Luciole Blog

22nd – 28th September 2024

The "Sunshine Magnets" is the name we gave to our lovely charter group of friends that Polly gathered together for this week's cruise. They expertly dodged rain clouds and downpours, bringing smiles to all our faces.

Our wonderful tour guide Vincent led the tour to the Chateau of Bazoches, Marshal Vauban's home, nestled into the hillside with views across the valley to Vézelay. The grand staircase provides the perfect photo opportunity for him to take picture!

On Tuesday, it was a joy to share a glass of rosé with Polly. The last time we saw each other was in 2007, when I waved from the kitchen window as the Luciole bus passed by, a shared cameo that still makes us laugh to this day.

In the Chablis vineyards, the vendanges (grape harvest) had just concluded for another year. The winemakers were busy starting the wine-making process, and we spotted some through open doors, staying dry as they crushed the grapes.

After wine tasting on Grand Cru Hill, we stood admiring the panorama when we noticed up on the horizon, a distant rain cloud near Préhy. We then realized said rain cloud was barrelling down the valley towards us at remarkable speed. We made it back to the bus just as the first raindrops fell and moments before a torrential downpour unleashed itself.

On the way home to the Luciole, we stopped at the Caves de Bailly for some bubbly. Our return to the boat was perfectly timed—just as the clouds parted, revealing a stunningly beautiful evening. The light was crystal clear, and the reflections on the River Yonne couldn't have been more perfect and then to top it all, there was another delicious dinner from Nicolas!