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19th - 25th July
It was busy in Auxerre. A craft fair stretched the length of the quay, with stalls selling all manner of artisanal goods. High above the city, passengers in a hot air balloon must have enjoyed the perfect view as they drifted overhead. It was the very same balloon operated by France Montgolfières that Libby and Penny had flown in just two weeks earlier.
The Luciole had a week without passengers – but that did not mean the crew were idle. There were plenty of mid-season jobs to tackle, both inside and out. Captain Charlie did a magnificent job sanding and revarnishing the sun deck tables. He was particularly chuffed to discover, while exploring the craft fair, chips served with the traditional Belgian ‘fricadelle’ – a much-appreciated brown sausage also to be found in his home town of Douai, in northern France.
Our former Captain, Francisco, who was with us for nine years, also stopped by. He was amazed to meet Poppy, whom he had last seen when she was knee-high to a grasshopper and only about three years old. Poppy's father was a well-known barge captain some twenty years ago and gave Francisco his very first job on the waterways. Nowadays, Francisco's own son, Vicente is a regular visitor to the Luciole. Hotel barging really is one big family.
Up in Paris, the golden 2024 Olympic cauldron is once again a spectacular summer attraction. By day, it sits in the Jardin des Tuileries beside the Louvre, while each evening it rises magically to float above the city, suspended against the night sky. This majestic sight can be enjoyed until 14 September.
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
