Luciole Blog

31st July - 6th August 2016

A lovely week on the Luciole, the sun shone and the atmosphere blossomed as the Luciole cruised from Clamecy to Auxerre. Delightful passengers joined us from the UK and Mexico and we were treated to the sound of Spanish as our tri-lingual Captain Francisco communicated in his native tongue with the warm-hearted Squire family.

This week, we were saying 'goodbye' to four crew members (replacements, familiar with the Luciole traditions ready to take over!). Chef Marc and hosts George, Amelia and Arthur have come to the end of their half season stay with us, before taking the chance to travel. There were also 'hellos'. At the beginning of the week, we were joined by Penny and at the end of the week John Liley, Arthur's father arrived and Richard Parsons, George's father. Richard began hotel barging cruising in 1966 on the Palinurus. John Liley bought the Palinurus from Richard thirty years ago, and she was renamed the Luciole. It was memorable to have these two highly respected Captains of yore, cruising with us.

In the galley, Cornish pasties, with a twist were made by one of our passengers Clive and savoured by all for lunch on Thursday. Erika and Theo, winners of the France Magazine competition, could not have been nicer.

All in all, such a memorable week, before we take our summer break and the Luciole takes a well earned break and mid-season touch-up. Safe and happy travels to one and all from the Luciole crew, past and present!