Exceptional Barging in Burgundy

Category: First Class

This barge is perfect for: Couples, Families, Groups of friends, Wine appreciation, Excellent Cycling/Walking (extensive sections of uninterrupted towpath all along the cruise route), Historic interest, Golf, Charming Villages.

Ask us about specific departure dates for these special interest cruises: Wine Appreciation Cruises.

Impressioniste features at a glance

12 – 13 GUESTS

2 MASTER SUITES, 4 JUNIOR SUITES, 1 SINGLE CABIN – ALL WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS

5 CREW

38 METRES LONG

12 BICYCLES

AIR CONDITIONING/CENTRAL HEATING

CD PLAYER, GAMES, LIBRARY

JACUZZI ON DECK

2 AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUSES FOR EXCURSIONS

The Impressioniste is one of our favourite French canal barges – due to its lovely interior, fabulous itinerary that includes some of the most beautiful highlights of Burgundy, and its excellent crew, who we have awarded crew of the year in 2010! Captain James, Chef Marie and the rest of the crew offer an exceptional French barging experience.

Impressioniste accommodates 13 passengers in 7 cabins, including a single cabin that is an attractive option for single travellers who do not want to pay full single supplement. It also offers 2 Master Suites for those opting for a more spacious cabin. The barge interior is light and spacious, with details such as wood paneling and attractive prints and fabrics. The salon offers panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the lovely views even when inside the barge.

Burgundy is a stunning region full of castles, spectacular vineyards and picturesque towns and villages, all of which you can discover while cruising on the Impressioniste, either while walking or cycling from the barge or on one of the fascinating daily excursions. Impressioniste can also cruise in tandem with her sister barge La Belle Epoque and accommodate a large charter group of up to 26 guests.

Impressioniste itinerary

Sunday – Escommes
You are met at Dijon TGV station at 4pm (If you are staying at Hotel de la Cloche the night before you can be met there at 4.30pm), if you are arriving by TGV and transferred to the elegant L’Impressionniste moored in Escommes 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 Escommes before Dinner aboard.

Monday – Escommes to La Repe
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 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
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 15^th 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 Bussière
Morning tour of the medieval village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, situated on top of a hill overlooking the Auxois plains and the village of Vandenesse. The original square keep of the Chateau, built in the 12th Century, is surrounded by structures built a few centuries later as updated living quarters in a flamboyant late Gothic style. Exclusive tour of the magnificent 12^th century Abbaye de la Bussière. 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 Michelin starred restaurant whilst enjoying the sommelier’s choice of local burgundies. Return to the barge and cruise to La Bussière. Light dinner aboard

Thursday – La Bussière to Gissey sur Ouche
After breakfast we cruise to Gissey sur Ouche. In the afternoon we visit Clos de Vougeot, 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 Fleurey sur Ouche
Transfer to Dijon after breakfast and enjoy the produce market and a walking tour of old Dijon. We also visit the flamboyant 14^th 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 – Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station or to Dijon centre by 9.40am.

On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.

Trains to the departure point (the crew will meet and drop off for the following services): On the Sunday we suggest the 13.58 Paris Gare de Lyon arriving Dijon Ville at 15.36. On the Saturday there is a 9.57am train from Dijon Ville arriving in Paris Gare de Lyon at 11.37.

Impressioniste photo gallery

Impressioniste map

Escommes to Fleurey-sur-Ouche or vice versa

Cartography ©Euromapping/European Waterways Ltd

Impressioniste prices

Note all our prices are in euros. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.

Price is all-inclusive – accommodation for 6 nights, food, high-quality local wines, mixed drinks and other beverages, excursions and entries are included.

Value Season: April 1,8,15, 22, 29,  July 15, 22,29, August 5,12, 19, October 7, 14, 21, 28.

Regular Season: May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1,8, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Impressioniste floorplan

Impressioniste bookings/enquiries

If you would like to contact us please use one of the methods below.

Email: info@toujoursfrance.com.au
Phone: (03) 9889 1885
Outside Australia: +61 3 9889 1885

Address:
Toujours France
1 Radnor Street
Camberwell VIC 3124
Australia

Ph: +61 03 9889 1885
Mobile: 0413 055 360

Or fill out our online form.