Southern Burgundy Classic

7-day canal journey through Southern Burgundy with vineyards, towpaths, villages, and French barge comfort.

Best Price Guarantee

Length

7 Days

Ship category

Luxury

Ship type

Small Ships

Capacity

12 Passengers

Southern Burgundy Classic

Your ship: L'Impressionniste

+18

What we truly appreciate about L'Impressionniste is how it redefines modern river expedition cruising in Burgundy.

From its light and airy saloon featuring rich-colored teak flooring and gorgeous prints reminiscent of the Impressionist era to its relaxing top-deck hot tub, L’Impressionniste offers a refined yet deeply immersive experience. Days are shaped by meandering along quiet towpaths on the ship's all-terrain bicycles and encountering beautiful hilltop medieval villages, while evenings are spent relaxing on board with sweeping Ouche Valley views and exceptional hand-selected wines. Comp … Read more about L'Impressionniste

Cabins

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Monet Junior Suite (stern)

Type:

Double/Matrimonial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Renoir Junior Suite (bow)

Type:

Double/Matrimonial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Cezanne Stateroom (mid-bow)

Type:

Double/Matrimonial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Degas Stateroom (mid-stern)

Type:

Double/Matrimonial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Pissarro Stateroom (mid-bow)

Type:

Double/Matrimonial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

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Sisley Stateroom (mid-stern)

Type:

Double/Matrimonial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

Amenities

air conditioning

Air conditioning & private bathroom

heating

Heater

jacuzzi

Sundeck with jacuzzi

transfer

Transfers to and from ship

binoculars

Observation Deck

drinks

Alcoholic Beverages included

meal

All meals

Visiting

wifi

Internet/Wifi

library

Library

EN guide

English guides

Food & Drinks

Dining on board reflects regional flavors paired with international cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Menus change regularly to mirror the regions visited, with attentive service and flexible dietary accommodations.

Mornings begin with an array of fresh pastries and artisanal breads delivered direct from local bakeries, alongside freshly squeezed orange juice. Lunches are a relaxed but highly refined affair, showcasing colorful regional specialties served al-fresco or in the saloon, paired with premier local wines chosen by the chef. Dinners elevate the French culinary art to a candlelit, four-course gourmet peak—culminating in the prestigious Captain’s Farewell Dinner on the final evening. Our onboard chef and hosts readily tailor these menus with 8 weeks' notice to accommodate any dietary preferences or medical restrictions, ensuring an exceptional culinary journey for all.

Map

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

When do you want to travel?

From

Until

Info

Availability

Price

26

Jul

2026

• 7 days

• Departure Closed

From

USD 6,995

26

Jul

2026

1

Aug

2026

•

Departure Closed

Available

USD 6,995


2

Aug

2026

• 7 days

• Departure Closed

From

USD 6,995

2

Aug

2026

8

Aug

2026

•

Departure Closed

Full

USD 6,995


9

Aug

2026

• 7 days

• 20% off Per Charter

From

USD 6,995

9

Aug

2026

15

Aug

2026

•

20% off Per Charter

Available

USD 6,995


16

Aug

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 6,995

16

Aug

2026

22

Aug

2026

Full

USD 6,995


23

Aug

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 8,178

23

Aug

2026

29

Aug

2026

Full

USD 8,178


30

Aug

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 8,178

30

Aug

2026

5

Sep

2026

Full

USD 8,178


6

Sep

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 8,178

6

Sep

2026

12

Sep

2026

Full

USD 8,178


13

Sep

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 8,178

13

Sep

2026

19

Sep

2026

Full

USD 8,178


20

Sep

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 8,178

20

Sep

2026

26

Sep

2026

Full

USD 8,178


27

Sep

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 8,178

27

Sep

2026

3

Oct

2026

Full

USD 8,178


4

Oct

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 8,178

4

Oct

2026

10

Oct

2026

Full

USD 8,178


11

Oct

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 8,178

11

Oct

2026

17

Oct

2026

Full

USD 8,178


18

Oct

2026

• 7 days

• 20% off Per Charter

From

USD 8,178

18

Oct

2026

24

Oct

2026

•

20% off Per Charter

• 4 Spots

4 Spots

Book now

USD 8,178


25

Oct

2026

• 7 days

• 20% off Per Charter

From

USD 6,995

25

Oct

2026

31

Oct

2026

•

20% off Per Charter

Available

USD 6,995


1

Nov

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 6,995

1

Nov

2026

7

Nov

2026

Available

USD 6,995


8

Nov

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 6,995

8

Nov

2026

14

Nov

2026

Available

USD 6,995


15

Nov

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 6,995

15

Nov

2026

21

Nov

2026

Available

USD 6,995


22

Nov

2026

• 7 days

From

USD 6,995

22

Nov

2026

28

Nov

2026

Available

USD 6,995


Preferred date unavailable?

Info

Single Cabin Supplement

When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.

What's included

Comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned, ensuite staterooms or suites

Gourmet meals prepared by the on-board chef, complemented with fine wines

An open bar consisting of premium spirits, fine wines, and non-alcoholic beverages

Private and often exclusive daily excursions to handpicked hidden gems

Comfortable private air-conditioned transfers throughout your cruise

Complimentary bicycle use, and on most barges a spa pool on the sun deck

Personalised, but unobtrusive, service from an experienced crew – Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hosts

What's not included

Service charge is not included in the cruise fare. Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you would like to acknowledge recognition for the standard of service provided. As a guideline, the recommended industry standard is between 5 and 10% of the cruise fare if you are fully satisfied with the service you have received. If you have any questions on the above, please speak to the Captain.

Reviews

Worth Knowing

You are welcome to walk or cycle using the on board bicycles as often as you wish.

The approximate transfer duration between Paris and L’Impressionniste is 4 to 5 hours.

We recommend you bring sufficient clean clothing for your cruise as there are no laundry facilities on board.

Please try and fit everything for your cruise into one reasonably sized suitcase and one piece of hand luggage per person.

Tap water in France and on board L’Impressionniste is potable and bottled water is available.

For fire safety reasons, smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the barge.

FAQs

What is the carbon footprint of this trip and how does Rivertours address it?

Long-haul flights and the on-the-ground program generate 2.1 t CO₂e on this trip. Rivertours regularly measures and monitors the carbon footprint of its journeys and actively reduces emissions through sustainable travel design: no unnecessary flights, fewer feeder flights, integration of rail and public transport, and promoting longer stays for a more balanced relationship between travel distance and impact.

From 2018 to 2024, we supported carbon reduction projects equivalent to the emissions generated. Recognizing the limits of traditional offsetting, we now focus on active environmental protection through our own rainforest project, Forest Guardians.

More information on our climate and environmental responsibility: https://www.venturatravel.org/impact

What is Rivertours? Do you own the boats?

Rivertours is an independent specialist for small-scale river journeys. We do not own or operate the boats. We compare independent local operators and their routes—from traditional sailing boats to small expedition vessels and hotel barges—then help you choose the trip that fits you.

You book at the operator's direct price, with Rivertours as your point of contact for clear comparisons and advice. We do not add booking fees.

Standard vs. Luxury Cruises: What's the Difference?

Every Rivertours journey is chosen for its small scale and the quality of the route. "Standard" and "Luxury / Premium" describe the level of onboard comfort, not whether one journey is more authentic than another.

Standard is for travelers who are happy with simpler cabins and fewer extras, and want to put most of the focus on the river, time ashore and the places along the way.

Luxury / Premium usually means more cabin space, more refined interiors and, on some vessels, features such as larger windows, private outdoor space or a wider food and drink offering.

Facilities vary by vessel. Use the individual trip and cabin pages to compare what is actually included; our specialists can help if cabin comfort is a deciding factor.

When is the best time for a river cruise?

The best time depends on the river and the experience you want. On many routes, water levels shape the journey as much as the weather: higher water can open flooded landscapes and limit bridge clearance, while lower water can reveal trails and beaches but make shallow sections harder to navigate.

Seasonal maintenance, heat, rain, wildlife patterns and local access can also change the daily route or available departures. Start with the individual trip page, then ask our specialists what the season means for the exact route you are considering.

What cabin types are available on a river cruise?

Cabin layouts vary by vessel, route and river. Smaller ships have real physical constraints—narrow locks, bridge clearance and shallow water—so even comfortable cabins may be more compact than a hotel room.

Lower-deck cabins often have fixed windows or portholes and can be quieter, cooler and better value. On some ships, the windows sit close to or below the waterline.

French-balcony cabins have floor-to-ceiling doors and a safety rail. They open the cabin to air and views, but they do not provide a step-out balcony.

Suites and walk-out balconies offer more room or private outdoor space where the vessel's design allows. They are not common on the smallest or most traditional boats.

Do not choose by category alone. Check the deck plan, window type, floor space and access details for the exact cabin you are considering.

What happens if I need to cancel or change my booking?
  • Refund timelines: If we are obliged to refund your booking price following a cancellation, the refund will be processed immediately. By law, the payment must reach you within a maximum of 14 days from the date of the cancellation

  • No "Cooling-Off" period for distance bookings: Since our package tours are booked via distance communication (e.g., e-mail, phone, website, or social media), please note that you do not have a statutory right of revocation (retraction) under German Civil Code once the booking is confirmed

  • A legal right of revocation only applies if the package contract was signed outside of physical business premises and without your prior order

  • Transferring your booking to someone else: If you are unable to travel, you have a statutory right to transfer your travel contract to another person. You can present a substitute participant who will take your place on the cruise, subject to contractual adjustments

-Cancellation Compensation: If you decide to cancel your trip, Ventura TRAVEL (operating Rivertours) reserves the right to charge either standard cancellation lump sums or a specifically calculated compensation based on expenses saved and other potential uses of your booking

You can find more information here : https://www.rivertours.com/terms

Southern Burgundy Classic

4.9

(16)

Luxury

Price

From

USD 6,995

No dates selected

​


France

From

$ 6995

16 Reviews

Trip highlights

Clos de Vougeot Castle

Old Town Dijon

Medieval Bastion de l’Oratoire

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

The Rivertours experience

Best Price Guarantee: Find a better price elsewhere, and we’ll match it.

River Cruise Specialists: We focus exclusively on river expeditions, with recommendations grounded in first-hand expertise.

Travel that gives back: Every booking supports conservation and community projects connected to the places we travel.

What we especially appreciate about Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy is its elegant balance of gentle cruising, fine wine, and classic Burgundian culture. The journey begins in Fleurey-sur-Ouche and follows a leisurely route past sleepy villages, lock houses, and towpaths, with time to walk or cycle alongside the barge.

The cultural program is excellent: Old Dijon, Clos de Vougeot, Beaune, Domaine Chanson, the Hôtel-Dieu Hospice, Château de Commarin, and Châteauneuf-en-Auxois all feature in the week. Compared with many European canal cruises, this itinerary feels particularly rich in wine heritage and aristocratic country character, while still remaining relaxed and intimate.

For us, the sweet spots in Burgundy are May, June, September, and early October, when temperatures are usually pleasant and the countryside is at its most inviting. Summer is generally warm rather than hot, with average highs often around the mid-20s °C / mid-70s °F, while spring and autumn tend to be milder and especially pleasant for walking, cycling, and vineyard visits. Winter is cooler and less suitable for this style of cruise.

Keep in mind this is an expedition-style river journey, so the exact itinerary can change with weather, river levels, wildlife activity, and local safety conditions.

Day 1 - Paris
Paris
Paris
+1
France

Guests are met at our meeting point in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the elegant L’Impressionniste.

A champagne reception welcomes you on board and the opportunity to meet the captain and crew. Then enjoy your first dinner on board.

Day 2 - Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Burgund

This morning, experience your first day’s cruise along this enchanting canal, which also promises a walk or cycle along an ever-present towpath past sleepy villages and pretty lock houses.

After lunch we visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award a special prized label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages every year. On the way back to the hotel barge we enjoy a tour and a private tasting of fine Burgundy wines.

Dinner on board.

Day 3 - Dijon
Dijon

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Old Dijon, including a visit to the vivid produce markets, mustard shops and the impressive Notre-Dame de Dijon church, or enjoy some excellent shopping time.

Return to the hotel barge for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussière and perhaps a walk or bicycle ride to the next lock or two.

Dinner on board.

Day 4 - Beaune
Beaune
+2

After a short morning cruise, we set off on a drive through the slopes of the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. Here, our expert guide will offer an insight into the production of the region’s finest premier and grand cru wines.

We continue to Beaune – the capital of the Burgundy wine country, for a private tour and tasting at the renowned Domaine Chanson. The tour includes its medieval Bastion de l’Oratoire, a 15th century defence tower whose 25-foot-thick walls now maintain the perfect temperature for ageing wine. This is followed by a private gastronomic lunch in the domaine’s chateau.

Afterwards, we visit the fascinating Hôtel-Dieu Hospice with time to explore the town, before returning for a short evening cruise to Pont d’Ouche.

Dinner on board.

Day 5 - Chateau de Commarin
Chateau de Commarin
Landschaft Burgund

After breakfast, we cruise to Vandenesse-en-Auxois, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages, crossing the only aqueduct on the Burgundy Canal.

This afternoon we visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin where we are lucky enough to enjoy a private tour with a majestic falconry display***, followed by the opportunity to meet Count Bertrand de Vogüé – the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogüé family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Guests can then explore the regal interior, rustic stables and surrounding gardens.

Dinner on board.

***Weather dependent.

Day 6 - Chateauneuf en Auxois
Chateauneuf en Auxois
Monpazier

Our last day’s leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1,250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel.

After lunch on board, we visit the medieval village, craft shops and castle of Châteauneuf-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.

Day 7 - Paris
Return to Paris and onward travel
Paris
+1
France

After breakfast, travel back to Paris and continue your journey. This is a practical final day rather than a sightseeing stage, but it matters: luggage, timing, transfers, and onward plans are clear, so the slow rhythm of Burgundy can end without a rushed scramble.

Trusted Customer

Scottish Highlander

Premium

July 2026

The Scottish Highlander cruise was incredible from beginning to end. The boat was stunning (old polished wood and comfortable furniture), the cabins were efficient with excellent bathroom facilities... but the most astounding part of the experience was the excellence of the crew. Their personal warmth and attention to detail was mind-blowing. Our boat had a 5-person crew, and each of them in their own personal way made the experience unforgettable. They genuinely seemed to like finding ways to enhance the passenger experience. Holly was utterly charming as she made sure our experience in the boat went well, and no detail escaped her attention, from the flowers she brought on board to recommending walks at docking points to the care with which each meal-setting was perfect. Deckhand Jake was always eager to explain the locks and workings of the boat, as well as life in Scotland. Angus made sure our excursions to castles, a distillery, a cheese shop (especially fun) went off without a hitch (except one case of wet feet in a bog, an easy mistake) and he filled us in on the history needed to understand various sites. Skipper Adam was friendly and welcoming as we took turns driving the boat, or just hanging out in the wheelhouse and watching the amazing scenery go by. And Chef Simon, wow... the meals were absolutely superb... creative and delicious, while utterly mindful of dietary restrictions. Having done larger river-boat cruises before, I never expected this level of cuisine. The meals were works of art in themselves. This cruise was perfect for relaxing, taking in awesome scenery, enjoying walks here and there, and exploring nooks and crannies of the scenic Scottish highlands. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2bnhkj6b

Susan T.

Scottish Highlander

Premium

July 2026

The barge itself and the crew were amazing. The structure of the various expeditions and visits by experts and musicians was very well constructed to educate about the history of Scotland. All in all it was brilliant with the best food that we have ever tasted. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2auclmjp

Judith F.

Scottish Highlander

Premium

June 2026

Lovely, relaxing, superb food but too much. Staff made every effort to accommodate needs. I would recommend keeping beds arranged … Source: https://tinyurl.com/2bvpbd5b

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Wein und Winzer
Wein und Winzer
+2

Southern Burgundy Classic

7-day canal journey through Southern Burgundy with wine country, villages, and seasonal barge travel.

Luxury

4.9

(19)

7 Days

From:

USD 7,268