Luciole Blog

19th – 25th May 2024

In Auxerre, as our passengers arrived, the sun shone and all was well in Burgundy. It really is lovely when we have a group of individuals who arrive as strangers and over the cruise, friendships blossom and laughter rolls. This was very much the case for passengers this week from America, New Zealand and the UK.

We had our historians who enchanted with their knowledge and Pat, who was passionate about French poppies. I was delighted that Ian was able to cruise at last because his daughter, Gael and grandchildren are so much a part of Luciole crewing history. It feels as if we have happily gone full circle.

Nicolas presented another fabulous lunch up at Fontenille and we strolled down the garden to study the recently opened bee orchids, that stood proudly amongst the grasses, pyramid and lizard orchids. It is such a joy to share these special flowers with others. We of course looked out for the resident black Belgium hare, but this week, there was sadly no celebrity appearance.

The visit to the Grotte d’Arcy was spectacular. Caves of mighty stalactites, stalagmites and cave paintings from 28,000 years ago. We were also treated to a rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching in” by our cave guide which certainly was memorable and unexpected in this hidden underground gem of nature’s creation. In fact the whole week was a memorable gem and the crew and I were sad waving our passengers goodbye on the Saturday morning.