Burgundy barge cruise

Departing from Paris, we’ll drive you through northern Burgundy to Fleurey-sur-Ouche on the Canal de Bourgogne. Here you'll be welcomed aboard L'Impressionniste, your home for the next few days, with a champagne reception. Built as a Dutch cargo vessel, L'Impressionniste has been thoughtfully converted with elegant staterooms, a spa pool, sundecks and bar. It’s like a floating boutique hotel, perfect for exploring the region.

As L'Impressionniste cruises smoothly west, stretch your legs with a stroll or cycle along the towpath. After lunch you'll visit Clos de Vougeot, a Renaissance chateau that began life as a medieval monastic winery. It now serves as headquarters of the brotherhood of the Chevaliers du Tastevin. You’ll be taken to a wine-tasting at a nearby domaine before rejoining the barge at Gissey to relax over dinner on board.

Dijon really cuts the mustard, as you'll discover on a guided walking tour of its ancient centre, visiting its markets, mustard shops and medieval and Renaissance buildings. A highlight is the flamboyant Gothic Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, founded in the 14th century. Climb the Tour de Philippe le Bon for panoramic views. In the afternoon, go with the flow as we continue along the canal to La Bussière.

Times have changed at the magnificent Abbaye de la Bussiere. Founded in 1131 by a Cistercian abbot, it's now a sumptuous hotel set in landscaped parkland. Enjoy an aperitif before lunch amid the columns of its Michelin-starred restaurant. Continue to the handsome Chateau de Commarin, home to 26 generations of the same family since it was established eight centuries ago. Back on L'Impressionniste, you'll cruise to Pont d'Ouche before dinner.

This morning's passage to Vandenesse-en-Auxois traverses verdant countryside grazed by the region's famed Charolais cattle. Wander or bike along the towpath for closer looks at the small settlements drifting past. After lunch you'll visit Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Have your camera ready for the loggias and ornate timbered Hotel-Dieu, founded as an almshouse in 1443 and now a museum. Then you’ll rejoin L'Impressionniste at La Repe.

Today we'll cruise to the canal’s highest point, 380 metres above sea level. This afternoon you'll visit the Chateau de Bussy-Rabutin, built for a courtier of Louis XIV. Though the moated palace and gardens are impressive, the real highlight is the gallery of royal portraits accompanied by caustic captions by the exiled libertine Roger de Rabutin. Later, join your fellow travellers at Escommes for a farewell gala dinner aboard L'Impressionniste.

After breakfast, return to Paris by road. You may wish to extend you stay here or we’ll take you to the airport or Gare du Nord for your journey home.