The Luciole is owned by John and Penny Liley who, between them have over sixty years experience of hotel barging! Previously, John was editor of a leading British yachting magazine. His books include 'France - the Quiet Way', an exploration of the entire French canal and river system. These early journeys inspired him to select the Nivernais cruising area and establish the present hotel-barge business in 1976. This was with another barge 'Secunda', fore-runner to Luciole. John's latest book 'Keeping Afloat' is a lively account of those early years. Nowadays John, semi-retired, is able to spend more time writing and working towards his next publication.

Penny trained as a chef, cooking for school masters at Eton College and racing drivers at Formula 1 circuits, before choosing the slow lane on the Luciole in 1986. Since then she has played a major role in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere on barge Luciole, where a feeling of calm and attention to detail is apparent as soon as one steps aboard. Nowadays, Penny is responsible for the overall running of the business having swapped apron for computer. With her hands-on approach she divides her time between England and France.

Neil Gorrie, our Captain and Tour Guide has many years of hotel barge experience. His flair as a guide and historian is greatly appreciated by all our passengers. Blending a sense of humour and passion for the region in which he has lived for many years, Neil's warm and genuine personality makes him a natural Captain and host for your cruise on the Luciole.