THE BARGE: Constructed in 1960 as a general cargo carrier in Holland Converted into a hotel barge in 1996 Measures 126 ft. long by 16.5 ft. wide Seven (7) onboard cabin accommodations Thirteen (13) passenger capacity Onboard climate control Two (2) 220V generators with silent "night" mode capability Maximum speed of 12 knots Carries 20 tons of fresh water and 3 tons of fuel PERSONNEL: Five (5) crew members consisting of Tour Guide/Deckhand, Chef, Housekeeper, Stewardess, and Captain. Generally British, this crew of five speaks both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well). PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Heated Jacuzzi built for six (6) people HI FI system with CD player Boules Ten (10) mountain bikes (14 speed) Board games Binoculars for birdwatching MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: L'Impressionniste has a gangplank from the bank to the deck with two (2) handrails and two (2) wide steps from the deck to the salon. There are twelve (12) steps from the salon to the cabins.  These steps have a handrail and are wide enough for one (1) person to walk beside another for assistance.   If you would like to hire a wheelchair so that it is available on your arrival, please specify at the time of booking. The nominal hire charge should be paid directly to the Captain on arrival. Please note, however, that wheelchair access to monuments, tours, and the barge is very limited.  The well-planned accommodation of the L'Impressionniste offers a choice of seven air-conditioned twin/double staterooms with full en-suite facilities.

CABINS: There are six (6) suites, four (4) junior suites, and one (1) single cabin on board L'Impressionniste, named Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne, Sisley, Degas, and Bazille respectively. STATEROOM SIZE: Cabin sizes vary based on the type of accommodation. The sizes listed below for each cabin include bathroom area. Monet (Stern Suite) - Approx. 170 sq. ft. Renoir (Bow Suite) - Approx. 155 sq. ft. Pissarro (Stern Junior Suite) - Approx. 135 sq. ft. Cezanne (Stern Junior Suite) - Approx. 135 sq. ft. Sisley (Bow Junior Suite) - Approx. 125 sq. ft. Degas (Bow Junior Suite) - Approx. 125 sq. ft. Bazille - Approx. 90 sq. ft. Each stateroom has portholes or windows for viewing the passing landscapes or letting in fresh air. The number of portholes available varies from stateroom to stateroom: Renoir - 4 large square windows, 2 of which open Monet - 4 portholes, 2 of which open Pissarro - 2 opening windows Cezanne- 2 opening windows Sisley - 3 portholes, 2 of which open Degas - 3 portholes, 2 of which open Bazille - 2 opening portholes

Double Configuration En Suite Bathroom

BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Each stateroom has specific bedding configurations as outlined below: Monet - twin or double Renoir - double Pissarro - twin Cezanne - twin Sisley - twin or double Degas - twin or double Bazille - single When the suites are in twin bed configuration, the beds are parallel with a gap between them. Bed sizes are: Twin - 3 ft. X 6 ft. Double - 6 ft. X 6 ft. (Renoir's double measures 6 ft. 3 in. X 6 ft.) BATHROOMS: Monet and Renoir have full-length baths and a shower attached to the wall with shower curtain. They have the most floor space. The remaining staterooms have showers in a shower cubicle. All cabins have marble tiled floors and walls and a household flush toilet and basin. All bathrooms are stocked with towels, washing gel, hand soap, and shampoo. AMENITIES: Climate Control, Hairdryer, Built-in Closets, Dehumidifier, Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

SALON/DINING ROOM: The Salon/Dining Room provides a comfortable 325 sq. ft. and features: Built-in sofa area Coffee table Fully-stocked oak bar Mahogany dining table with seating for thirteen (13) people ON DECK: There are two (2) Sun Decks on board L'Impressionniste, one of which is shaded. The shaded deck is approximately 118 sq. ft. while the other is a spacious 437 sq. ft. open-air gathering area.  The beautiful deck furniture consists of: 2 steamer chairs 13 reclining chairs 1 large table 2 small tables The Sun Deck is perfect for sun bathing and enjoying the beautiful scenery as you slowly wind through the canals of France. OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). An air-conditioned, 9-seater (including driver) VW Caravelle minibus and an air-conditioned, 6-seater VW Sharan minibus are also available for excursions by vehicle.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

L'Impressionniste cruises the beautiful Southern Burgundy region, on the Burgundy Canal between Dijon and Escommes, one of the best areas for high quality wine visits and tastings. The itinerary includes the must see tours of Dijon, Beaune, Nuit Saint Georges and Chateauneuf-en-Auxois…all this and more aboard the 13-passenger L'Impressionniste. Click below for Sample Itinerary: Dijon-Escommes Escommes-Dijon

Highlights: Dijon, the capital and Burgundy and the the wine center of Beaune Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin Private wine tasting at a family run Domaine in the heart of Nuits-St-Georges on the route des Grands Crus 13th century Chateau de Commarin and the 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere including luncheon in the Michelin starred restaurant

L'Impressionniste is owned and operated by the U.K based "European Waterways" cruise company, known to provide crew that have always taken pride in their work, attention to detail, creativity and service, key words which are the cornerstones of the company's group of vessels. Crew members are selected from within the hotel barge industry and from outside. The majority are either English or French. L'Impressionniste's highly professional crew of five is comprised of Tour Guide, Chef, Housekeeper, and Stewardess, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more!

Cuisine on board L'Impressionniste is French. All meals are composed of fresh ingredients and typically feature a different selection of regional cheeses and wines daily. Non-alcoholic beverages, regular or decaffeinated tea & coffee, and whole or low-fat milk are offered with all meals. There are no assigned seats for meals in the dining room and dress is casual. The Captain's Dinner on the last night of the cruise requires slightly formal attire. Regional specialties Filet d'Agneau au Basilic, Magret de Canard, Poulet à L'Estragon Wine cellar Chablis,Vosne Romanée, Domaine Laroche, Nuit St -Georges, Epineuil Cheese board Aisy Cendré, Bouton de Culotte, Epoisses, Ami du Chambertin SPECIAL FOOD REQUIREMENTS: Special food requirements (such as vegetarian or allergies) are catered to if requested in advance (if possible, please specify requirements at least 8 weeks prior to departure).

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board L'Impressioniste
Transfers from Dijon to barge & return
All meals
All wines with lunch & dinner
Open bar
All escorted excursions
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Dijon & return
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

WINE The vineyards of Burgundy have long been a staple in the region and our wine guide is an expert of not just wine, but also the history and variety of methods in which to make wine. Find out more!