28th June - 4th July
What a wonderful week aboard with artist Nina Weiss, who brought her students to the Luciole for a special Art Cruise. The enthusiastic artists arrived from Paris, easels and paints in hand, ready for a week of inspiration. Before Michael's delicious dinner, we took a stroll through Auxerre, and afterwards gathered on the footbridge to admire the city's skyline. A little later, a dramatic electrical storm flashed overhead, transforming the night sky in an instant into the most beautiful velvet hue.
Each day, Nina guided her students as they painted in a variety of locations along the route – on the banks of the River Yonne, from the deck as we cruised, and, during the hottest part of the day, in the cool comfort of the saloon. With the Luciole's large picture windows framing the passing scenery, colour and inspiration were always close at hand. Throughout the week, Nina shared her remarkable gift for encouraging each artist to look more deeply, helping them understand colour, composition and their own creative vision.
Meanwhile, in the galley, our wonderful Chef Michael was creating masterpieces of his own. His succulent pig's cheeks with maple syrup, served with the finest julienne of buttered leeks and beetroot cress, are always a sensation.
We had designed a special itinerary for the art week, with each day weaving together painting sessions and Nina's lectures on colour and perspective with cruising and visits to Chablis, Noyers-sur-Serein and Vézelay. The vineyards and medieval villages along with the glorious Nivernais Canal, provided endless inspiration, where almost every corner reveals another gem of a view to admire.
In the evenings, our hosts knowledgeably introduced the wines and cheeses with aplomb and their customary warmth. Life aboard the Luciole is always about good company, good wine and food and plenty of laughter.
On Thursday, we cruised in the morning to moor beneath the impressive Rochers du Saussois for the night. It could not be more dramatic, to look up at the gnarled limestone cliffs. Jackdaws and peregrine falcons have made these rocks their home, while at weekends climbers come to test their skills. Everyone was out on deck to take the opportunity to sketch and paint this scene of beautiful Burgundy.
On Friday we visited a delightful garden close to the canal in Fontenille, home to special Luciole friends Jos and Loeloe. The painters nestled into various shady spots, to draw the babbling brook, impressive house and other golden gems, before a picnic lunch in the garden with tasty baguettes, water melon, and rosé from Irancy.
We are already looking forward to welcoming Nina and her students back aboard next year. From start to finish, it was a truly wonderful week – one that will remain with us for a long time. It was a privilege for the crew to get to know Nina and her delightful, talented group of artists, and to share in such a memorable week.
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
