Cruise Description

6 Night Cruise sailing from Fleurey Sur Ouche to Escommes aboard L'Impressionniste.

*** NOTE: On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. Please check at time of enquiry/booking ***

Sunday, Day 1 Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Embark the elegant L’Impressionniste moored in Fleurey-sur-Ouche for your cruise through Burgundy. The Captain and his crew will be there to welcome you with a champagne reception on board. Then enjoy your first dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 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 of the cellars and a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines at another long-established domaine. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche to La Bussière-sur-Ouche
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 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.

Wednesday, Day 4 La Bussière-sur-Ouche 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.

Thursday, Day 5 Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
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. 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. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Vandenesse-en-Auxois 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. 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 Vogue – the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Guests can then explore the regal interior, rustic stables and surrounding gardens. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Escommes
After breakfast disembark the barge.