Burgundy, France, in Slow Motion: Aboard European Waterways’ L’Impressionniste

Burgundy isn’t just a place – it’s a feeling, a flavour, and a memory in the making.

For travellers seeking a week where time slows to walking pace, European Waterways’ L’Impressionniste offers a six-night voyage through the heart of Burgundy’s wine country, gliding from Escommes to Fleurey-sur-Ouche along the tranquil Canal de Bourgogne. This intimate, all-inclusive river cruise pairs immersive cultural excursions with gourmet dining, creating a product travel professionals can confidently recommend to discerning clients.

The Vessel

A former Dutch freight barge transformed into a 12-passenger floating boutique hotel, L’Impressionniste balances rustic charm with understated luxury. The open sun deck, elegant lounge, and spacious cabins foster a convivial, house-party atmosphere, while a high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention. Private transfers at either end make logistics seamless.

Culinary Excellence

The onboard cuisine is expertly crafted by Chef Alexis Nemtchenko, using fresh, local produce — from classic coq au vin to melt-in-the-mouth duck confit – paired perfectly with Burgundy’s finest vintages by the onboard sommelier. Each sitting offers three courses of culinary artistry, followed by a curated regional cheese board that elevates the entire dining experience. The open bar is fully stocked with an impressive selection of fine wines, premium spirits, liqueurs, and soft drinks, ensuring the perfect accompaniment for every moment of the voyage.

Signature Excursions

European Waterways leverages exclusive partnerships for truly private experiences:

• A falconry display and tour of Château de Commarin, home to the same family since the 13th century.
• Wine tasting in the ancient cellars of Domaine Chanson in Beaune, followed by a château lunch.
• A visit to Clos de Vougeot, ceremonial home of Burgundy’s wine brotherhood.
• Market visits in Dijon, offering authentic insight into regional produce and culture.

Daily guided excursions are interspersed with leisurely cruising, where guests can walk or cycle the shaded towpaths, or simply sip a cocktail on deck while tree-lined locks, stone villages, and golden vineyards drift by.

This itinerary is well-suited for couples, small groups, and wine-and-food enthusiasts seeking a relaxed pace, high-quality dining, and culturally rich touring. It also works well for private charters and multi-generational family trips.

Origins & Hull Design

• Built in 1960 in Belgium as a spitz-style péniche, combining Belgian and Dutch barge influences – a flat-sided, box-like hull with a luxe motor-style bow, offering spaciousness and practicality for inland waterways.
• Originally used to transport grain and timber between Paris and Brussels; its large cargo hold made it well-suited for conversion into a hotel barge.

Conversion & Layout

• Converted into a hotel barge in 1996 by engineers Verrian Gray and Geoffrey Foot, based on the design plans of La Belle Epoque.
• Features 6 double cabins, comprising 4 staterooms and 2 junior suites, named after Impressionist painters like Monet and Renoir. Cabins offer configurable twin or double beds and include en-suite shower bathrooms.
• Accommodates 12 passengers with 5 crew members (captain/pilot, deckhand/tour guide, chef, and two housekeepers/waiters) housed in separate quarters.

Dimensions & Performance

• Measures approximately 38m (126–128 ft) in length and 5.05m (16 ft 6 in) in beam width – matching Freycinet gauge suitable for most French canals.
• Registered tonnage is around 200 (likely gross tonnage for buoyancy classification) and she operates across 2 decks (main cabin/deck and upper deck).
• Originally powered by an 8-cylinder Deutz diesel engine (200 hp), achieving about 16 km/h (8.6 knots). In 2000, re-engined with a Scania 250 hp (190 kW) unit to enhance power and control, particularly helpful in strong currents like those on the Rhône.
• Steered via a single rudder with chain-link steering, paired with a relatively fine bow for precise navigation.

Decks & Amenities

• Features two upper-level sundecks, constructed of African Iroko hardwood:
  • One measuring 12 ft 6 in × 35 ft (approx. 3.8 m × 10.6 m).
  • A smaller one at 12 ft 6 in × 9 ft 6 in (approx. 3.8 m × 2.9 m)
• The sundecks include:
  • A heated spa pool (hot tub) for up to six guests.
  • Space for al fresco dining with one large table, two smaller tables, 11 chairs, and 2 recliners.

Interior Design

• Interiors blend modern comfort with classic nautical styling. The saloon features teak flooring, picture windows, leather sofas, and balloon‑backed dining chairs. Decorative touches include brass fixtures and Impressionist-themed accents.
• Cabins are elegantly simple, bright, and lightly panelled, reflecting five-star hotel standards with premium toiletries and airy ambiance via opening windows and portholes.

Summary Table

Getting there:

European Waterways collects you from a central Paris hotel and whisk you away to a serene spot in Burgundy where L’Impressionniste awaits, moored and ready to begin your journey.

On this barge journey, the onboard crew set a gold standard for hospitality – warm, intuitive, and consummately professional.