The 12 passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today.
Her light and airy interior features picture windows and
selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the
turn of the century era after which she has been named. She is crewed
by a knowledgeable Captain, Mater Chef and crew of three.
L'Impressionniste's classic route covers some fine rural cruising,
with plenty of opportunity to cycle and stroll along the tow-path and
wander into nearby villages.
Cruise Highlights
Cuisine Aboard
All-inclusive open bar, free wines, gourmet cuisine, entry fees to excursions
Avignon, the Pope's Palace, Chateauneuf du Pape wine tasting
wine cellar
Picpoul de Pinet, Cotes du Roussillon, Corbieres
Walking tour of Van Gogh's Arles
cheese board
Bleu des Causses, Picodons, Pelardon
Medieval city of Aigues Mortes
The wild horses, bulls and flamingos of the Camargue National Park
Marseillan's distillery and tasting of Noilly Prat Vermouth
L'Etang du Thau and its oyster beds
2009 Itinerary
Sunday, Day 1 - Dijon Guests are met at a designated hotel in Dijon at 4:30 pm and tranferred 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 youwith a chance to meet the crew. Enjoy a stroll into Dijon before dinner onboard.
Monday, Day 2 - 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, Day 3 - 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, Day 4 - 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, Day 5 - 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, Day 6 - 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, Day 7 - Escommes to Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station by 9.00. (suggested train to ParisTGV 6710 departing Dijon at 9.57 and arrive in Paris, Gare de Lyon at 11.37am).
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise is in reverse direction.
2009 Departure Dates
Departures (Sunday)
Season
March 29
Value
April 5,12,19,26
Value
May 3,10
Value
May 17,24,31
Regular
June 7,14,21,28
Regular
July 5,12,19
Regular
July 26
Value
August 2,9,16,23
Value
August 30
Regular
September 6,13,20,27
Regular
October 4,11
Regular
October 18,25
Value
November 1,8
Value
2009 Cruise Rates
Accommodation
Value
Regular
Junior Suite per person
$4,350
$4,990
Suite per person
$4,590
$5,290
Single supplement
$1,700
$1,900
Single cabin
$4,750
$5,450
Charter 10 passengers whole boat
$46,900
$54,500
Charter 11 passengers whole boat
$48,200
$56,000
Charter 12 passengers whole boat
$49,500
$57,500
Charter 13 passengers (on request)
$50,800
$59,000
6 week cruise Charter up to 13
$300,000
Contact us for special pricing
Contact us now to book this cruise or for more information Contact
Prices Do Not Include: Drinks or insurance
.
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise line and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
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