L'Impressionniste in Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
L'Impressionniste in Châteauneuf-en-Auxois / European Waterways
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Double cabin
Double cabin / European Waterways
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Dining room
Dining room / European Waterways
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Sun deck
Sun deck / European Waterways
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The Saloon
The Saloon / European Waterways
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L'Impressionniste

Our Ship Review
European Waterways
Cruise Line
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Originally built as a working Dutch cargo barge, the 12-passenger L’Impressionniste has been fully gutted and transformed by European Waterways into a hotel barge designed for slow-paced, all-inclusive canal vacations in France's Burgundy region.

Common areas include a window-fringed main salon that's home to a well-stocked self-service bar along with the main communal dining table, plus a spacious sun deck outfitted with tables and a whirlpool tub. Life onboard is casual, and the half-dozen cabins are below deck. 

What We Love

Complimentary Bikes: L’Impressionniste comes equipped with a dozen bicycles, a great option for exploring the villages alongside the canals.

Hot Tub: The on-deck hot tub, with room for six, is the perfect place to take in the French countryside.

Best Known For

French Cuisine: L'Impressionniste sources its impressive ingredients from the surrounding Burgundy region, and meals showcase fine regional wines.

Relaxed Pace: Barge vacations are laid-back cruises that move at an unhurried pace, earning high points for delivering R & R and the opportunity to see less-visited parts of the French countryside.

Who It's Best For

Social Older Couples: L'Impressionniste is best-suited to couples aged 50 and older who appreciate a leisurely vacation, and French culture.

Group Charters: The vessel's small size lends itself to private charters for families or other groups.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

There's Little Privacy: There are just a dozen passengers and a six-person crew in tight quarters, and it's the luck of the draw who you'll have on board.

Basic Digs: The barge's cabins are fairly no-frills, with simple furnishings, and an "unplugged" setting devoid of phones or TVs.

Elissa Garay
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger