Barging in Burgundy

FULLY CREWED CRUISES DEPART EVERY SUNDAY FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER (7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS) ON BOARD THE "IMPRESSIONISTE"

IMPRESSIONISTE DETAILED ITINERARY:

Sunday, Day 1 Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche
You are met at Dijon TGV Station at 4.00pm, or Hotel de la Cloche in Dijon at 4.15pm if you are staying there pre cruise, and transferred to the elegant L'Impressionniste moored in Fleurey sur Ouche for your cruise through Burgundy. A Champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides you with a chance to meet the crew. Dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2 Fleurey sur Ouche to Gissey 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 cruising past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses. 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. On the way back to the barge visit one of the great cellars of Burgundy where we enjoy a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 Gissey sur Ouche to La Bussiere
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon including a visit to the produce market, mustard shops and enjoy some excellent shopping time. Return to the boat for lunch and leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussiere. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 La Bussiere to Pont d'Ouche
An 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, we enjoy the gastronomic delights of Master Chef Emmanuel Hebrard in the Bistro or Garden Restaurant whilst enjoying a selection of local burgundies. This afternoon 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 the French aristocracy as well as showing off the Chateau, stables and landscaped gardens. Late afternoon cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Light dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 Pont d'Ouche to La Repe
After breakfast we cruise to La Repe, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages crossing the only canal bridge on the Burgundy Canal. In the afternoon we drive 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 an excellent Burgundy winery and sample some of the local wines. Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 La Repe to Escommes
Our last day's leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. Mid afternoon, we visit Commarin, the medieval 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 countryside. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Escommes to Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon TGV station or Dijon centre by 9.40am.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

2012 PRICES:

*This is the single supplement payable if you choose a stateroom or Master Suite for single use.

Please note prices are in euros and will be converted to Australian dollars on day of payments.

Seasons (departure dates):

Value: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, July 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, October 7, 14, 21 ,18.

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

To see our full range of fully crewed hotel barges throughout France, visit our dedicated website at www.frenchbarging.com.au