Floating along the Nivernais Canal on the Luciole was a delightful eXperience. Lovely vistas, visits to pristine rural areas, cool fall weather. The best part of the trip was the wonderful Captain and crew. Always cheerful and attentive, you made our trip memorable. And special thanks to the chef. You made imaginative, interesting, delicious meals in a very confined place.Thank you to all the crew ... you gave us happy memories.
Mary S. USA
Oct 2019
Mary and I have talked during the cruise and since we left the barge about how superb the entire trip was and how critical to our delight was each member of the crew, individually and collectively. Each member of the crew brought enormous skill and enthusiasm for everything expected, requested, and hoped for from all of us who had the pleasure of enjoying their professionalism and their company. This does not occur by happenstance. The crew was obviously selected with great care and understanding of what would be expected of each member, again, individually and collectively. Much credit goes to the captain who is both a total professional captain of a barge, often under tricky weather, current and other challenges and also, clearly, a marvelous team builder and leader. We could not be more grateful and impressed...
Tony S. USA
Oct 2019
We had a most enjoyable week. The crew were really a joy. Until the next barge trip, we thank you!
Karen R. USA
Sept 2019
What a wonderful trip! Thank you all for taking such good care of us. It was a real treat to have the whole family together on this lovely floating home with delicious food and wonderful sights. Your hard work was evident – many, many thanks!
Bob B. USA
August 2019
This experience was so wonderful. It surpassed all of my expectation! Every day was interesting and brought new gifts of food and wine, laughs and light. Thank you for all of the the time and care you provided for us!
Michelle H. OR, USA
July 2019
Thank you! Merci! Gracias! The crew, the food, the scenary – everything exceeded our expectations. A wonderful week that we will always remember.
Marjorie & Don. MA, USA
July 2019
What a wonderful week we’ve had – so many laughs and fun times, we’ve been looked after so well, thank you so much (Can we stay on as stowaways?)
Karen & Paul. UK.
July 2019
This trip is everything we had imagined for the 4 month wait. Wow! Gourmet food, wine and cheese, loved the “Cheese talk”! The entire crew are gracious and welcoming. Merci Many times over.
Linda N. OR, USA
July 2019
All the expectations apply to this adventure! It was totally beyond my expectiation in every way! The staff, the food, the guests, the accommodation… Truly a most memorable adventure! Thank you.
Marilyn S. NM, USA
July 2019
Hester I will miss yoooooo! – “Naomi age 7 almost 8”
Naomi. MN, USA
July 2019
Thanks so much for the wonderful time!
Pieter. MN, USA
July 2019
What better way to have a family reunion than to spend five glorious days on a barge in Burgundy! We were blessed with wonderful summer weather, and all ages enjoyed exploring the villages. The excursions kept the kids busy, and everyone enjoyed the cuisine. We thank the whole crew and Will for their very warm and exceptional service, and hope some day to return.
Andrew & Kayo M. GA, USA
July 2019
While the barge Luciole floated down the Nivernais with the river Yonne in the mix. Our extended clan Martin all frolicked aboard. Ages 79 down to 6! We had our adventures, rock climbs to equine. And some towpath excursions to share! But most of the magic occurred between locks. In our stately advance to Auxerre. Thanks to Pierre, our helmsman and James his right hand. In tight spaces we just wriggled through. And to mastermine William, and Alex chauffeur who made sure that the croissants came new. Lively Michelle and Hester both charmed as they served. As did all of this versatile crew. Raisae a glass to chef Nicholas, artist with food. His creative collations inspired. With just the right pairings of cheeses and wine. Our appetites never got tired. We’ve been pampered and stuffed like the Gascony goose. And just as we’d settled they turned us all loose. But we’re grateful to you for this fabulous chance, to go family slow boating Burgundy, France.
Isabella & Peter. VT, USA
July 2019
The Barge Luciole and her amazing crew were host to a fabulous multi-generational cruise this week! We have formed fan clubs for Hester (With Naomi as president) and Michelle, whose combined laughter create a melodious backdrop to the week. Captain Pierre is an old soul whose love for barge life shone through. Will was just the person to guide our grotto and tree climbing expeditions, he kept both you and old on course. James was ever keeled and fun to watch go about lock duties. Alex was a delight to chat with in the van. Last but not least Nicholas rocked it in the kitchen preparing both vegetarian and meaty delights. Thank you to you all.
Ella & Josh M
July 2019
This wonderful experience resulted in the perfect honeymoon. A massive thank you to Penny and her amazing crew!
Phil & Shelly. Derbyshire, UK
June 2019
I’d like to reiterate our thanks to you and the team on board for activity over and above the call of duty in the heatwave – including the bottle of bubbly, the extra lunch in Vezelay and the visit to chez toi. Your team made everything into fun, and at times it all seemed like a great party! A really lovely holiday/repeat honeymoon.
C and K Ruscoe. UK
June 2019
Thank you so much for such an amazing stay! We have had a blast
Kate H. CO, USA
June 2019
Merci beaucoup for everything. The crew was incredible, the activities breathtaking. Our family will remember this trip forever!
Courtney H. CO, USA
June 2019
Bester barge ever! The crew just made it ever better, even though it went 3mpg it was so fun.
Christopher H (Aged 12) CO, USA
June 2019
Thank you for the best week ever! Nervous about having the kids on the barge, but it turned out to be perfect. We all had an amazing time! #1 crew!
June 2019
We’ve been thinking and dreaming about this trip for the past 10 months. It is not often that things live up to one’s expectations in life but the Luciole’s managed to do just that. Fabulous countryside have all made our 30th wedding anniversary celebrations one to remember. Thank you!
Phil and Len. NJ USA
June 2019
This has been an amazing journey, filled with lots of fun, food and wine, Thank you to all the crew who have made it the most amazing trip. A’bientot.
Jane O. Aus
June 2019
What a wonderful journey. Amazing dood, dedicated enthusiastic staff and new friends from around the world. Thank you so very much.
Rosie P. Aus
June 2019
We have no idea what to expect… this ship came highly recommended! We didn’t realise how many nice friends you can meet in a short time and a small space… We hope to meet up with a least some of them in the future, and we will carry this week in our hearts forever. Yes, the pace is beautiful, the boat is class and the food was a gift. But the staff made it a special vacation. Thank you.
June 2019
Wow! A sensational week with fabulous staff and fabulous food and wine. A week we will never forget. Thank you, thank you.
Elesa and Phil B. Aus
May 2019
What a fanstastic trip we have had – many thanks to a wonderful crew for meeting our every need. Good luck to you all.
Danvall & Maureen N. Aus
May 2019
Thank you Luciole and her wonderful crew for a week of fun, food and frolics.
Diane. Aus
May 2019
Farewell to our barge la Luciole. Farewell to you old chums as well. Farewell to our beautiful barge. We’ll tell all our friends as well.
Moz. Aus
May 2019
We had a fantastic tip, thank you to all the crew. Plenty of cycling – eating and drinking! Lots of fun
Sue and Maurice H. Aus
May 2019
What a delightful experience! We have enjoyed a wonderful historical experience from luxurious accommodation on this barge with outstanding crew, food, wine and not to mention the guidance provided by Penny. Hotel Barge Luciole was more than we expected. Everyone, the guests, crew captain were amazing. The chef Molly’s menus were beyond terrific. Loved visiting Penny’s beautiful home. Loved the cycling the tow paths and excursions. Perfect sums it up. Thanks for the care and attention.
Bill & Jeri B, USA
May 2019
What a fantastic trip we have had – many thanks to a wonderful crew for meeting our every need. Good luck to you all.
Danvall & Maureen R, Aus
May 2019
Thank you Luciole and her wonderful crew for a week of fun, food and frolics
Diana, Aus
May 2019
Farewell to our barge la Luciole. Farewell to our old chums as well. Farewell to our beautiful barge. We’ll tell all our friends as well
Moz, Aus
May 2019
We had a fantastic trip, thank you to all the crew. Plenty of cycling – eating and drinking! Lots of fun.
Sue & Maurie D, Aus
May 2019
We have had a wonderful trip. Beautiful food, wine, scenery and especially people. Many thanks.
Ian & Jackie R, Aus
May 2019
It’s been a very special week. So relaxing and enjoyable. Beautiful scenery, excellent food, good company. What more could you ask for. Thank you.
Fiona B, Aus
May 2019
Great combination of a wonderful barge experience, professional crew, wine, top food and experiencing such interesting excursions! Will not forget!
Barb & Andrew B, Aus
May 2019
Merci a beautiful Luciole! We expected good food yet Ollie’s culinary creations were beyond our imaginations. We have been so well care for by the entire staff and we have learned to much about Burgundy and the Canal Nivernais. A highlight for Dave is cycling to Vezelay with Paul, Chris and Robert. Vezelay was a highlight for Deborah as well, and all of us have appreciated the professionalism and kindness of all the staff. And we won’t forget the spectacular purotechnics for Deborah’s birthday.
Deb & Dave, CA, USA
May 2019
Thank you so much for a slice of French heaven. How can I thank you enough. A super team who create an atmosphere of caring and ease, yet I know it is due to lots of hard work! Thank you Penny, Pierre, Ollie, Paul, Hester, Michelle, James and the graceful lady Luciole! We have made beautiful memories.
Shorna, Aus
May 2019
A wonderful holiday on the beautiful Luciole. Delicious food, wonderful company and a great crew. So relaxing we lost track of time…. In fact probably the most relaxing holiday we have ever had. Trips, cycling, walking – all wonderful, and the crew could not have been more attentive. Thank you so much for a wonderful 6 days.
Carey M, UK
May 2019
Marvellous! That word is hardly adequate to describe this delightful trip aboard the Luciole. The accommodations are luxurious and the crew is ready to meet any need, even ones you didn’t know you had. Thank you all for caring for us with such care and love. A bientot.
Dave & Monica N, LA USA
May 2019
“Your wish is my command” – That sums up the service, hospitality and friendliness of the staff. Our trip was absolutely wonderful – no request – big or small – went unfilled. Thank you for helping our family enjoy our trip together – It was memorable.
Joan and Robert, USA
October 2018
Thank you! What a wonderful way to unwind and relax – and to be taken care of by such an attentive and kind group of people. The views along the Nivernais Canal are extraordinary ad will last a lifetime in my memory. Thank you again.
October 2018
If there is the possibility of a perfect canal cruise in Burgundy, this was it. Every detail was attended to, the shore excursions were fun and educational, and the crew was great – friendly, cheerful, attentive and thoroughly professional. Marc’s cooking was sublime. I’m so happy I found the Luciole cruise.
Jeff L, San Fran USA
October 2018
So very lucky and thankful. We had the right crew with the right guest list, the right weather paired elegantly with the right food, wine and ambiance. Second everything above, especially the restorative holiday. Merci beaucoup
F, USA
October 2018
Arguably the best way to travel – easier than walking, much more pleasurable than driving, and unlike cruising, the perfect number of people. The landscape and history is both classic and extraordinary the views and the architecture so so beautiful. The icing on the cake of this trip was the crew – unfailingly thoughtful, friends and responsive. Every one was just delightful. Thank you, thank you for giving me a real time-out and a restorative holiday.
Alison H
October 2018
What a wonderful holiday! Good travel with a competent and endearing team to help us throughout! We were so well looked after with friendly banter. The staff one and all were great with the cooking at an advanced and very tasty format. We wish you well in the future.
Alan and Margaret G
October 2018
What a wonderful time I have had on the Luciole! Great food, great staff, great sites in a beautiful setting! You are the best. Sorry on missing the trip back to Paris with you! It’s been a dream. Thank you Francisco.
Kathy C
October 2018
The word to describe this week on the Luciole is ‘Fabulous’ Thank you all
York, UK
October 2018
Thank you to the “Best Barge” in France. Everything was ever so lovely.
Pat J Colarado, USA
October 2018
This was the second barge trip we have done. We have enjoyed it very much. The staff was wonderful. Darron and I felt welcomed from the beguinning. Cerys and Morgan were always smiling and bery helpful. Marc’s oassion is in the food he prepares and it is very appreciated. Jack gave the best directions and great conversation. Fabrice thanks for helping me find a great gift for Mom and guidance on this trip. Captain thanks for delivering us ssafely and your patience in all things. The weather was wonderful, which I am sure you all were responsible for. Safe travels and happy life to all.
Linda and Darron. Colorado USA
October 2018
An amazing trip! Our barge cruise was beyond our wildest dreams. Fun crowd, excellent crew, brilliant food and all served with smiles. We had a magical time with you all. Blessed with fantastic weather – morning mist and sunshine. Thanks to you all for making this such a memorable experience.
Avril B
October 2018
A wonderful vacation that was much needed. You organization was superb. Relaxation was the key ti a favorite barge. Trip I remember and highly recommend to all.
Karen W
October 2018
Unforgettable! This voyage on the Luciole is a most wonderful vacation. We cannot thank the captain Francisco, and every member of this crew, enough for creating this experience. Every detail on the barge is beautiful, harmonious and balanced. The chef continued to amaze us with delicious creations at lunch and for dinner. Continuous food paintings with Burgundian wines…. Morgan and Cerys took care of keeping our rooms impeccable. Francisco let me take the wheel! And then to top it off organised a birthday party for me. Thus us an incredible experience and one of the most memorable birthday parties even for me, I feel so grateful and blessed to have spent a week on the Luciole!
Rita and Edward
October 2018
Thank you all for an excellent week in every way. You care for us and attention to detail was much more than we expected to receive. Food, service in the dining saloon Fabrice’s leadership on tours, flawless navigation, Penny’s hospitality… We could not have asked for more. A beautiful week on a beautiful boat.
Joan and Steve C
September 2018
Today is a glorious day for embarking on the next part of our trip in France. Everyday has been a new experience for us on this trip on the Luciole. We are from New Zealand, one of us an Irishman so we are a long way from home. The Luciole has been an excellent ‘Home away from home’ for the last seven days. The crew has attended to everyone with excellence and goodwill. Nothing has been too much bother. The food has been excellent – beautifully presented, tasteful and with imagination. It has been a pleasure to be with the crew with their cheerful, happy attitude. We congratulate you all on a job very well done and will have very fond memories of this trip on the lovely canal in France. Much appreciated, with good wishes for your future endeavors.
Julie and Arthur B, New Zealand
September 2018
My second ‘Voyage; on the beautiful Nivernais Canal and Richard’s first. We both enjoyed every moment. The beauty of the Burgundian countryside, drifting by in the most gorgeous Autumn sun. But it is Captain Francisco and his excellent crew – this ear a co-captain Fabrice and the lovely ever-helpful girls Cerys and Morgan. Jack the deckboy and Tadek who produced delicious meals twice a day, that really make this barge holiday extra special. I hope we may come again. Thank you Penny.
Wisbeth and Richard S
September 2018
Once again a perfectly wonderful week on the Luciole – Tadek has kept us so well fed it’s going to be tough going home. Thank you everyone for making the week special. John so enjoyed steering the boat again.
John and Sheila M
September 2018
What a wonderful week! The crew always there to look after all of us. Thank you for everything.
Georgie M
September 2018
Outstanding trip. Expectation were high and they still exceeded. Food was exceptional and crew amazing. A trip that we will never forget. Thank you!
Vince and Debbie L, Canada
September 2018
Floating gently through the French countryside, eating and drinking like royalty, being cared for bu the crew like family – everything was wonderful!! Thank you so much for a memorable week!
Mary and Jerry C, California
September 2018
A really memorable and relaxing time with superb company. Everything ran incredibly smoothly and all staff were very, very helpful and cheerful. A special mention for Francisco the skipper for navigating us safely and giving an extraordinary after dinner speech. I shall always treasure the memories from this week.
David B Australia
September 2018
What a super week on this wonderful barge! Fantastic food, wine and company! A wonderful part of France to explore. Thank you to everyone for making it such a special holiday.
Beverley
September 2018
Rodger and I loved our relaxing and peaceful week with you – The timeless scenery rolling by was a bit of heaven, The crew and passengers were all so great and congenial. Our Captains were very capable and reliable. We had absolute tryst on them. Loved watching Jack raise and lower the umbrellas, Moran and Cerys were gracious and always helpful and our wild and crazy chef!! What a guy! Your food creations were unbelievable and delicious.
Gwen & Rodger D
September 2018
What a great trip! The crew all have such a great sense of humor and took such great care of us – this was truly a grand journey experience.
Mary-Kay
September 2018
Roses are red and violets are blue. We just spent a week with the world’s greatest crew. Cisco navigated from behind the big wheel and Tadek cooked us imaging meals. Mogan and Cery’s sweet as can be, tidied our rooms and kept us supplied with food and booze. Will as our guide showed us the sites and points of interest along the way, quite a delight. Jack was awesome manning around and working the locks, it was great to chat with him and learn he’s quite a jock. We had suck a great time from the moment we arrived. We’ll cherish the memories and think of them often a long as we are alive. She said yes!!
Steve & Erin (soon to be B)
September 2018
What a week! Convivial, simpatico and just plain fun. Nostalgia unlimited for Matthew – 41 years later. Cerys, Morgan, Tadek, Will & Jack helped Captain Francisco make our way from Clamecy to Auxerre – along the way we saw sta, horses walked across the deck, Matthew cycled the roman road to Avigny and every day the weather got finer and the meals kept getting better than the one before. Old man of the barge Richard Parsons and former pilots Roger and John visited for lunch near Vermenton. Herons, deer, ducks and muskrat were seen. Andoillette in Chablis was best and soon forgotten once we returned to Tadek’s kitchen. What joy and relief. Will’s tours were informative and entertaining – he is too humble! The Nivernais truly is an earthly paradise – complete with Epoisses and Fixin. So glad we were here!
Matthew G
September 2018
Amazing trip – the most fabulous food, terrific staff, such an entertaining tour guide and captain, and wonderful fellow guests. Yes a trip of a lifetime! Many thanks to all! And a special thank you to Penny for contacting Roger and Richard to make my husbands trip all the more memorable.
Leslie L, Miami USA
September 2018
Thank you all for a grand holiday. It could not have been more pleasant. Wonderful memories
Tom F, USA
September 2018
Suberb experience. To Francisco, all the crew and our amazing chef Tadek – Thank you so much. We would not have asked for a better experience. Have to include Glaswegian Paul now I guess. Will dream about coming back – would be ever dreamier if it could be same crew.
Jenniger & Craig W, Australia
September 2018
To the crew of the Hotel Barge Luciole. Thank you! Faro and I had an absolutely fantastic experience this week. Our phenomenal chef extraordinaire. Thank you all – you were magnificent.
Chip & Faro
September 2018
Chris S
September 2018
Ruth & Ralph
September 2018
Thank you so much for making our time on the Luciole so special. Your caring ways with the children and never-ending attention to our needs and dietary restrictions were unparalleled and won’t be forgotten! The places we visited were beautiful and the adventure activities were so much fun. Thank you for the whole experience and all the lasting memories.
Rennison family
August 2018
Thanks for all the great service, food and activities! I hope we’ll come back someday!
E Rennison
August 2018
Thank you so much for looking after my family’s many dietary restrictions. It was so nice not to have to worry about it! We had an amazing time. The food, people and excursions were all first rate.
A Rennison
August 2018
Thanks for everything! Thank you for making food that I could eat with my allergies and for all of the raspberry sprite.
W Rennison
August 2018
Thank you for letting me drive the boat!
Daniel
August 2018
Thank you for the amazing meals and the great wine! We had the perfect blend of indulging, relaxing and trying new and fun activities. I would recommend this vacation.
David
August 2018
Just when we thought our trip couldn’t get any better, we boarded the Luciole and VOILA! It got even better. Thank you all for everything. We feel so indulged by your care and attention, not to mention the food and wine
Judy
August 2018
Thank you to the lovely crew for all of your care and attention. Our kids have been in heaven this week! They especially loved the tree climbing and the kayaking! Adults feel very indulged as well. With love from Vancouver
The Plunkett family
August 2018
Thank you for all being super nice and spending your time with us.
C Plunkett
August 2018
Thank you for all of the food and places we got to go
Tashy
August 2018
Wonderful choice of crew! Congratulations on the whole mixture to make a wonderful and unique holiday. The perfect way to spend days with friends, to relax and refresh and have fun!
M Hill
August 2018
Many thanks for a great week. A wonderful crew – you were a good team. Very attentive – all was perfect. Good luck for the rest of the season.
Julie and Roger
August 2018
You guys were so nice loves
Lindzy age 8
August 2018
I love this barge! This week has been the best week of my life. To start off my birthday was the most memorable. Getting kicked off a horse to lava cave with candles. This trip has been so fun! Thanks!
Sara
August 2018
Thank you so much for an amazing vacation! We had such a great time. Everyone was fabulous.
The Marlys
August 2018
Thank you so much for such an awesome week. You guys were really great and made this experience much, much more fun. I wish you all the best.
C Marley
August 2018
Kudos to barge Luciole. Thank you for all of your efforts to make our celebration of my Mom’s 80th Birthday a truly memorable event for our whole family – from the youngest at 8 years old to our patriarch at 82.
S Carroll
August 2018
We would like to let you know how much we enjoyed our cruise on La luciole, and not least your unstinting contribution to the pleasure and comfort of our all too short stay with you aboard. May you, your crew, and La Luciole, long continue to bring delight to your passengers
P Dawe
July 2018
Water holidays are my favourites, the high standard of Luciole facilities & beauty of the Nivernais always never fail.
J Tavener
July 2018
We could not wait a day longer, to thank you for an extraordinary cruise and family adventure aboard the Luciole! I know that I speak for every person in our family when I say that the week was a magical one. It is clear to us all that your professionalism, dedication to service, concern for your guests, and aesthetic sensibilities are mirrored in your fabulous crew. We felt most fortunate to have found you !
B&T
July 2018
We had a terrific time on the Luciole, and loved Burgundy and the crew of the barge in equal measure.
J Dole USA
June 2018
Our photos are happy reminders of our incredible week aboard the Luciole. We are all going through "withdrawal" and finding it a bit of a challenge to get back to our every day lives...
J Williams, USA
June 2018
Words cannot describe what an amazing experience we have had on this wonderful barge from beautiful scenery and lovely tours to making new friends and enjoying first class food and wine throughout our stay. Will (and have already) recommended this trip.
A. Jell, UK
May 2018
It's a week of refreshment and pampering that is good for the soul. You can't explain it in words. You have to experience it. Thank you!
AM. Lockmyer, USA
May 2018
Susan and I had never done a cruise vacation before. We've always been wary of larger cruise trips, but the intimacy of the Luciole was just perfect for us to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We enjoyed getting to know the other guests and the crew.
D. Krupp, USA
May 2018
Relaxing, healing and inspiring - thanks Luciole, you never disappoint!
C. Harrison, UK
May 2018
I had the best time and will cherish that week always... big effort from all your team, who seemed to become family very quickly...do hope you continue to prosper with the Luciole... and thank you for a wonderful memory of my trip.
L Lindsey, Aus
May 2018
Hotel barge Luciole
Cruising since 1976
Phone: 00 44 1625 576880
From USA: 011 44 1625 576880
Email: info@bargeluciole.com
23 Adlington Road, Bollington
SK10 5JT England
1-2 Quai de la Republique, Auxerre
89000 France
© Hotel Barge Luciole 2024
