Luciole Blog

Autumn

Autumn seems to have come around so fast, despite the unprecedented year, the time rolls on. Up in the vineyards the last golden leaves cling to the vines, whilst here in Auxerre the River Yonne flows sedately through. Often in the early morning, mist rises from the water and shrouds the Luciole and cathedral of St Etienne, until the sun burns through.

Along the Nivernais Canal, lock keepers reminisce of seasons that have come and gone, when the Luciole cruised through the locks each week. We have been missed, such is her reputation, spanning over the many decades. Unbelievably 2020 was due to be the Luciole’s 55th year of continuous cruising.

This was also the year when the facade of Vezelay was revealed after years of renovation. The result is spectacular. The magnificent basilica is quite simply breath taking, with damaged stones replaced and the whole facade sand blasted clean. The repaired tympanum inside, has been similarly restored. Behind the Basilica beneath the chestnut trees that line the path to the panoramic view, conkers fall in the crisp leaves, waiting to be rooted out and polished until gleaming.

It certainly has been a strange year. We think of our passengers of previous years and greatly look forward to welcoming new passengers on board again in 2021.