23rd - 29th August
A most delightful three-generation family joined the Luciole in Auxerre, creating a wonderful mélange of loving cousins, parents and grandparents.
We cruised out of Auxerre towards Monéteau on Monday, passing beneath the steel-structured bridge, built in the early 1900s, during the period when Gustave Eiffel was the master of steelwork design – so elegantly demonstrated by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
There was a bit of a fiasco when we arrived at our mooring – unexpectedly, there were divers in the water who had no idea of our approach! Thankfully, Charlie was able to put the engine into reverse and avoid catastrophe.
There was great fun in Avallon after supper at Restaurant Angeline. The town’s characterful carved-stone frog, known as La Grenouille d’Or, as always attracted plenty of laughter. The cobbled stones on the way to the waiting bus were no problem for anyone in heels – Prince Charming was at the ready!
Christopher involved the whole family at La Maison du Visiteur in Vézelay, learning about the 13-knot builder’s rope – such a simple yet immensely vital tool, used during the Middle Ages to design and build structures ranging from humble dwellings to magnificent basilicas.
There had been a shower in the morning – although Captain Charlie and Matelot Tom would call it rather more than that, to be honest! Charlie sensibly decided to wait beneath a bridge until the storm clouds had dispersed. By the time we reached Vézelay, the sun was shining beautifully, giving everyone the perfect opportunity to explore the town.
In Fontenille, at Penny’s house, the grass is always greener on the other side, where the horses graze nonchalantly around the village pond. It is an enchanting view, whether seen from the bottom of the garden or from the terrace.
There was a birthday celebration on Friday, and Chef Michael created a surprise sweet delight for the birthday guest. Everyone joined in to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ – a lovely way to celebrate together aboard the Luciole.
Thinking of sweets – we still have some treasure treats aboard… oh yes, we do! Come back again and we will have even more at the ready for you!
Please come back – we’d love to see you again!
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
