Impressionniste
Ouche Valley
FLEUREY SUR OUCHE to ESCOMMES
France is perhaps the most popular country for luxury barge cruises, due in no small part to the myriad waterways which cross not only its scenic countryside, but also some of its major cities. And while a Burgundy barge cruise may not be at the top of the list of options for holidaymakers visiting this European country, those who do choose to take a chance and go barging in Burgundy are sure not to be disappointed.
In fact, taking a Burgundy barge cruise down one of the region’s canals is a wonderful experience. Burgundy boasts some of the world’s finest wines with around 60,000 acres of sunlit vines and arguably the prettiest canals in France. The Burgundy Canal winds its way in smooth curves through the heart of renowned vineyards, medieval towns, elegant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals, picturesque villages and wonderful local markets. Barging in Burgundy guarantees our clients a wealth of sightseeing opportunities.
This is a region with a vast variety of cheeses, in all shapes, sizes and colours, strong in character or mild and fresh and all can be enjoyed with full-bodied red Burgundies, or perhaps with lighter white Chablis wines. Burgundy’s gastronomic tradition is certainly rich and diverse and a sedate Burgundy barge cruise along one of its delightful waterways will allow you to indulge in good food and wine: two of life’s essential pleasures.
Sunday, DAY 1 Fleurey sur Ouche
Guests are met at the Hotel Westminster 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.
Monday, DAY 2 Fleurey sur Ouche / Gissey 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. On the way back to the barge visit one of the great cellars of Burgundy where we enjoy a private wine tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, DAY 3 Gissey sur Ouche / 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 boat for lunch and leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussiere. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, DAY 4 La Bussiere / Pont D'Ouche.
After a morning cruise to Pont D’Ouche, 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.
Thursday, DAY 5 Pont D'Ouche / La Repe
After breakfast we cruise to La Repe, 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 on board.
Friday, DAY 6 La Repe / Escommes
Our last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. 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. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board
Saturday, DAY 7 Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer the designated drop off point.Itinerary is subject to change. On alternative weeks, the cruise is in reverse direction.
Year 2024 Rates in US Dollars
ACCOMODATION |
VALUE |
REGULAR |
Charter 8 guests wholeboat |
$64,900 |
$75,700 |
Charter 9 guests wholeboat |
$67,100 |
$78,200 |
Charter 10 guests wholeboat |
$68,900 |
$80,300 |
Charter 11 guests wholeboat |
$70,700 |
$82,400 |
Charter 12 guests wholeboat |
$72,500 |
$82,400 |
Jr Suite per person |
$6,450 |
$7,490 |
Stateroom per person |
$6,950 |
$7,990 |
Single supplement |
$2,400 |
$2,700 |
DEPARTURE DATES |
RATE |
Mar 31; April 7,
14, 21 |
Value |
Apr 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26 |
Regular |
June 2, 9, 16,
30; July 7, 14 |
Regular |
July 21,
28; Aug 4, 11, 18 |
Value |
Aug 25; September
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
Regular |
October
6, 13, 20 |
Value |
Year 2025 Rates in US Dollars
ACCOMODATION |
VALUE |
REGULAR |
Charter 8 passengers |
$64,900 |
$75,700 |
Charter 9 passengers |
$67,100 |
$78,200 |
Charter 10 passengers |
$68,900 |
$80,300 |
Charter 11 passengers |
$70,700 |
$82,400 |
Charter 12 passengers |
$72,500 |
$84,500 |
Jr Suite per person |
$6,950 |
$7,990 |
Stateroom per person |
$6,450 |
$7,490 |
Single supplement |
$2,400 |
$2,700 |
DEPARTURE DATES |
RATE |
Mar 30; Apr 6, 13, 20 |
Value |
Apr 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25 |
Regular |
Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Jul 6, 13 |
Regular |
Jul 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 17 |
Value |
Aug 24, 31; Sep 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5 |
Regular |
Oct 12, 19, 26 |
Value |
