All About The French Hotel Barge L'Impressionniste
The 12-passenger, French Hotel Barge l'Impressionniste gently cruises through the picturesque Ouche Valley in Southern Burgundy. Explore Burgundy's iconic destinations on a barge cruise, where you can visit historic châteaux, medieval sites, family wineries, the Route des Grands Crus, local markets, and delightful towns such as Dijon and Beaune.
Enjoy cruising through Southern Burgundy aboard L'Impressionniste
Hotel Barge l'Impressionniste: A Short History
Built in Belgium in 1960, l'Impressionniste is a barge with two special features. She was built in the Spitz-style, meaning she was originally intended to be pulled along the canals by horse, and she has a Luxe Motor-style bow, meaning she has a characteristic upsweep to the bow and living quarters at the stern. Her overall shape and proportions are a marriage of styles between Belgian and Dutch barges.
Following a lengthy career transporting grain and timber between Paris and Brussels, l'Impressionniste was converted into a hotel barge in 1996. Her new layout was based on the hotel barge La Belle Epoque, which was renovated a year earlier.
Originally powered by an 8-cylinder Deutz engine, she had a top speed of 16 kilometres per hour. However, in 2000, l'Impressionniste was given a higher-powered Scania 250-horsepower engine to navigate the strong currents of the River Rhône between Avignon and Agde.
After a decade of cruising the Rhône, l'Impressionniste was reassigned to her current route. Since 2010, she has cruised on the picturesque Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy.
Hotel Barge L'Impressionniste Today
Named after the famed art movement of the 19th century, l'Impressionniste is a deluxe 12-passenger hotel barge that cruises the calm waters of Burgundy's Canal de Bourgogne. Relax on the upper deck in a comfortable recliner and watch the world go by, as one of 6 crew members pours you another glass of crisp white wine.
L'Impressionniste's modern interior is light and contemporary with a bright wooden finish. Half-panelled walls give a nod to classic nautical décor, while long, leather sofas offer a comfortable seat for every passenger. Soft furnishings enjoy neutral tones which are accented with flashes of red. Brass rails and lamps hint to the late 19th-century artists that her name was inspired by, and an inviting large oval-shaped dining table dressed to a silver-service standard becomes the hub for great conversation at mealtimes.
Each cabin is comfortably fitted with your choice of a double or twin beds. With four staterooms and two junior suites available, you can decide on the best space for you and your travelling companion(s). The cabins are aptly named after Impressionist painters, including Monet, Degas and Renoir – can it get more artistic than that? Each ensuite cabin is bright and inviting, with a private shower room that comes fully stocked with toiletries comparable to those found in a five-star hotel.
One nice feature of the barge l'Impressionniste is the spa pool (hot tub), which stands proudly at the bow on the upper sun deck. Recline into its warm waters with a glass of something cold and delightful in your hand, the sun on your cheeks, and a gentle breeze through your hair. If the sun becomes too hot, you can retreat to the lower sun deck with its canopy to cool off with an idyllic novel from the barge's mini library.
If you love food and wine, then a barge cruise on l'Impressionniste will not disappoint. Every meal on board is cooked by l'Impressionniste's chef and three-course meals are paired with unique wines from the Burgundy region. In addition, there is a cheese course with each dinner.
Barging in Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne
L'Impressionniste cruises in the Ouche Valley, about 5 hours from Paris, deep in the heart of the Côte d'Or. This region of France is full of scenic views and refreshing, verdant vistas. The Canal de Bourgogne's southern Burgundy location has a favorable climate that makes it perfect for outdoor activities. This valley also boasts spectacular historic sites like the 12th-century Château de Mâlain, Château de Barbirey, and the Abbaye de La Bussière.
Map of Canals in Burgundy
The construction of the Canal de Bourgogne took place between the late-18th to early-19th centuries. Stretching from the River Yonne at Migennes to the River Saône at Saint-Jean-de-Losne, the Burgundy Canal winds its way across the region. The canal is 242 kilometers (150 miles) from its start to its end.
With a height difference of 378 meters, this canal has the highest summit point of any canal in France. It serves as the most heavily locked route between the River Seine and the Mediterranean. The Canal de Bourgogne comprises 189 locks, 76 of which fall away from the summit level to the Saône. The remaining 113 locks provide access to the River Yonne. L'Impressionniste navigates 41 locks between Escommes and Fleurey-sur-Ouche.
Itinerary Highlights
Cruising the Burgundy region aboard l'Impressionniste, you're guaranteed a dose of culture, much of the gastronomy, and an even bigger helping of the wine. On a cruise through the Ouche Valley, there are excursions to some of the best vineyards, French villages, and historic locations in the Côte d'Or.
L'Impressionniste cruises through the magical Côte d'Or, passing many beautiful, sleepy villages. An itinerary aboard the Hotel Barge Impressionniste visits the Burgundian capital city of Dijon, which was built in medieval times. This thriving destination has kept much of its culture and character. Explore the historic squares of the town, visit Le Moutarderie Fallot to learn about Dijon's famous mustard, or tour Dijon's many markets for a flavor of the local delicacies and crafts.
Château de Commarin
Go off the beaten path with a tour of Château de Commarin and be one of only a few privileged guests to experience a private falconry display. Still inhabited by Count Bertrand de Vogue, the de Vogue family has occupied this extraordinary residence since the 13th century. Explore behind the scenes and visit the castle's interior, stables and exquisite gardens, which come complete with a moat.
This cruise visits Clos de Vougeot, the home of the prestigious Chevaliers du Tastevin. On your way back to the barge, you can enjoy a tour and tasting of the best wines, discovering their production, and enhancing your Ouche Valley visit. With a gastronomic lunch at Domaine Chanson and a private tasting too, you'll be an expert in Burgundian wines by the time your trip is over.
Châneuf-en-Auxois
History buffs will enjoy a visit to another medieval castle, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. With its beautiful green scenery and grazing Charolais cattle, Cháteauneuf-en-Auxois provides a stunning vantage point on the hills. Surveying the region from its location, it was once a residence for the Dukes of Burgundy. Guests on l'Impressionniste visit the castle, medieval village surrounding it, and the craft shops.
If you're visiting Burgundy for the epic scenery, this cruise will provide all the vineyards, canals, and countryside your heart desires. As l'Impressionniste glides along the Burgundy Canal, there are plenty of opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath, bringing the wildlife of the region a little bit closer. Spot butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies as you walk alongside the waterway on a warm, summer's day.
For a different point of view, take an optional hot air balloon flight to see the patchwork of vineyards from above. Lifted high above the Côte d'Or, you will experience a bird's eye view of Burgundy – making memories you'll never forget.
French Hotel Barge l'Impressionniste Has Special Cruises Tailored For:
Families
If you are looking to charter a private family cruise for an idyllic break in Burgundy, look no further than a cruise aboard l'Impressionniste. Customize a barge charter for up to 12 guests with family and friends. Swap up to four excursions from the Classic Cruise itinerary for more family-friendly activities. Choose from watersports on the River Ouche, outdoor or indoor swimming, go-karting and tennis, for example. For adventurous families, there's horse riding, quad biking, paintballing, and even hot air ballooning. To discover more about potential family excursions, see the Family barge cruise itinerary.
Wine Appreciation
The prestigious Burgundy region is an excellent choice for a wine charter. Set deep within the Côte d'Or, wine cruises on l'Impressionniste visit some of the best vineyards in Burgundy. If Pinot Noir is your favorite red wine, you'll be pleased that this wine appreciation cruise includes Domaine Jafflin on the Route des Grand Crus. Visit Clos de Vougeot, the homes of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, and also a trip to the Côte de Beaune to visit both Domaine Chanson and the famous Hôtel-Dieu Hospice. If you're a wine enthusiast, you won't want to miss this cruise with multiple vineyard excursions. Learn more about the Wine Appreciation barge charter.
Golf
A golf-themed, barge cruise for up to 12 guests with a minimum of 4 golfers, is an excellent opportunity to try out the best of Burgundy's golf courses. Other activities are available for non-golfers. Stops include the 9-hole Club du Pre Lamy, situated among the rolling pastures of the Auxois as they meet the forest of the Morvan, and 18-hole Château de Chailly golf course which was designed by Thierry Sprecher and Géry Watine. There's also the Golf de Beaune Levernois in the heart of the Burgundy vineyards, plus the 18-hole Golf Bluegreen Quetigny Grand Dijon, situated just 5 minutes from the center of Dijon. Click for l'Impressionniste's Golfing barge cruise itinerary.
Culinary
Burgundy is best known for its wines, but the gastronomy of the region is also exceptional. On a Culinary Cruise, l'Impressionniste visits the cheese-making facilities at Abbaye de Citeaux, Domaine Chanson for a gastronomic lunch, and the Edward Fallot Moutarderie where guests learn about the region's famous mustards. Burgundy also has other famed culinary products like Crème de Cassis, veal, and goat sausages, which are sold at La Ferme du Rabutin. On this barge charter, you will also have an opportunity to purchase items from Dijon's markets and have a cooking lesson once you're back on board l'Impressionniste. What can be more rewarding than preparing your own gastronomic feast with products from your travels?
View features of Barge L'Impressionniste, sites and scenery
Video presentation for the French Hotel Barge Impressionniste (2:45)
Ready for a Barge Cruise with l'Impressionniste?
Feeling inspired and interested in a barge cruise in Burgundy aboard French Hotel Barge l'Impressionniste? Contact Paradise Connections – we are happy to assist with your barging vacation.
Learn about the Canal de Bourgogne
- History of the Burgundy Canal
- Canal de Bourgogne: An Overview
- Canal de Bourgogne: Towns & Villages
- Canal de Bourgone: Best Places to Visit
- View more links about Burgundy
- View French Hotel Barge l'Impressionniste's online brochure for more details.
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