10th - 16th May
We cruised from Auxerre to Clamecy this week with 10 lovely passengers, including our very own ‘Mitch’, returning after his cruise last year. Chef Michael served delicious canapés that went down a treat alongside Kir Royale – bubbles and blackcurrant liqueur - the perfect start to the cruise.
Sarah, our wonderful host who has been with us for four years, brought down a beautiful bouquet of roses and peonies from her garden close to the canal. It was hard to believe they were real. So much so that we all had to take a whiff and feel the petals to check they were not silk. Simply beautiful, Sarah!
Tuesday was our restaurant night in the attractive town of Avallon. Rather sadly, we were one man down – dear Bob had taken a tumble from his bicycle, which led to him becoming rather more involved with the French healthcare system than any intrepid visitor might have hoped. We all toasted Bob at the restaurant and looked forward to hearing news on our return to the Luciole.
Meanwhile, there was love’s own dream celebrating five years of marriage as we left Chez Angeline and drove home in the bus towards the bright pink sunset.
It is a lovely long cruise from Accolay to Mailly-le-Château on Wednesday afternooon. The Luciole rolled into the grassy port, a little later than expected to find two sets of lovebirds dancing the moment away to rock and roll, with twirls, swirls and groovy moves. Class acts.
The mooring is so peaceful beneath the mighty cliffs, with the château perched high above. Down on the canal, the local pair of swans came to greet us in the beautiful bright evening sunlight. The tranquil peace of this mooring feels timeless, especially with the sweeping field of barley opposite the Luciole, quivering in the breeze.
On Thursday our tour was to Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Magdelene, in Vézelay. We persuaded Bob to ride in the wheelchair (kindly pushed by various volunteers). Halfway up the Eternal Hill, we came across a donkey. We considered the four legged friend a possible alternative mode of transport to climb the Hill, but in the end stuck with the safer option of wheels and push power – it was, after all, Bob’s birthday, and one accident in a week was quite enough for all of us!
The Luciole cruised into Clamecy, there is still a sandbank, much admired on our previous visit – and now enjoyed by the ducks. We love this town with the floodlit church tower and ‘Tricolour’ flying proudly from the top.
At Captain’s Diner, we reminiscences of the cruise were shared, laughter rang out. Then to cap it all – Hope read her enchanting poem and shared out dainty watercolour gems, that so caught the magic of blue sky and the joy of lovely people sharing the glorious Nivernais Canal.
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
