20th - 26th July

Xin chào and càm õn to our extremely excellent Vietnamese passengers who have travelled all the way from the USA to join us here on the Luciole. Three generations of these lovely people brightened our week and spread the cheer daily, even if the weather was being less than cooperative at times it never dampened their spirits or slowed their picture taking fingers!

Our lovely charter group - fun memories of horse riding and cycling beside the canal

In the sunshine the bikes were disembarked and the group would explore in force, riding up and down the towpath and onto the little tracks leading into parts unknown. Austin and An-nam racing off into the lead, group leader Lilia walking alongside us, chief photographer Robert riding back and forth in search of the perfect shot and Ytien and Chloe (two of the sweetest young ladies I've had the good fortune to meet) decorating their bikes with wild flowers.

Finally I want to wish a happy 8th birthday again to An-nam! We hope you had a memorable one and perhaps we will see "y'all" again soon. 

13th - 19th July

It's been a beautiful week here in Burgundy, and just like the sun reappearing from behind the clouds so too returns our third time guests Terrence and Frances, cruising this time with their family.  We were joined also by Gordon who flew from Australia for his family reunion and of course we must not forget our talented musician Larry, from Chicago, who displayed his undeniable talents in jamming sessions on board. The week was marked by the easy days of cruising(for Francisco) as he was assisted by the three very lovely young ladies, Eloise, Anne-Marie and Zoe along with Zoe's father Philip.

The weather has been glorious and every day passengers and crew alike would wander down to the local swimming spots on the river, expertly guided by chef and part time swimming enthusiast Marc. There are lovely locations for a quick dip all along the route and always places close to our over night stops. A particular favourite amongst ourselves and the locals is at the village of Lucy sur Yonne, just a couple of hundred meters from where the boat spends the night. The riverside beach at Vermenton is a very close second. They all have their charm however and whether you prefer quiet and secluded, wild and fun or busy and well tamed, there's always a good place to cool off.

Cruising on a beautiful summer's day

6th - 12th July

July has kicked off in style as the Luciole welcomes aboard it's first family adventure charter of the season and we couldn't have asked for a better group of people. Polite, friendly and above all very fun Australians all the way from Brisbane. It was a week of action filled days and mellow nights.  Memorable indeed for one and all.

Adventure charters can vary in activities from week to week down to choice, this week alongside the regular tours our guests went horse riding, climbing in caves and go-karting with some of the crew too. On that note I'd like to congratulate Daniel on his gold medal and offer my commiserations to our ultra competitive captain Francisco on his third place finish.

I feel I have to say a big thank you to Kylie for being the group leader and bringing along this bunch of lovely people to our barge. We hope you enjoyed the week as much as we did.

Rock climbing for every age

29th June - 5th July

The first week of July saw the arrival of the Liley family (minus John and Tristam) as well as another old friend in the form of Hector on board La Luciole with their friends and guests from America, Australia, Switzerland and the UK.  The weather was typically Burgundian, that is to say changeable but so sunny by Thursday we saw Cisco leading a party off to the river at Lucy sur Yonne, followed by enthusiastic swimmer Toni sporting his multinational Speedos.

Richard and Andy, coincidentally both former Reverends, enjoyed their tour of Bazoches and discovered along with the help of the curator, the mural depicting the story of Thisbe, a love story similar to that of Romeo and Juliet.

To continue the football news I'm afraid to say that all the teams of the Luciole have now been eliminated after France finally saw defeat at the hands of Germany. So from my point of view at least, go on Holland!

Eclusier Cindy and chef Marc swap vegetables for wine at the lock of la Place.

...and perhaps a cheeky dessert too.

15th - 21st June

This week we welcomed on-board a charter of 13 excellent people from the United States. Friends and colleagues for years working in a variety of positions in higher education. A group that loved their tours with the exceptional Anna, and loved a few bottles of red wine in the evenings! An extremely enjoyable week and one we are all very sad to see behind us. Group leader and organiser Tad, a veteran of 22 cruises, spoke a few words of encouragement after dinner on the final evening, claiming the food, ambience and crew of the Luciole set us apart from his previous experiences. With words as kind as that being said, what more could anyone need for job satisfaction?

Finally I would like to say a huge congratulations to our supremely talented captain Francisco, who this week received his certificate of naturalisation and finally after two years of toil, patience and paperwork became a French citizen. Needless to say we're all extremely proud of him. To top it off both Chile and France have qualified for the next round of the World Cup, so we have one happy captain.

England were not so fortunate, much to the dismay of the Matelot and real joy of our Scottish chef.

Sid seemingly enjoying the sights at Chateaux de Bazoches.  

The Luciole's own Captain Francisco receiving his citizenship at the naturalisation ceremony.

8th - 14th June

What a beautiful week to be in Burgundy and what an absolute scorcher we've had. Along with the sunshine and moments of parasol related drama we have 12 wonderful people all the way from the USA, plus one perfect British gentleman in the form of Donald, the father of our very own tour guide Anna. Another week of happy, gentle cruises, fascinating tours and flawless food. The Luciole in a nutshell.

World cup fever has also gripped the Luciole this week as Brazil opens the action. Three qualifying nations are represented on-board so best of luck to England, Chile and France.

Especially England.

 Acting-captain Donald at the helm successfully navigating a lock.

Captain Francisco aided in part by Host George attempts to tune the aerial in preparation for world cup action. 

1st - 7th June

It's the first week of June and summer has arrived in style in Burgundy. Along with the sun and summer cheer come 13 wonderful people from all across the United States. Friends who have travelled together every year for the last 27 years and found themselves in our little corner of France, and very glad we are to have them too.

The week was marked by slow, peaceful days of cruising, passengers walking in the sun or drinking cocktails on the deck. The evenings spent enjoying long, interesting discussions over a bottle of wine or two and of course chef Marcs marvellous creations. The pinnacle however was surely the group sing alongs after dinner, a tradition for many years amongst these guests and one we were all very glad to witness and have the good fortune to join them for on the final night. A great ending to an excellent week.

A sing-a-long after supper. Guitar unfortunately out of shot.