I love wine.
I love food.
And if you must, you can call me a gastronomic snob.
And know too, I am one who loves to see pieces of the world through the silent moments that combine the romance of history and nature into a silent whisper.
It is always a pleasure and a privilege to experience these ephemeral moments.
Recently in France’s Burgundy region, I found myself with such an experience with the backdrop of memories on European Waterways’ L’Impressionniste barge cruise.
This was not my first European Waterways cruise. Even so, it is always a new discovery on these barges like uncovering a new “old” wine, and being reminded of the moments that traveling truly is an education for the soul.
The European Waterways cruises are by far the most exclusive and intimate settings in which to enjoy not only France, but Europe; the wine, the gastronomy, the luxury, the history, and all the romantic fleeting moments in between.
With European Waterways, my discovery of Burgundy on the L’Impressionniste was about bridging the experience of wine, gastronomy, luxury, history, and romance in one package pulling at all my senses simultaneously.
My trip aboard the L’Impressionniste that took me through Burgundy was billed “A Luxurious Journey Through France’s Wine Heartland.”
The setting for European Waterways experiences is the luxury barge cruise experience.
In fact, this company has been a leader in luxury barge cruises for decades. They concentrate on special moments that are small, all-inclusive and focus on Europe’s inland waterways, both rivers and canals that wind through Europe’s stunning and celebrated regions.
Overall, European Waterways cruises are designed for small groups ranging from six to twelve passengers. In my case on the L’Impressionniste there were six passengers and the same number of staff: including a including a captain, chef, tour guide, and hostesses.
L’Impressionniste was originally a Dutch freight barge, converted into a luxurious hotel barge allowing guests to lazily discover all that is Burgundy with meals offering local gourmet selections, regional wines, and perfectly curated excursions.
The L’Impressionniste cruise through Burgundy was along picturesque canals in central-eastern France passing old cities and medieval villages as well as world-famous vineyards.
Passengers can get off the boat at the locks and ride a bike or walk to the next lock to meet the boat while enjoying the charming countryside. Either way, the Burgundy Canal is one of the most iconic waterways I have experienced on my journeys with European Waterways. The canal dates to the 18th century and much of the scenery you will experience will have you stepping back in time as the ancient châteaux and historical past comes alive.
One of the L’Impressionniste opportunities while exploring Burgundy’s wine heritage, from vineyards to wine tastings is also the stop in the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune regions, known as the Côte d’Or. This is the location where the world’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines live.
There will also be visits to renowned wineries like Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils in Beaune. You can be sure the Burgundy wines here are exceptional as is discovering the wine cellars of Beaune, many located underground in ancient caves.
Another highlight is the historic city of Dijon, which is the capital of Burgundy. Dijon dates to Roman times and in addition to the excellent food scene, the medieval and Renaissance architecture as well as the famous Dijon mustard is high on the list.
Dijon’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and while there, breathe in the marvel that is the Church of Notre-Dame with a Gothic facade and intricate gargoyles.
Lose yourself in the narrow, cobblestone streets and admire the history of the well-preserved half-timbered houses, while discovering the bustling markets offering a trip back in time.
Dijon is also famous for its Les Halles Market, a covered food market designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame. Foodies from around the world love the Les Halles Market and this is the perfect place for fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and other specialties.
The L’Impressionniste chef also takes a stroll with the guests and tour guide in the Les Halles Market to purchase dinner for the evening with the input of the guests from deciding on cheese to meat to produce to wine.
After all, Burgundy, rich in its decadent wine, also boasts a rich history of food.
And you can certainly be sure the L’Impressionniste will assist you in celebrating both the food and the wine accompanied by special moments in which the local gastronomy such as boeuf bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine), coq au vin (chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and onions), and escargots (snails cooked in garlic and parsley butter) are paired with a regional wine favorite that etch the experience throughout all your senses.
History, wine, food, nature, an immersive experience that will take your breath away.
The L’Impressionniste is the picture-perfect way to enjoy and savor one of France’s most celebrated regions alongside culinary perfection, the discernment of ancient wine, natural beauty, and a strong cultural heritage that promises to be an unforgettable adventure both privileged and discreet.