L' Impressionniste Cruising in Burgundy

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

2011 Value Season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for up to 10: $48,900
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $50,200
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $51,500
Individuals in a Junior Suite: $4,350 per person double occupancy
Individuals in a Suite: $4,950 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,750

2011 Value Season dates

March 27 - April 2	May 8- 14	October 16 - 22
April 3 - 9	July 24 - 30	October 23 - 29
April 10 - 16	July 31 - August 6	October 30 - November 5
April 17 - 23	August 7 - 13	November 6 - 12
April 24 - 30	August 14 - 20
May 1 - 7	August 28 - Sept 3

2011 regular Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $57,000
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $58,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $60,000
Individuals in a Junior Suite: $5,190 per person double occupancy
Individuals in a Suite: $5,490 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,950

2011 regular Season dates

May 15 - 21	June 26 - July 2	September 18 - 24
May 22 - 28	July 3 - 9	September 25 - Oct 1
May 29 - June 4	July 10 - 16	October 2 - 8
June 5 - 11	July 17 - 23	October 9 - 15
June 12 - 18	September 4 - 10
June 19 - 25	September 11 - 17

Transfers to and from the cruise route in Dijon are not included in the cruise fare. We can arrange train transfers to and from Paris on the high-speed TGV train. Please call us at 800-880-0071 for more information

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.

Experienced Captain James leads the 2010 crew. We are mighty impressed with his professionalism. As a bonus, he is a wine enthusiast who loves to arrange VERY special tastings for whole-boat charter groups who want a deeper wine experience. (There will be an additional charge for these tastings.) Given the beauty of the cruise route, the abundance of bicycling and walking opportunities, and choice sightseeing/winetasting in the area, cruising on L'Impressionniste is a top experience.

L' Impressionniste

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

The Ouche Valley Cruise: Dijon to Escommes
Sunday: Dijon
Board in Dijon
You will be met at 4:30pm in the lobby of the Hotel Sofitel Dijon La Cloche.  (The closest train from Paris is TGV # 7661, departing at 2:30pm from Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station, arriving Dijon Train Station at 3:47pm.  One can easily take a cab from the Station to the hotel.  Train fare is in addition to the cruise price.  We can book and ticket your train transfers before departure.)  Then transfer 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 the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche
Grand Cru Wine Tasting
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, pictured at left, 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
Mingle with the Locals at the Dijon Market
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
Privately-Owned Chateau
This morning we visit the moat - encircled 13th century Chateau de Commarin, pictured below. 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
Lunch in a romantic Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Early morning cruise and exclusive tour of the magnificent 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere, pictured below. 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, lunch will be served in the Abbeye's Michelin - starred restaurant.  The Sommelier will suggest local Burgundies to accompany.  After lunch, we'll drive to the dramatic hilltop village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois.  Tour the chateau; stroll and shop on the cobblestoned streets of this adorable town.  Then it's back to the barge for dinner on board.

Friday: Crugey to Escommes
The Enchanting Town of Beaune
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: Dijon to Paris
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station by 9.00. (Suggested train back to Paris is TGV #6710 departing Dijon at 9.57 and arrive in Paris, Gare de Lyon at 11.37am.)  We hope to see you back on the French canals!

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

"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."
- 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

"I want to express how splendid our time on  L'Impressionniste was.  Our Captain and Tour Guide James was a delight to travel with.  His knowledge of the wines served on board was quite impressive.  Marie's meals were sublime and at times transporting.  I consider myself to be a knowledgeable amateur cook, and was amazed at the quality of the dishes she produced.  Cha, Sarah and Ryan were all helpful, charming additions to the staff.  Indeed, Sarah and Ryan were personable enough to start us considering a passage on the Scottish Highlander."
-Ian Finlayson, 2009

"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 knowledgeable."
-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

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