Luciole Blog

18th - 24th May 2025

A melting pot week of young-at-heart passengers from the USA, New Zealand, England, Ireland, and France. A joyful cruise filled with sunshine and sunbathing, playlists and dancing, and not forgetting the antics of Elmo, Hippo, and Kiwi as we cruised from Clamecy to Auxerre.

Apéro at Penny’s place after Vézelay offered the perfect opportunity to search for orchids. Three are in bloom: the magenta pyramid, the lizard, and the man orchid. Only the bee orchid remains to open - this species is always the last to bloom.

In Auxerre, Vincent, our wonderful tour guide, led passengers through the Marine Quarter up to the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne. The visit to the Romanesque crypt is enlightening, with the highlight being the only known depiction of Christ mounted on horseback.

At the Captain’s dinner, wine flowed and laughter rang out. Our hosts - James, Fanette, and Karen - delivered the final cheese speech with their usual aplomb. To top it off, a firework display from the Auxerre football ground celebrated AJA Auxerre’s 11th position in French Ligue 1.

The fireworks were a fitting tribute to our wonderful returning couple, Don and Ellen, celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. Covid had halted their 50th anniversary cruise - a remarkable thought. Their first cruise was in 1992, this time, they were truly our king and queen – and Ellen most certainly our ‘dancing queen’. Thank you both so very much, and we look forward to seeing you in five years time!