>
26th July - 1st August
Another sunny week in Burgundy – although we did enjoy a little rain, enough to make us want to dance! Showers have been rather scarce over the past few months.
Delightful passengers from Australia, America and the UK joined us for the cruise. It was especially lovely to welcome back those who had cruised on the Luciole previously. There were plenty of laughs throughout the week, not least when Chef Michael popped his head through the saloon window to wish everyone a good night.
Our mooring in Accolay always provides watery entertainment at this time of year. The village's water-jousting teams refine their attacking and balancing skills ahead of competitions. ‘les joutes nautiques’, as it is known, is mesmerising to watch and, of course, is eventually accompanied by a mighty splash as the teetering jouster tumbles from their platform at the stern of the boat into the canal.
It was a perfect summer's evening to dine on the terrace at Cuisine Angeline in Avallon. Surrounded by new friends, we shared stories of life and travel while savouring the relaxed atmosphere of dining outdoors as dusk gently settled over the town. On our walk back to the Luciole bus, we passed the smiling stone frog, who, as always, drew admiring glances and photo opportunities.
As the bus departed – with Vincent, our tour guide, playing Roxy Music's Avalon (thank you again for that, Barry!) – we rounded the bend beneath the mighty stone walls of the town to see the magnificent full Buck Moon rising above the horizon. Dear Vincent kindly stopped the bus so everyone could capture the moment.
During Thursday morning's cruise, we experienced something rather unusual for this summer – a refreshing rain shower. By the time we reached Vézelay for our afternoon tour, however, the clouds had drifted away to reveal a vivid blue sky.
The light inside the Basilica of Mary Magdalene was simply radiant, with sunshine streaming through the northern windows. Every visit to this remarkable church offers a fresh opportunity to admire its magnificent combination of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and to marvel at the skill and vision of those who built it some 900 years ago. The simple grandeur continues to inspire both reflection and prayer.
Outside, the grass surrounding the basilica was looking distinctly parched. More rain, please – preferably during the night while we are all asleep!
On the drive back, we paused to admire the view across the valley towards Tharoiseau, home to the winery La Croix Montjoie, whose crisp white wine we had so enjoyed at Cuisine Angeline earlier in the week.
Our mooring at Mailly-le-Château was as peacefully calm as ever. Saturday brought fond farewells, with photographs exchanged through the newly created passengers' WhatsApp group. On return home travel adventures were shared, and Linda kindly offered that if Will and José's missing suitcase somehow made its way to Australia instead of Cheshire in the UK, she would pick it up for them! Such is the humour of lovely people and warm, newly found friendships aboard the Luciole.
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
