31st August - 6th September 2025
We left Auxerre in glorious sunshine to cruise up the sweeping stretches of the River Yonne towards our riverside mooring in Vincelles. The Nivernais Canal is a glorious waterway where river and canal intertwine, offering a different vista on every bend, every day. We passed under numerous bridges, including the impressive concrete suspension bridge at Vaux — head-ducking always necessary if standing!
Our delightful passengers came from Australia, America, England, and Italy. It was the perfect example of how country boundaries create no barriers to camaraderie and laughter, both of which were ever-present throughout the cruise.
There were drinks on deck and cocktails in the saloon, whipped up by James, our cocktail king. Ashore, there were bike rides into the villages and walks along the towpath as friendships blossomed. Nick, our keen photographer, captured the special moments.
John Liley was aboard and took a turn at the wheel, and, as always, was keen to tour the Luciole’s engine room. Cailan, who has been with us for four years, enthusiastically obliged. There is a whole new world beneath the deck: engine, two generators, air-conditioning unit, water heater, fuel tanks, and much more. It definitely could be considered an Aladdin’s Cave for the boat enthusiast.
All too quickly, Friday arrived and with it the Captain’s Dinner — where we savoured Camille’s delicious, melt-in-the-mouth fillet of beef. Later, under a nearly full moon hanging in the inky black sky, passengers and crew stood together by the rushing weir, knowing we were sharing something truly special.
Hotel barge Luciole
Cruising since 1976
Phone: 00 44 1625 576880
From USA: 011 44 1625 576880
Email: info@bargeluciole.com
23 Adlington Road, Bollington
SK10 5JT England
1-2 Quai de la Republique, Auxerre
89000 France
© Hotel Barge Luciole 2025
