19th - 25th April
Our charter group from the Midwest were tremendous fun – a wonderful group of friends who brought laughter, warmth, and great spirit to the cruise. Bathed in ongoing spring sunshine, we cruised to Auxerre as nightingales sang, day and night.
Cruising beneath the Roches des Saussois was as dramatic as ever. From the top of the high limestone cliffs, I called out “hello” – and echoing back, accompanied by surprised waves, came the reply: “It’s Penny!”
That afternoon, we visited Vézelay with tour guide Vincent. There is currently a significant restoration programme underway in the Basilica, focused on repairing the high vaulted ceilings above the aisles and nave. The French Heritage Society of America, along with the French government, has been enormously generous in supporting this work. The results are already simply stunning.
On Wednesday a roaring barbecue greeted us in the evening’s restaurant, along with Angeline in the heart of Avallon’s medieval walled town.
On Thursday afternoon, we travelled to Chablis for wine tasting. Standing on Grand Cru Hill, looking down over the prestigious vineyards and across the valley, it was striking to see how late the leaves are appearing on the vines this year, despite the mild spring weather.
The days have been warm, but the nights remain cold, close to freezing. During our visit to Château Bichot, Minna explained that many vineyards had suffered from the frost this year, despite taking the necessary precautions to light ‘smoke pots’ among the vines – an age-old method used to circulate warm air and prevent frost from settling on the delicate new buds.
Our visit to the Caves de Bailly was the fastest ever, with a lively dash (quite literally) to grab a glass of bubbly and replenish supplies. Hats off to you all – especially those who even managed to buy a hat!
The rush was in order to return to the Luciole in time to pass through the final lock of the day and cruise on to our mooring in Auxerre. Thanks to some impressively speedy efforts, we made it – cruising beneath the Pont Paul Bert just as the sun dipped behind the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne.
On Friday evening, Agata and Poppy served Chef Michael’s delicious canapés – thank you again, Lee and Eileen for collecting your lovely friends to cruise with us. After supper, we strolled onto the footbridge to admire the view. A perfect end to a memorable week with a Midwest group who brought sunshine and smiles wherever they went.
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
© Hotel Barge Luciole 2026
