Luciole
Barging in Burgundy

Guests: 14
Size: 110 feet long
Last Visited: 2011
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families

2012 Value SEASON Rates

2012 Value SEASON Dates

2012 Regular SEASON Rates

2012 Regular SEASON Dates

Luciole Photos

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Luciole

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Auxerre to Clamecy on the Canal du Nivernais

Friday: Lucy-sur-Yonne to Clamecy

Luciole

Guest Book

"The cruise exceeded our expectations!  The bath in our cabin was much more modern than expected and the cuisine was excellent - all meals!  The staff was all very professional and eager to please.  We liked the variety of the excursions-wine cellars one day, cathedrals and medieval villages the next.  The length of the excursions was perfect as well, half of the day to sight see and the other half to relax.  Overall, our experience on the barge was a great balance of choices.  We were free to be active or relax, sample gourmet cuisine or have a simple meal, go on excursions or spend time napping.  We were very well pampered.

-Tamara Talbott, cruised October 2011

"The Barge Lady did a splendid job of preparing us for our adventure!  The Upper Burgundy area is peaceful and unspoiled and the pace of the journey was perfectly planned.  The timing of the sightseeing excursions was perfect - we were either gone in the morning or afternoon, leaving us ample time to enjoy being on the barge or walking the tow paths.  

From being picked up in Paris to the farewell dinner, we were totally relaxed - never having to think about planning outings - finding a restaurant - or meeting new friends - it was all there.  Add that to the glorious countryside gliding by, a gregarious crew and flowing wine and all was right in the world!  We could easily become barge addicts".

-Buck and Jane Middlekauff, cruised October 2011

"We found the Luciole wonderful--nicer than we even expected.  The whole crew were excellent, very friendly and accommodating.  The food was beautifully presented and very tasty.  The cabins were more than adequate and the tours were just right - a little bit of culture so we didn't feel guilty just enjoying ourselves!"

Kathi Mall, cruised October 2011

"Dear Ellen and Caroline, We have just returned to Paris from our wonderful week on the Luciole. The trip far exceeded our expectations. Our cabin was the best one! We loved the crew, especially Neil, and Sebastion, who fed us like kings. We enjoyed the quiet waterway, the bikes, and the excursions. The information you sent was perfect. We can't wait to do it again!"

- Betts and Doug Bell, cruised September 2011

"Dear Ellen - WOW! We couldn't have made a better choice. Your Paris hotel recommendation was right on the money too. I think we had the best room in the house on the first floor with our own terrace no less. And the neighborhood and general location were simply ideal. But the barge. Oo-la-la. Where to begin. Again, we scored the best cabin I think, being the equivalent of the owners' stateroom across the stern. And the crew, all top notch and great individual characters. We told Neil more than once that his obvious enthusiasm and ability to share his knowledge - whether about wine, history, etc. - made it all so interesting and enjoyable. And oh those wines...all 18 of them. And yes the food that the wine helped to wash down, all perfectly prepared, presented, and in just the right portions. Sebastian the cook a real winner. Yet we never felt like we were overdoing it.

Weather cooperated for most of the trip. Our fellow travelers were a delightful group. We all mixed it up so well. With maybe one exception, I think we were the junior members of the group but everyone was spirited and active and we walked, biked, talked and dined in ever changing combinations that kept it fresh and interesting.

Thank you for your years of experience, friendship and great resourcefulness. Don't hesitate to refer any prospective clients to us for a glowing recommendation of the experience."

- Cheers, Al and Leigh Buettner

"The arrangements were handled perfectly by The Barge Lady! The trip surpassed our expectations. The cuisine and barge staff were excellent and our tour guide, Neil, was superb. We had met him before on our Nancy/Strasbourg tour and were happy to see him! Our sightseeing excursions were well paced, very interesting and allowed time to relax. We traveled with another couple from home so we were assured of having friends around, but we met such super people - all interesting and very congenial, as was the superb staff!"

-George and Barbara Davidson, cruised July 2011

"The beauty of the wine country was a treat. Neil was a great guide, and our fellow passengers were congenial. Several had cruised on other barges, but found our cruise to be the best! The staff was very friendly and efficient, and they added to the pleasure of being on board. It was a leisurely way to see incredible local beauty. Thank you for a very special vacation."
- Nan and Doug Toppin, cruised June, 2011

"The trip was fantastic - just want I needed and expected. The crew was just amazing. The food was more than excellent - the chef outdid himself time after time. I loved being able to bike and walk along the canal. The excursions were well done, and our guide Neil was soooo knowledgeable!"
- Yvette Romero, cruised April, 2011

"The setting was idyllic, the accommodation comfortable, the food was simply outstanding and the crew made it magical. Neil, in particular, with his knowledge of history and the local culture, really put the icing on the cake."
-Mark Osborn and Elaine Mader, 2010

"One of our best trips EVER - much better than we expected! The crew had a lot to do with it, but I do have to say we would have fun anywhere with these friends. We wouldn't change a thing - except for leaving!"
-Jim and Florence Bethard, 2010

"We had a wonderful time from the moment Neil picked us up until our return. Neil, without a doubt, is one of the finest and informed people we have met. His knowledge on history, vineyards, cheese, wines, waterways, castles, and how to get around those roads is amazing. He is kind and fun. Captain Francisco & helper Max guided us through the most narrow spots with ease and determination. We enjoyed their conversation and smiles. I got to pretend like I was driving. Hostesses Shona and Neasha were our fairy God-mothers. They knew what we needed before we did. They were always there smiling offering anything we wanted including a lesson on how to fold the dinner napkins in the cute way they did each night. Chef Sebastian is truly gifted. One highlight was our request for a "cooking lesson" on board. We learned lots and had a ball. He is a charismatic guy. I have as many pictures of our plates as of each other! Celebrating 40 years of pledging Kappa Sigma at LSU , the guys crowned Karen their "Dream Girl" on the front deck. Memories making memories!"
- Nadine and Bill McCall, 2010

"A trip that will exceed your expectations. The food and service by the staff were phenomenal. The excursions were an added treat. This was our first barge tour and has to be the best. It has probably spoiled us to expect this type of food and service on future trips."
-Ken and Jane McIntosh, 2010

"The week on the Luciole has been fabulous, exceeding expectations in every way. Some of our fellow passengers have remarked that the canals and the countryside look like a Disney set made for adults. The crew has been tops in every respect. Neil has been a knowledgeable and very interesting tour guide off the boat, and an attentive host aboard. Sabastian performs absolute miracles in the kitchen, every lunch and dinner being a special event. Francisco our pilot has, for the most part, kept us in the channel (except when he has allowed me to steer). Max, our mate, is helping everyone all of the time. The girls are very pleasant and promptly attentive to our needs and wishes.The quality of the food, itinerary, and crew are all absolutely tops. This trip we not be able to top."
- Karl and Alice Blade, 2010

"I am suffering from extreme Luciole withdrawal. The whole cruise was perfect. We were spoiled by the crew. Everyday when we came back from touring they had goodies waiting for us on deck. The food was out of this world. Lucky for us we got a menu at the end of the trip with what we had for lunch and dinner including wines and cheeses. This was our second barge trip and this was the best. The crew, food, tours, every aspect was exceptional. We have never been treated so royally!"
- Norm and Kay Cooper, 2010

"BJ and I wanted to let you know that our barge trip on the Luciole was a wonderful way to spend our 40th Wedding Anniversary. First of all, the barge was in great shape and there were no problems with the amenities. The crew was excellent; Neil, the Captain was wonderfully prepared and fabulously presented, but the boat was ably handled by Francisco and Max, and the hostesses, Sue and Neasha, were delightful.

We were on the "Wine and Cheese" tour so we had wonderful wines and cheeses from France with expert commentary on their origin, qualities and differences from region to region. There was always enough red and white wine and of course, champagne to drink your fill.

The towns we visited - Auxerre, Vezelay, Clamecy, etc. - were wonderful and the sites we saw were brought to life by Neil's guided tours. The canal, the Nivernais, was beautiful and provided plenty of bike riding and walking opportunities along with just relaxing on board.

All in all - a wonderful trip. We would recommend it for anyone who wants a relaxing change of pace from the big city atmosphere of Paris coupled with good food, great wines, cheese and service by a friendly and able English crew."
-Richard and BettyJune White, 2010

"It was one of the most relaxing trips we have ever taken. Beautiful food, wine, staff and weather. We would recommend a barge to anyone!"
-John and Cindy Doyle, 2010

"The Luciole was a great experience! We enjoyed the lavish and personal attention of the crew, the beautiful Burgandian scenery and the marvelous gourmet meals. The tours were excellently done with attention to details and concern for the passengers. We enjoyed meeting some new friends and sharing this wonderful week with them!"
-Kathleen Sands, 2010

"The Luciole was perfect. If you want a great staff, relaxation, a chance to meet interesting people, go to places you might not be able to get on your own, all while experiencing amazing foods, wines, and cheeses, you MUST try the Luciole! You will be taken care of all the time by lovely people and if you are lucky enough to have Neil as your guide and driver, you will know lots more about places you and laugh a lot - the perfect escape! PS - this was our second barge, and we look forward to our third."
- Elisa and Michael Seidman, 2010

"A perfectly delightful experience, shared with 12 other very interesting and well-traveled passengers from England, New Zealand, and the US. Great food and wine, enjoyed biking along the canal and swimming in the river. The vacation was very relaxing, with time to read a few books and enjoy good conversation with our new friends aboard. Now back from our travels, we are corresponding and swapping photos!"
-Marty and Nancy Rosenfeld, 2010

Luciole Floor Plan