The Artistic Impressions Week (20 May) will see the Fleur de Lys cruise along the Burgundy Canal towards Dijon past the picturesque sites of Château de Pommard and Beaune, capital of the Burgundy wine region and home to its many of Grand Crus vineyards; all stunning locations to create a wonderful Burgundian scene on canvas.
Special Offer
Be our guest in Paris with a free one night stay at a luxury 5 star hotel for you and your partner travelling together, when you book our Art discovery journey in May 2012. Quote code AP1 at the time of booking to activate this offer. Terms and conditions apply.
Sunday - Arrive in Escommes Transfer from central Paris to Escommes to join the Fleur de Lys barge. Meet David Napp, your tutor for the week, during a convivial champagne reception on board.
Monday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche After breakfast, enjoy your first day cruising on the magnificent Canal de Bourgogne. Small unspoiled villages and forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. There are plenty of opportunities to walk and cycle alongside the boat on the towpath that follows the canal. After lunch visit Château de Pommard, a stunning building dating from 1726 and surrounded by its own vineyards. On this wonderful site, you will have your first lesson in the art of pastels. Find a scenic location among the vines, facing the white stone château, where you will create your first picture. With the hillside behind and surrounded by these fruitful vines you will be spoiled for inspiration.
Tuesday - Cruise to La Bussiére This morning, we will find a beautiful spot on this magnificent Burgundy Canal and paint a French country scene. Our tour guide will work with David to find a wonderful vantage point and you will spend the next few hours working with your easel to produce a fantastic memory of this morning. Return to the barge for lunch and afterwards you will visit Beaune, capital of the Burgundy wine producing region, for a visit to the famous Hôtel Dieu, Hospices de Beaune. The town has hardly changed through the years, a circular boulevard runs round its former ramparts, many of which still stand. Within, there is a dense maze of narrow streets. Tonight's mooringis at another canal-side village, La Bussiére-sur-Ouche.
Wednesday - Cruise to Gissey Mid-morning, tour l'Abbaye de la Bussiére built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Cîteaux. This beautiful abbey has now been converted into a truly luxurious hotel. After a stroll in the grounds and a tour of the property with the owner,enjoy lunch in the restaurant. This afternoon, we take inspiration from the grounds of this magnificent abbaye and spend the rest of the day working with pastels. David will be on hand to direct you and, by the end of the session, you will have a fabulous picture to take back to the barge - to admire over cocktails on the deck.
Thursday - Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche This morning the barge cruise through the Côte d'Or planted with vines that produce some of the world's most famous wines. After lunch your guide takes to visit Clos de Vougeot, a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d'Or vintages. Vougeot is a small village located in the heart of the Route des Grands Crus. There are so many opportunities to find a perfect location to settle down for the afternoon and produce yet another Burgundian scene. Choose between the château, a hillside or even the village itself with its narrow roads and ornate street lights. David will be on hand to help and advise you. Tonight's mooring is in the picturesque village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche.
Friday - Painting morning and visiting Dijon After breakfast, you will enjoy some time working with David, once again we return to this beautiful canal side and find another wonderful aspect of this waterway for you to capture. Lunch is served on board, and you are then transferred to Dijon for a walking tour of this famous city, passing the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. There will be free time for shopping or perhaps simply sit in one of the numerous pavement cafes and watch the world go by. The barge moors for the night in Dijon's Port du Canal, a short distance from the town centre. The chef is busy on board preparing your farewell gala dinner.
Saturday - Dijon After breakfast you will disembark the boat and continue with your onward journey.
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Rates Please contact us for more information, availability and prices of this special cruise.
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Afloat in France - Fleur de Lys Cabin Info
View Another Cabin:
Cruise line info
Orient Express Trains & Cruises
Orient-Express Hotels, Trains and Cruises. A name synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and service for over 25 years, Orient-Express owns and manages hotels, trains, cruises and restaurants in some of the most magical locations our planet has to offer.
Orient-Express now encompasses myriad luxury travel experiences to suit all tastes, in settings as diverse as Peru, Botswana, Tahiti, Portugal and Australia.
Ship info
Afloat in France - Fleur de Lys
Gracious elegance and pure Orient-Express style make a journey aboard The Fleur de Lys the ultimate in luxury barging.
The Fleur de Lys is furnished with authentic pieces collected on a trip to India 30 years ago. Of particular interest is the Telegraph that now stands in the lounge and acts as a night light. This gem of an item was discovered for sale on a street corner. A price was agreed with the vendor which included shipping. The Telegraph duly arrived six months later!
Gently travelling the classic Burgundy route, you pass through France's famous
Cote d'Or. Drift past vineyards home to legendary regions such as Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune where Grand Crus wines can be savoured. Fleur de Lys also cruises the River Saone and teh Canal du Centre, visiting delightful towns and villages en route.
With a stately lounge and large windows that frame the passing countryside, this
peniche-hotel offers a cruise to remember. Exceptional on board dining and the chance to join in local life enhance this great experience.
Facilities
On board Fleur de Lys you will find a range of entertainment and services to ensure that your experience is as pleasurable and relaxing as possible - a real home from home.
These entertainment services are provided at no additional charge:
On board library
Games
Music System
Bose iPod Docking Station
Bicycles and Maps
Tennis Rackets and Balls
DVDs
Grand Piano
Also available for your convenience:
Mail Service/Stamps
Newspaper
Photo film on sale
Souvenirs
Guest computer with Internet access (in lounge)
Safe - one central
We can also offer to arrange essential services: (additional charges may apply)
Dry Cleaning
Hair Dresser
Religious Services
Restaurants can be booked
Doctor/Dentist/Nurse
