5 - 12 May

Our third week saw the return of passengers Charles and Susan, who brought along with them family and friends to charter the Luciole.  In Accolay the nightingales sang and the sun went down.  While in the saloon a strawberry desert with a caramel spear was served.

Tranquil mooring in the village of Accolay

Strawberry delight to WOW

The river levels dropped and Luciole cruised to Auxerre.  Once through the lock 'Batardeau' and before the bridge of Pont Paul Bert, Francisco skilfully steered, with Neil 'counting' the distance between barge and bridge arch to bring Luciole safely to her mooring on the city quay.

28th April - 4th May

Unfortunately the rain came to France and the rivers and canals filled with water.  Day trips were in order and our fantastic chef Stu meant spirits were not dampened.  Tour guide Neil, unfathomable in history and knowledge of the region and France showed the true historian he is and kept all things incredibly interesting and amusing at the same time!  The lovely new hostesses Anna and Suzie were also always on hand to help with a smile.

Passengers and crew on the Luciole deck, shortly before the departure to Paris

At the weekend, in preparation for our Adventure Charters later in the summer, the crew visited the caves of Dissingis.  Challenging and exciting, without question. We all slept well on Saturday night!

Up in the roof of the quarry, wearing harnesses and hard hats

21st - 27th April

The first week has commenced. A group from Japan came and kickstarted the season as the first passengers to see our new looking Luciole, a great week with lots of Spring sunshine.

The dramatic sky line of Auxerre with the impressive Cathedral of St Etienne

The Luciole crew have been wonderful this week.  Francisco our Captain and Neil the Tours Director have guided us all through.  I will not be matelot-ing on the Luciole this year in order to pursue a career in graphic design. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have made the last two years on the Luciole so fun and memorable, it will be missed and I wish the new crew all the best in what is a fantastic place to work and given me so much. I will still continue to be involved in this family business, just a bit more land based now.

Francisco straight back where he left off,
fitting the Luciole into the locks and making it look easy

Season 2013

A new looking Luciole and a new looking Auxerre waterfront.

The season has officially started! After a cold winter in Auxerre the Luciole has awoken from her hibernation and the first guests have walked on, the refit crew has worked hard over the few weeks and after a new coat of paint she looks like the boat that ended the season last year. Major work has also occurred on the quay in Auxerre which makes mooring here all the more special.

Our new wooden sun deck

A big thank you to all involved to get the boat started - she looks fantastic, especially the new deck. Fingers crossed for the rest of the season.

Spring in Auxerre

Francisco - hammer in one hand - umbrella in the other!

Spring on the Luciole and crew and friends are helping with the refit for the coming season.  The guys are busy with two new bathrooms, complete re-paint of the barge, inside and out and numerous other improvements. Francisco swapped South African sun for rain and an umbrella, with some serious steel preparation before painting.

For the girls, it was curtain making for the cabins - rather a lot of curtains - 20 of them in fact!  A real production line for Ann, Loeloe and Penny.   All ready now to co-ordinate with the new French, Olivier Deforges bed linen.

The ladies are busy with the cabin curtains

We did all take a break from work to celebrate Neil's birthday.  Cake, served in the galley was enjoyed by one and all, which included a line up of a Brazilian, Chilean, Scot, 4 from England and two visiting Dutchmen!

Birthday celebrations for Neil on the Luciole

Winter

Winter in Auxerre

The Luciole sleeps below the snow covered cathedral, as Burgundy slows down in winter's icy grip. Inside, the Luciole still holds her warmth as she waits for Spring. When the barge will be given her pre-season refit ready for another year of laughs and smiles.

A change of scenery - in Chamonix, below Mont Blanc

With fresh snow covering France; Francisco, Penny and I took the chance for a short break in Chamonix.  Francisco learnt to ski in a day, progressing from nursery to red runs by the end of our trip! The off-piste ski-ing was amazing, fresh powder every morning.  It was a great break from office work for Mum and I, planning and preparation for the season continues more than ever when the boat is not operating.

14th - 21st October

The 2012 season is over. We finished with a great week, cruising with a group of friends from high school still travelling together. Shared birthdays - meant an excuse for a celebration - cake and Crement de Bourgogne. A fitting week to finish off a memorable season.

Over the weekend we cruised the boat from the far end of our route back to Auxerre - where the Luciole will rest the winter - under the watchful eye of Francisco. Winterising the boat as we cruised along, packing up everything and storing all away. A sad time in some respects as Luciole is prepared for hibernation, yet a relief for the crew who have worked so hard for the last 7 months, overseen by Penny and joined by friends for the final voyage of 2012. The crew go their separate ways; Alex returns to South Africa, Francisco and Neil travel home and Tim, Stuart and I return back to England dreaming of Sunday roast dinners.

The Luciole crew sharing a well earned drink, leaving the last lock of the year

Although it is a relief to relax, I know in a few days I will be remembering the good times and the many people I shared them with. A wonderful opportunity of which I know all the crew are grateful for; to work on such a fantastic boat. Thanks to all those who made it such a wonderful season.