Luciole Blog

14th - 20th September 2025

In Auxerre, just as our charter group of friends arrived, the threatening rain cleared. We welcomed the passengers aboard with bubbling Kir Royales and delicious canapés. The group were keen cyclists, and we are fortunate on our cruise to pass through many locks each day. This gives passengers the chance to step on and off the barge to cycle or stroll along the smooth towpath that runs the length of our route.

One of the highlights of our the Luciole cruising season is to see the pink and white flowers of the wild cyclamen that carpet the gardens of the Chateau of Sainte-Pallaye. Several of our intrepid bikers, ventured off to see the spectacle for themselves and, in the sunshine, were not disappointed.

In Vézelay, we sat spellbound and entranced by Christopher’s film about the Basilica, before wandering up the Eternal Hill to the majestic building to witness all that we had learned from him. It is truly a sight to behold, and one cannot help but be struck by the weight of 900 years of history standing before us.

At the end of the visit, having made their way down the Eternal Hill, the twelve fun-loving friends sat together in the sunshine — a photo opportunity not to be missed, even as a large lorry bore down. The driver kindly waited, showing his appreciation of the moment with a cheery wave as he passed by.

The lift bridge in Pousseaux is always a highlight of the cruise. In years past, we had to wind it by hand - quite a challenge! Nowadays, there’s simply a button to press, and we squeeze underneath to the familiar chorus of “Mind your heads!” Sunny September days to be savoured by all as we cruised toward our final destination in Clamecy.