BARGING IN BURGUNDY

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

Castles rising from vineyards and medieval churches mark the landscape of Burgundy, the land of the good life for those who savour fine cuisine and wine in historic settings. Burgundy was once an independent province; its Valois dukes spread their might across Europe during the Middle Ages. The Ducs de Bourgogne are but a memory, but they left a legacy of vintage red and white wines to please and excite the palate, and magnificent cities and towns to explore.

Our experience of Burgundy is from the delightful perspective of the "Impressioniste", a beautifully appointed hotel barge which cruises the Burgundy Canal. This cruise is truly a rural experience – isolated villages and chateaux, and superb countryside.

There is plenty of time spent cruising quietly, well off the "beaten tourist track". You can also walk or cycle along the towpath at your leisure, relax on deck, or enjoy the on-deck Jacuzzi. However your relaxation time is interspersed with captivating excursions.

We visit the historic Hospice at Beaune; enjoy wine tastings at esteemed and picturesque Cote d’Or wineries; discover the beautiful medieval village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois and the magnificent Abbaye de la Bussiere; explore the ancient Chateau de Commarin, giving an insight into the glamorous lives of the French aristocracy; and shop at the weekly market in old Dijon.

Exceptional local cuisine and wines are provided by our private on-board chef, and different delicious cheeses sampled each day. Barging is a truly unique French experience, and one that will leave you with unforgettable memories of an enchanting holiday!

The "Impressioniste" is an excellent choice for singles, couples or friends and is also available for full group charters – contact us for instant availability checks.

See our detailed itinerary and 2012 prices.

Impressioniste Deck Plan:

Impressioniste Layout

2 Master suites*
Larger cabin size, larger bathroom (one suite has freestanding shower and the other a shower over bath), may be double or twin cabins.

4 Double/twin suites
Two suites are twin bed only, the other two can be double or twin bed configuration. These cabins have freestanding showers in the bathroom.

1 Single cabin
An excellent option for a single traveller as the single supplement is lower on this cabin.

*These cabins available for a supplement on tour price

The barge is decorated in tasteful style with wood panelling and luxury fittings, and spacious salons and deck space. All cabins have private en-suite bathrooms. Bathrooms are very small as would be expected aboard a vessel with a confined amount of room, but are nicely appointed with marble fittings and l'Occitane toiletries. Open bar is available 24 hours a day and all meals include premium wines. The only drink not included on the menu is champagne, apart from the champagne welcome on arrival. This is available at extra cost. There is a jacuzzi on deck. In the Master suites, the bathrooms have baths with shower fittings and in the junior suites, there are freestanding showers.

Other barges also available in Burgundy:

"La Belle Epoque" – 12 guests maximum – First Class Category – Burgundy Canal
THE BELLE EPOQUE IS THE "SISTER" BARGE TO THE IMPRESSIONISTE AND HAS AN ALMOST IDENTICAL LAYOUT. IT OPERATES A DIFFERENT ITINERARY ON THE BURGUNDY CANAL.

"Art de Vivre" – 8 guests maximum – Standard Category – Nivernais Canal

"Renaissance" – 8 guests maximum – Deluxe Category – Burgundy & Upper Loire

To see detailed itineraries, photo galleries, deck plans and prices of these and a wide range of other French barges, visit our specialist barge cruise website at www.frenchbarging.com.au