Luciole Blog

12th - 18th April

The beginning of our season had arrived – an exciting time, meeting our first passengers in Paris at Hotel Madison before Vincent made the drive to Auxerre, where the Luciole awaited, bathed in sunshine. It was a lovely group, joining us from the USA and across Europe – France, the UK, and the Netherlands – and it wasn’t long before the laughter began. By the end of the evening, friendships were blossoming, and coats were donned for a walk up onto the passerelle to admire the wondrous sight of the city by night.

We cruised out of Auxerre into the sunshine, with Captain Charlie at the helm, supported by matelots Farouk and Tom. Tom worked with us a decade ago – and even used to write the blog – and has returned to help train Farouk, who took to counting into locks and handling ropes like a fish to water.

Our restaurant outing took us to Chez Angeline’s in Avallon for a delicious meal. Walking back to the bus, there was much delight when Dominique couldn’t resist sitting on the frog, while her very own Prince Charming, Paul, beamed beside her. I only wish a photo could capture the laughter that followed!

In Mailly-le-Château, pétanque was played as the sun set – accompanied, of course, by more laughter and growing confidence in everyone’s throwing ability. The following day, there were legs in the air as helping hands guided the Luciole beneath a bridge (as in the olden days) – this was a group eager to try everything, embracing every opportunity along the way. Well done, ladies! Friday brought a little unexpected entertainment in a lock. David, who last cruised with us in 2015, was expecting a peaceful afternoon’s cruise while others were away on tour. A stubborn log in the lock had other ideas. After much thumping with the barge pole and revving of the engine, we finally admitted defeat – a tractor was summoned, that the Luciole was roped to and freed, thanks to some judicious reversing and a helpful yank from the tractor driver. And breathe! Our Captain’s Dinner mooring was simply glorious, beside the River Yonne in Lucy. Beneath a velvet, star-filled sky – as on so many evenings that week – we took a gentle stroll, this time to throw a flower and make a wish. It had been a marvellous week to begin our season. Truly!

Hotel barge Luciole

Cruising since 1976

Phone: 00 44 1625 576880
From USA: 011 44 1625 576880
WhatsApp: 00 33 6 09 92 20 76
Email: info@bargeluciole.com

23 Adlington Road, Bollington
SK10 5JT England

1-2 Quai de la Republique, Auxerre
89000 France

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