L’Impressionniste - Southern Burgundy

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Experience Burgundy at a slower pace, where peaceful canals, timeless countryside, and the French art of living come together in an unforgettable journey.

Discover Burgundy at its most authentic as you cruise quietly through vineyard-lined canals, storybook villages, and rolling countryside on an intimate hotel barge. Along the way, you'll enjoy exclusive wine tastings at renowned domaines, explore the historic streets of Dijon and Beaune, visit magnificent châteaux, and savor exceptional regional cuisine prepared by your onboard chef. With just a handful of guests on board, this is a wonderfully relaxed way to experience one of France's most celebrated wine regions—where every day invites you to slow down, connect with local culture, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

About this UnTour Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

Visit Clos de Vougeot, home of the Chevaliers du Tastevin

Tour of Dijon and its markets

Private falconry display & tour at the Château de Commarin, with the chance to meet Count Bertrand de Vogüé

Tour of Domain Chanson including a private wine tasting and exclusive gastronomic lunch

Visit to medieval Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

Excellent towpath for walking and cycling

Please note: This cruise operates in the opposite direction on alternating weeks. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Air Options

We recommend flying in and out of Paris Airport.

What's included

6 nights on board (Sunday to Saturday) in air-conditioned en-suite accommodation.
Transfer from Paris to embarkation point and back to Paris (4 to 5 hours).
Daily excursions, hosted by the Tour Guide, inclusive of all entry fees.
The services of our experienced Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, Housekeepers & Deck Hand.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner aboard (set menu, local and international cuisine).
An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and branded spirits from the open bar, soft drinks plus coffee, and a selection of teas.
Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, barge library, board games, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a spa pool.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sunday): Welcome aboard and meet your crew - Fleurey-Sur-Ouche

Guests are met at our meeting point 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.

Day 2 (Monday): Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Sainte-Marie-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 past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses. After lunch we visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award a special prized label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages every year. On the way back to the hotel barge we enjoy a tour and a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner on board.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche to La Bussière

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 church, or enjoy some excellent shopping time. Return to the hotel barge for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussière and perhaps a walk or bicycle ride to the next lock or two. Dinner on board.

Day 4 (Wednesday): La Bussière to Pont d’Ouche

After a short morning cruise, we set off on a drive through the slopes of the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. Here, our expert guide will offer an insight into the production of the region’s finest premier and grand cru wines. We continue to Beaune – the capital of the Burgundy wine country, for a private tour and tasting at the renowned Domaine Chanson. The tour includes its medieval Bastion de l’Oratoire, a 15th century defence tower whose 25-foot-thick walls now maintain the perfect temperature for ageing wine. This is followed by a private gastronomic lunch in the domaine’s chateau. Afterwards, we visit the fascinating Hôtel-Dieu Hospice with time to explore the town, before returning for a short evening cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Dinner on board.

Day 5 (Thursday): Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse

After breakfast, we cruise to Vandenesse-en-Auxois, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages, crossing the only aqueduct on the Burgundy Canal. This afternoon we visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin where we are lucky enough to enjoy a private tour with a majestic falconry display***, followed by the opportunity to meet Count Bertrand de Vogüé – the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogüé family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Guests can then explore the regal interior, rustic stables and surrounding gardens. Dinner on board.

Day 6 (Friday): Vandenesse to Escommes

Our last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1,250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. After lunch on board, we visit the medieval village, craft shops and castle of Châteauneuf-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.

Day 7 (Saturday): Escommes

After breakfast, guests are transferred back to Paris.

Excursions

Included. Please see Itinerary.

Pre-Cruise Options

This barge cruise links well with our Paris UnTour.

Ship

L'impressionniste

Step aboard L'Impressionniste and enjoy an intimate, elegant cruising experience through the heart of Burgundy. Designed for just a handful of guests, this beautifully appointed vessel blends timeless French charm with modern comforts, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

Spacious lounges, panoramic windows, and thoughtfully designed cabins provide the perfect setting to unwind as the scenery drifts by. As you cruise along the peaceful Ouche Valley, you'll pass charming lock houses, vineyard-covered hillsides, and medieval villages, with opportunities to explore celebrated destinations such as Beaune, Burgundy's renowned wine capital, and the elegant city of Dijon. It's a wonderful way to experience the region's rich history, world-famous wines, and authentic French countryside at a leisurely pace.

Stateroom Amenities

Twin or queen bed convertibility
En suite bathroom
Towels, hand soap, shower gel, hair dryer, and bathrobes
Extractor fan (no windows)
Portholes or windows
Closet with storage space
Individually controlled heating & air conditioning
220 and 240 volts with sockets (standard European 2-pin plug)
110 volts in the bathrooms

Barge Specifications

8 bicycles available with helmets
Dining Room & Saloon
6-person Spa Pool (hot tub)
Small library with books and maps
Board games
2 sun decks

Disclaimer

Our staff have inspected this cruise and the above description and photographs reflect what they saw at that time. It is possible that the supplier has made changes to the cruise without our knowledge. While we do our best to keep up with any changes or improvements made to our cruises, we cannot guarantee that everything in the above description will be accurate.

L'Impressionniste - Southern Burgundy Canal