Luciole Blog

22nd - 28th June 2025

The Luciole had a week without passengers - giving the crew time to catch their breath. It also provided a lovely opportunity for family and friends to visit, and for crew members to return home and reconnect with their lives outside of ‘barge life’.

During the break, tasks were completed aboard the Luciole, both inside and out. The deck - with its chairs and tables - sparkled with a fresh coat of oil, thanks to Cailan, our hardworking matelot. Meanwhile, Captain Charlie refreshed the engine room.

We said a fond farewell to Fanette, our host who had been with us since the beginning of April, and warmly welcomed back Sarah. Sarah first joined us three years ago and works tirelessly through the winter alongside her partner Harry to prepare the Luciole for each upcoming season.

Out in the countryside, Burgundy is turning golden. Poppies bloom among the summer crops soon to be harvested. Sunflowers are growing tall, with the first flowers opening their cheerful faces to the sun.

At the magnificent Basilica of Vézelay, the most celebrated hour of the year took place. At midsummer, beams of sunlight pour through the church’s highest windows, forming glowing pools of light down the center of the nave. Both clergymen and tourists marveled at this breathtaking spectacle — a tribute to the vision of architects from 900 years ago.

As the week drew to a close, the crew reunited to prepare for the arrival of our next passengers on Sunday. There were smiles and hugs — we really are a bit of a family ourselves!