L'Impressionniste barge

The L'Impressionniste barge (translated as "The Impressionist") is a spitz-style barge built in Belgium in 1960 with a Dutch motor-style bow. Her hull combines Dutch and French design elements. In 1996, she was converted into a luxury hotel barge and is now owned and operated by European Waterways. L'Impressionniste cruises exclusively along the Burgundy Canal in central-eastern France.

The vessel’s slab-sided design features a flat lower hull, making her inexpensive to build and maximizing interior space with a box-section shape. During the 1960s, L'Impressionniste carried grain and timber, making regular trips between Brussels and Paris. With a length of 38 m (LOA), she had an unusually long commercial hold, which later made her hull well-suited for conversion into a hotel barge.

The conversion was completed in 1996 by two English engineers, Geoffrey Foot and Verr Ian Gray. Her design and layout were based on La Belle Epoque, built the year before, with plans purchased from European Waterways. Originally, she was powered by an 8-cylinder Deutz diesel engine producing 200 hp (150 kW), giving a top speed of 8.6 knots (16 km/h). Equipped with a single rudder and chain-link steering, together with a fine bow, the barge had excellent maneuverability. In 2000, she was re-engined with a Scania 190 kW (250 hp) unit, enabling her to navigate the powerful currents of the Rhône River.

Today, L'Impressionniste has 6 double cabins accommodating up to 12 passengers. Separate crew quarters house the 5 staff members: a master chef, two housekeepers/waiters, a deckhand and tour guide, and the Captain/pilot.

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