21st - 27th September 2025
The Luciole tour guide, Vincent, met our passengers at the Hotel Madison in Paris before driving them to Clamecy. An opportunity to impress arose when a deviation sent the bus winding through narrow streets and country lanes, requiring tight squeezes and reversing skills. This feat was recalled many times throughout the week! Respect to Vincent for his driving – toasted upon arrival on the Luciole sundeck with a Kir Royal.
On the eve of the autumn equinox, the reflection of the Luciole in the Clamecy port was beautiful.
Monday’s cruise to Châtel-Censoir was full of laughter as passengers relaxed on deck. There was much jollity when our host, Rita, became the apple of everyone’s eye as she sat on a bench at the lock of Rechimet. Paris models, watch out – after all there is an agent waiting in the wings!
The lock keeper enjoyed the photo fun too. On the Nivernais Canal we pass through many locks each day, working alongside the keepers and building friendships from season to season. Captain Charlie and First Mate Cailan are always warmly welcomed. As the locks are turned, lifting or lowering the Luciole, there’s time for a quick chat over coffee - and, if we have any to spare, a croissant or pain au chocolat - before thanks are exchanged and we’re on our way.
On Thursday, Camille, our talented chef, presented the classic French dessert Poire Hélène – poached in syrup and served with warm chocolate sauce. There was a moment’s dilemma of ‘to cream or not to cream,’ but the passengers’ delight was clear to see as the pears appeared - the decision (along with the taste) was perfect!
The end of the cruise and Saturday goodbyes come all too soon and are always tinged with sadness. However, in Auxerre, spirits were lifted as everyone posed on the gangplank for a final photo opportunity. As passengers turned to me standing on the deck, there was then much hilarity when Captain Charlie and our host, James, ‘photobombed’ the shot. A cheerful way to end a lovely week.
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
