9th - 15th June

The Luciole crew, 2013

A fine bunch of people, the Luciole crew this year consists (from right to left) of Captain Francsico, Matelot (deckhand) Tom, the superb chef Mike, lovely hostesses Suzie and Anna and finally the best tour guide in the business Neil. 

It is at this time I can say that I will not be part of the Luciole crew this season, in order to pursue a career in graphic design while still maintaining a role behind scenes. This will mean the blog will no longer be mine, however I shall be passing the role on the to Tom to keep you updated with the Luciole season.

In further news the Luciole was published on the first page of Burgundys newspaper, an article celebrating the 47 years Luciole has cruised the canals of the region, featuring an interview of owner John Liley. The article is found online here: 

http://www.lyonne.fr/yonne/actualite/2013/06/13/la-luciole-une-peniche-hotel-de-47-ans-1586047.html

2nd - 8th June

John Liley at the helm

A long week cruising! We returned from the top of the Canal de Bourgogne to the Canal du Nivernais, passing through many locks and achieving over 90km in a week! The sun was really out and beamed down on the rolling Burgundy hills.  The trip down the Burgundy has been much enjoyed, however it is nice to be back on the Nivernais, the route which we love so much.

Owner and father of the Luciole, John Liley also joined with his sons. Who came to see her cruise the Burgundy Canal - Something thats not been done on the Luciole for over 12 years and resurfaced some old memories. John the father of hotel barging is a canal celebrity,  his involvement developing hotel barging and thus keeping many of the canals in France alive, meaning he is well respected within the community.

26th May - 1 June

The Luciole was cruising on the Burgundy Canal this week.  A change from our usual route, cruising from Tanlay to Les Laumes.  The older lock-keepers of course knew the Luciole from years past and were delighted to see again.

Our barge (bought from Continental Waterways in 9785) was originally called the 'Palinurus' and she began cruising in 1966, Captained by the entrepreneur Richard Parsons, who now lives in the hills near the Burgundy Canal.  Nearly fifty years on, we are very proud to be cruising on history and operating the first in the hotel barge world.

Palinurus first cruised in 1966, when a whole new vacation  idea was born

Our passengers came from from far and wide: New Zealand, the States and England.  Penny sends a merci millions for the beautiful flowers!

19th - 25th May

The Luciole was exceedingly fortunate this week to be cruising with a group of Lovely Ladies.  The cruise was all a bit of an adventure, with an unexpected change of route.  With fun and laughter throughout and one night a selection of the most glamorous of wigs the week went with a swing.

Captain Francisco, joins in with the 'hilarious wig spirit' of one evening

Merci millions Lovely Ladies for bringing so much sunshine to the barge. You will honestly, never be forgotten by the Luciole crew and we do hope that the laughter and memories shared, last with you always, where ever you are. No doubts that 'your wigs' will be making an appearance again, next time on a crew member.  Blue sky!

12th - 18th May

The Luciole was without passengers this week.  There was therefore the opportunity for more work various and for the crew to recharge their batteries.  We said goodbye to chef Stuart and welcomed Mike and bonjour to Tom, who took over from Mark as matelot (deckhand).  William, who wrote our blog as deckhand for the last two seasons, is now helping to run the family business from terra firma,  during the cruising season.

We thought you might like to see some pre-season photos of the 2 weeks before passengers arrive.  It can feel a bit touch and go at the end - especially this season with the laying or our new hardwood decking - but we do always get there!  Check out our photo albums or facebook to see the proof!

Delicious crew lunches, prepared by cheffy Stuart.  Essence or Luciole team work                                                                          

Mark and Tom working together on the newly laid hard wood decking

Afternoon break in the shadow of a boat on the quay.  For the hostesses Anna and Suzie, help was on hand with the return of Fi, our hostess of a few seasons ago to assist with training and the passing on of 'the knowledge'

Captain Francisco could call the engine room his second home......  

William entertains before scrubbing the roof, ready for painting

 Neil, our true historian, ponders the DIY challenges of the day

5th - 11th 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.  Our passengers were truly fantastic, a family without doubt.

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