friendly, willing and flexible...the chef was excellent and Captain James was a real highlight! The excursions were all very interesting, we liked the wine tastings and related discussions the best."
-Art and Susan French, cruised September 2011

"It was a grand experience. The barge was beautiful and immaculate, and we enjoyed the slow and relaxing pace, fabulous food and lovely scenery. All the while we were receiving excellent service from the great crew."
- Michael Meloy and Lenore Los, cruised May, 2011

"The barge was comfortable, the other passengers were very compatible, the food was sensational and the scenery was gorgeous. The crew of the Impressionniste was really outstanding. James, our Captain was VERY knowledgeable about history, wines, and whatever information anyone wanted. What a great tour guide. The other four members were equally skilled and helpful and friendly. We also found that the trip offered a nice balance between scheduled sightseeing and leisure time."
-Rikki and Len Goldstein, 2010

"Captain James and his crew were fantastic. I celebrated my birthday on board and the crew made a very special occasion of it. The barge and cabins were comfortable and clean. The other guests were interesting and such nice people. The chef gave us fantastic meals, and everything was perfect!"
- Anne Marie Beauvais, 2010

"L'Impressionniste was beyond our expectations. The food and wine were both superb (and we're picky!). The scenery was fabulous, and the service was great. The crew was charming, helpful and knowledgeable. When it was time to take the train back to Brussels, the Captain took us right to our train and our seats. Thanks for all your help, the e-mails, phone calls and brochures. We appreciated it very much!"
- Steve and Charlotte Oppenheimer, 2010

"The crew was friendly, attractive, and attentive to every request. Captain James had an encyclopedia-like knowledge of the regional history and personalities - very entertaining. The food was consistently excellent, and the accommodations are comparable to cruise ships. We also developed great friendships with our fellow passengers."
-Eli and Melanie Horowitz, 2010

L' Impressionniste
Floor Plan

126 Feet long
2 Junior Suites
Renoir: 170 sq ft
One Queen bed
Bathroom with shower
Monet: 150 sq ft
Choice of one Queen or two Twin beds
Bathroom with shower
4 Staterooms: 135 sq ft average
Sisley
Choice of one Queen or two Twin beds
Bathroom with shower
Degas
Choice of one Queen or two Twin beds
Bathroom with shower
Pissaro
Twin beds
Bathroom with shower
Cezanne
Twin beds
Bathroom with shower
1 single occupancy cabin
Bazille
Bathroom with shower
All cabins have a hair dryer
In the Salon
-DVD player
-WiFi (subject to local reception)
On Deck
-Umbrella tables and recliners
-Hot tub
9 Bicycles
For men: 4 Decathalon, 18-gears mountain bikes.
For women: 4 Gintane, 7-gears mountain bike.
Plus one tandem bike