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2nd - 15th August
The first two weeks of August were the Luciole crew’s official holiday – a well-earned break for our wonderful team. For some of the crew, the break was an opportunity to travel further afield and discover places beyond beautiful Burgundy, while others enjoyed a well-deserved opportunity to be at home, relaxing in their gardens.
Meanwhile, the Luciole remained moored in the delightful port of Châtel-Censoir for the duration of the break. William, his partner Sara and their young family came to stay aboard while he serviced the engine-room machinery and updated various systems. There was even time for some fun, including a lovely visit to host Sarah and Harry’s beautiful home in Clamecy, as well as an exciting trip to the local dinosaur park – entertainment for children and parents alike!
Meanwhile, on the Nivernais Canal, VNF (Voies Navigables de France), who manage France’s waterways, were busy with their water mower, which we affectionately call the ‘weed whacker’. This impressive machine gobbles and chomps its way through the canal weeds before depositing it ceremoniously along the bank. We always love to see it at work, as keeping the aquatic vegetation under control helps to keep the filters for Luciole’s water-cooled engines and air-conditioning system clear.
On the final Saturday evening of the holiday, the port came alive with the sound of rock classics, performed by a local band ‘Tomcats & the Special Beedies’ who sang and played their hearts out for three hours. It was a wonderfully French affair, complete with a crêperie van that stayed busy throughout the evening, serving delicious pancakes. Captain Charlie had invited the local lock keepers and their families to join us on Luciole’s terrace, which offered a prime viewing spot for the evening’s entertainment. With good music, crêpes and wonderful company, it was the perfect way to round off the crew’s summer break.
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
