Luciole
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 14	Your Hosts:Tours Director Neil Gorrie & Captain Francisco Madrid
Size: 117 feet long	English Speaking Crew of: 6
Last Visited: 2011	Bicycles: 10 - 14
Rating: First Class	Air Conditioned: Yes

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2013 Value SEASON Rates

Whole Boat Charter of 14: $42,000
Whole Boat Charter of 10: $40,000
Adventure Charter: $44,000**
Double Cabin: $3,950 per person double occupancy
Single-Occupancy Cabin: $3,950

2013 available Value SEASON Dates

August 4 - 10	September 1 - 7	October 27 - Nov 2
August 25 - 31	October 13 - 19

2013 High SEASON Rates

Whole Boat Charter: $52,000
Adventure Charter: $54,000**
Double Cabin: $4,250 per person double occupancy
Single-Occupancy Cabin: $4,250

2013 available high SEASON Dates

June 30 - July 6	September 8 - 14	October 6 - 12
July 7 - 13	September 22 - 28

---

2014 Value SEASON Rates

Whole Boat Charter of 14: $42,000
Whole Boat Charter of 10: $40,000
Adventure Charter: $44,000**
Double Cabin: $3,950 per person double occupancy
Single-Occupancy Cabin: $3,950

2014 Value SEASON Dates

April 13 - 19	July 20 - 26	August 10 - 16	October 19 - 25
April 20 - 26	July 27 - August 2	August 17 - 23	October 26 - Nov 1
April 27 - May 3	August 3 - 9	August 24 - 30

2014 Regular SEASON Rates

Whole Boat Charter: $52,000
Adventure Charter: $54,000**
Double Cabin: $4,250 per person double occupancy
Single-Occupancy Cabin: $4,250

2014 Regular SEASON Dates

May 4 - 10	May 25 - 31	June 15 - 21	July 6 - 12
May 11 - 17	June 1 - 7	June 22 - 28	July 13 - 19
May 18 - 24	June 8 - 14	June 29 - July 5

2014 High SEASON Rates

Whole Boat Charter: $55,000
Adventure Charter: $57,000**
Double Cabin: $4,250 per person double occupancy
Single-Occupancy Cabin: $4,250

2014 high SEASON Dates

August 31 - September 6	September 21 - 27	October 5 - 11
September 7 - 13	September 28 - Oct 4	October 12 - 18
September 14 - 20

**NEW!!! ADVENTURE BARGE CRUISES FOR CHARTER GROUPS**
Have you considered chartering an hotel barge with family or friends, but wishing there was more activity and adventure? Zip lining, horse riding, cave climbing and kayaking are exciting activities alongside our regular visits. Families and friends wanting a summer adventure that pleases every age, be sure to check out the full program on our itinerary page!

Luciole

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Auxerre to Clamecy on the Canal du Nivernais

Sunday: Paris to Auxerre
Savor the sunset at our Delightful Mooring!
Our guests will be met at 2:30 pm in Paris at the Hotel Mansart  at 5 rue des Capucines, elegantly located off the Place Vendome on the Right Bank . (From 1:45 pm on, leave your luggage in our private room.) You’ll then be chauffeured to the Luciole moored right on the Quai in Auxerre, a lovely town in the heart of the Burgundy vineyards. Enjoy the traditional Champagne Welcome and introduction to crew, then relax on deck as the sun sets over the old churches and cobblestoned streets of Auxerre. The first of many dinners on board introduces you to both your fellow guests and the high standard of cooking you will enjoy all week on Luciole!

Monday: Auxerre to Bailly
Exploring in Auxerre
A visit into the historic centre of Auxerre, pictured at right, is followed by a cruise out of the city into beautiful pastoral countryside. Now is the perfect time to walk or bicycle along the towpath which lines this gorgeous canal. Lunch on board will be taken at Champs, one of several attractive villages on the way. The afternoon's cruising through attractive reaches of the River Yonne concludes at the wine-making centre of Bailly.

Tuesday: Bailly to Vermenton
Wine! Wine! Wine!
A morning visit is made to one of the wine caves, pictured above, in the vicinity of Chablis. The picturesque villages of St Bris, Irancy and Escolives all stand close beside the waterway in wonderful surroundings, and a rendezvous will be made with one of the wine producers in the area. After lunch, we'll cruise through gorgeous scenery to our mooring at Vermenton.


Wednesday:
Vermenton to Mailly-la-Ville
Shop in a beautiful village
Today's excursion is to Noyers-sur-Serein, pictured at left, considered to be in the top 100 prettiest villages in France. Enjoy a cheesetasting in the market; then visit a local potter and tour his shop. Many Luciole guests are finding delightful momentos to take home! After lunch Luciole continues southwards along a waterway in which winding stretches of canal mingle with sparkling river sections, before our arrival at the village of Mailly-la-Ville. Now is the perfect time to walk or bicycle along the tow path and enjoy the spectacular countryside as it floats by.






Thursday: Mailly-la-Ville to Lucy-sur-Yonne
Imposing Chateau
Cruising ever deeper into the countryside, Luciole enters a region in which dramatic cliffs stand by the waterside, with many opportunities for cycling, strolling - or simply enjoying the scenery from the sun-deck. Visits during the day can include the hill town of Mailly-le-Chateau, or the imposing chateau of Bazoches, pictured at right, home in the 17th Century of the Marquis de Vauban, France's great military engineer.

Friday: Lucy-sur-Yonne to Clamecy
Basilica at Vezelay
From an overnight mooring at the village of Lucy-sur-Yonne, we make the short journey in our bus to Vezelay, to visit the spectacular 12th Century Basilica, pictured at left, which dominates the town. Here St. Bernard preached the 2nd Crusade and from this hillside a swathe of rural Burgundy can be seen. Traveling onwards, Luciole then reaches the delightful Medieval town of Clamecy, a worthy venue for the climax of our cruise.

Saturday: Clamecy to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:30 for your chauffeured transfer to Paris . (We can stop in Auxerre to drop off guests picking up a rental car.) Expected arrival back at the Hotel Mansart is at 1:00 pm. The crew will help you and your luggage into a waiting taxicab, which can take you to your Paris hotel, to Charles de Gualle Airport, or Orly Airport. Please note that the return transfer is to central Paris only and make onward travel plans on this basis. For those wanting to fly out of Paris on the last day of the cruise, do not book a flight before 4:00 pm. Bon voyage! We hope you will reap a lifetime of memories on the Luciole.

---

NEW!!! ADVENTURE BARGE CRUISES FOR CHARTER GROUPS
Have you considered chartering an hotel barge with family or friends, but wishing there was more activity and adventure? Hotel Barge Luciole is now offering the perfect cruise for you! Following the great success of our Barge Adventure Charters in 2011, we are launching our program for this season. Zip-lining, horse riding, cave climbing and kayaking are exciting activities alongside our regular visits. Families and friends wanting a summer adventure that pleases every age, do read on.........

Sunday: Paris to Auxerre
Savor the sunset at our Delightful Mooring!
Our guests will be met at 2:30 pm in Paris at the Hotel Mansart, elegantly located off the Place Vendome on the Right Bank. (From 1:45 pm on, leave your luggage and enjoy tea and snacks in our private room.) You’ll then be chauffeured to the Luciole moored right on the Quai in Auxerre, a lovely town in the heart of the Burgundy vineyards. Enjoy the traditional Champagne Welcome and introduction to crew, then relax on deck as the sun sets over the old churches and cobblestoned streets of Auxerre. The first of many dinners on board introduces you to the high standard of cooking you will enjoy all week on Luciole!

Monday: Auxerre to Bailly
Rope walking in the trees!
Morning cruise to the wine village of Bailly
Afternoon activity: rope walking in the trees at Bois de la Folie
Alternative visit to Guedelon, a 13th Century style village in construction using traditional methods and tools from Medieval Burgundy

Tuesday: Bailly to Accolay
Winetasting - then explore in a cave!
A morning visit is made to one of the wine caves in the vicinity of Chablis. The picturesque villages of St Bris, Irancy and Escolives all stand close beside the waterway in wonderful surroundings, and a rendezvous will be made with one of the wine producers in the area. Afternoon cruise to Accolay
Alternative afternoon activity: cave climbing in Dissangis

Wednesday: Accolay to Mailly-le-Chateau
Market Day in Noyers
Visit to Noyers-sur-Serein - the delightful town with its Wednesday market and then up to the rambling remains of the castle - free time to stroll and scramble.
Afternoon cruise to Mailly-le-Château

Thursday: Mailly-le-Chateau to Lucy-sur-Yonnene
Horseback riding and 12th Century Basilica
Morning cruise to Lucy-sur-Yonne
Afternoon activity: horse riding at Montillot in the hills
Alternative visit to Vézelay, the 12th Century Basilica

Friday: Lucy-sur-Yonne to Clamecy
Chaetau of Bazoches and Kayaking
Morning cruise to Clamecy
Afternoon activity: Canoe-kayak at Saint Père
Alternative visit to the Chateau of Bazoches, the 17th Century home of the Marquis de Vauban, France’s great military engineer.

Saturday: Clamecy to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:30 for your chauffeured transfer to Paris. (We can stop in Auxerre to drop off guests picking up a rental car.) Expected arrival back at the Hotel Mansart is at 1:00 pm. The crew will help you and your luggage into a waiting taxicab, which can take you to your Paris hotel, to Charles de Gualle Airport, or Orly Airport. Please note that the return transfer is to central Paris only and make onward travel plans on this basis. For those wanting to fly out of Paris on the last day of the cruise, do not book a flight before 4:00 pm. Bon voyage! We hope you will reap a lifetime of memories on the Luciole.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks.Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barge cruises in Burgundy Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Luciole Guest Book

"Caroline and Ellen, Just wanted to drop the two of you a quick email to let you know that I have returned from the cruise you booked for me aboard the Luciole and to thank you ever so much for persuading me to try her charms. My goodness, what a FANTASTIC experience! Though we had a last minute route change due to flooding on the Nivernais and continued to experience the cold and rain during the majority of the cruise, the crew of the Luciole left us wanting for nothing. Neil is a fantastic guide who arranged for us to see many sites not normally on the itinerary and the new chef, Mike, is absolutely masterful. Seriously, there isn't a thing this man makes which isn't a culinary masterpiece. Captain Francisco and the rest of the crew were equally skilled and attentive; I was in excellent hands for the duration of the cruise. Am hoping to barge with Luciole again soon.

As for the Hotel Louvre Saint Anne, I also have nothing but praise for the hotel and her staff. Edyta, Moun, and Andrej took such very good care of me that I felt like family. They even managed to hold a single room for me for the day after the cruise ended so that I did not have to pay for a double as originally reserved. . Just an all around excellent value in a wonderful location.

Thank you, again, for booking the Luciole and the Hotel Louvre Saint Anne on my behalf. You ladies sure do know your stuff and I am honored to have worked with you."
- Carrie Bittay-D'Intino, cruised May, 2013

" It was wonderful. The boat and crew exceeded expectations in all measures and I think all of us on the boat felt very well cared for. As this was our first cruise, we weren't sure what to expect but everything about the week was wonderful including the daily history lessons, the food and wine, the route and our fellow passengers."
- Bill McNulty, cruised May, 2013

"The cruise exceeded our expectations. It seemed to have a perfect balance of elements that we were expecting: seeing rural Burgundy, great food, local excursions, enjoyable companions, great crew. We loved walking along side the barge and did so on every occasion possible. We thought the cuisine a perfect choice. The French country country cooking was superbly well done. The unusual local wines served were a great treat for me. I got to taste things I cannot buy in wine stores here. The crew members were really pleasant to deal with, and they noted individual needs and helped those as needed. We liked the diversity of the excursions. This was a retirement celebration cruise for us. The blend of great dining, unique local wines, walking along the canal, delightful companions, exceptional excursions and great crew was perfect. The Barge lady's services were excellent in every way: understandable, prompt, friendly and informative. I cannot imagine a better experience."
- Chuck Taylor, cruised October, 2012

"The crew was excellent! Neil was a super tour guide. He handled our group of us with skill and good humor, and he was extremely knowledgeable about the history, culture, and topography of the region. Stuart was a great chef with a warm, charming personality. Cisco is a highly skilled Pilot, confident enough in his skill and in the barge to let many of us take a turn at steering. It was eye-opening how difficult that really is! Deckhand Will was always a bright spot, taking care of whatever job needed doing with a smile. His ability to lasso those stabilizers as we entered each lock was very impressive! Hostess Alec was charming and always helpful. It was clear that she had a lot to do each day, but she accomplished her work with a smile and a good word to each of us. I can't imagine a better crew! The fact that they threw a birthday party for all of us was lovely! I enjoyed every daily excursion and every place that we went! I loved the barge trip and everything about it! A big thank you to The Barge Lady for all you did to make it very special."
- Patsy Roberts, cruised October, 2012

"The cruise more than met my expectations with an exceptional crew, fabulous food and a fine tour guide. Chef Stewart was an innovative chef and good company. The wines were out of this world. The rest of the crew was excellent. They were all helpful, friendly. It was a nice addition to have the barge owner Penny join us several times. The birthday party planned for our group was simply wonderful as the crew entertained us with songs, balloons, cards. I enjoyed all the sightseeing excursions and found Guide Neil extremely knowledgeable about French history and wine. He did a superb job."
- Betsy Holleman, cruised October, 2012

"Luciole was terrific! The set-up was lovely. The deck and dining room were beautiful, the warmth and fun of the crew was a highpoint, the gentle float and getting off frequently to walk suited me to a "T", the excursions with Neil were just perfect length and amount of interesting information. The food was top notch, and Chef Stuart was so fun and entertaining; we all loved him. The rest of the crew could not have been more competent, kind, cheerful and capable."
- Kathy Barron, cruised October, 2012

"Luciole exceeded our expectations by far -the food, wine, and cheeses were all terrific; the crew and service was excellent (by the end of the trip, they were more friends and traveling companions than crew); and the people on the trip with us were a great mix and very friendly - seasoned travelers who adapt and mix well. My wife got plenty of exercise by walking the tow paths and it was great to get a chance to work the locks and pilot the barge. Even the lock keepers and their houses were a delight. Our captain Neil was extremely knowledgeable during excursions and mixed in some great little stories and anecdotes."
- Jim and Jeanne Sturm, cruised June, 2012

"The Luciole was way over the top in all regards. If this isn't the perfect life in the slow lane relaxation getaway, then I can't imagine what it might be. The crew was nothing less than excellent. On a ten point scale, the crew was about a 16.5!!! They are friendly, responsive and helped to create a wonderful atmosphere on the trip. Chef Dan clearly "went the extra mile" for me as a strict vegetarian and I truly appreciate him for doing so. The most enjoyable part of the daily sightseeing was Vezelay, the chablis in Chablis visit, Auxerre, and the chateau. Guide Neil has a wonderful winning personality and an encyclopedic knowledge of the history and the seemingly small points that add so much to a trip. To sum up, this was one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. Moreover, the dozen other fellow travelers (many of whom are much more traveled than we are) readily agree. The Barge Lady has the script down pat - and is exemplary in all regards. Thanks to you for your help in making this a wonderful memorable trip. Please also pass along our praise and well-deserved accolades to barge owner Penny and the Luciole crew."
- Tim and Shirley Serey, cruised June 2012

The Luciole was top notch. Neil was the greatest guide I've had in a very long time. His knowledge of the area and wines was superb. He has a great sense of humor besides being attentive to all. Since I cannot drink Chardonnay wine, I will never forget him giving me my own special bottle of wine and pouring it for me. Really felt very special. I felt he really enjoys his job and you feel this. The cuisine was excellent! I truly do not know how Chef Dan came up with so many interesting dishes for all. Words cannot express how much enjoyment I had. I would sincerely recommend this trip to anyone."
- Barbara Brissso, cruised June, 2012

"The crew was amazing and made everything perfect for us. Guide Neil was a wealth of knowledge. The hostesses were fun, helpful (loved their cheese descriptions) and worked hard. The food was excellent. My foodie friends were taking pictures of the food and we are all looking for the recipes. I was totally impressed with all. Everyday was a special surprise and we ate way too much. My friends and I are ready to sign up again. You will probably be hearing from some of us at least with new names because everyone is raving. Thank you so much for the perfect trip."
Pat Nesbitt, cruised May, 2012

"All of us had a terrific time, with very high marks for the Luciole's crew. It says something very positive that we've all agreed we could do a repeat trip. Guide Neil did a fabulous job and deserves a special commendation. Crew service was excellent, with the special praise for the chef."
- Scott Feldman, cruised May, 2012

"We so thoroughly loved the cruise that we may just have to see what adventures you all can come up for us another time. The food was knock-out, the crew was patient (and cute) and the weather turned out to be just lovely. Who could ask for more? We especially liked the interesting experiences of going under the bridges with a one-inch clearance. Never a dull moment!"
- Ann O'Brien, cruised May, 2012

Luciole Floor Plan

117 Feet long
6 Double Cabins - 107 sq ft
- 3 cabins with choice of one double or two twin beds
- 3 cabins with two twin beds
2 Single Cabins
-Twin bed
Also in the Cabins
-Ensuite bathrooms with shower
-The baths in the two single cabins have been entirely re-built for the 2013 season; the baths in the other cabins have been updated.
-Redecoration in all cabins; New curtains and very lovely linens from Olivier Deforge.
In the Public Areas
- Large picture windows in salon and dining area
- Sundeck with tables, chairs, and umbrellas
- Luciole was lengthened for the 2011 season and has a very big deck now.
10 - 14 Bicycles
We have small to large framed bikes, some for the keener cyclist who want to explore away from the canal where extra bike gears are useful. Other bikes are much simpler with just a few gears and easy to get on to with a very low cross bar. We tend to carry 10 bikes, but more can be made available for charter groups. We also have a good selection of helmets if required.

The Nivernais Canal has a tarmac tow path beside the canal, as you can see in the picture. No more puddles or pot holes to navigate round! All in all the Nivernais Canal is perfect for the keen cyclist or for the individual to hone their biking skills that may have lapsed.