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THE
12 PASSENGER L'IMPRESSIONNISTE
.... 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 a selection 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, Master Chef and crew
of three. L'Impressionniste's classic route covers some fine Burgundian
rural cruising with plenty of opportunity to cycle and stroll
along the tow-path and wander into nearby villages
L'Impressionniste
- Ouche Valley, Burgundy Itinerary
Dijon to Escommes
Sunday, Day 1 - Dijon
You are met at the meeting hotel at 4.30pm and transferred 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 you with a chance to meet the crew.
Enjoy a stroll into Dijon before Dinner aboard.
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 - Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station
by 9.00. (suggested train to Paris TGV 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.
Impressionniste
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