Luciole barge cruise

Luciole

Luxury barge cruises

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Cruising between Clamecy and Auxerre on the Nivernais canal and river Yonne in Burgundy.

Cruise highlights

12 passengers
★★★★ 4 star rating

As tested by our CEO:
Out of this world. So much fun! I came home feeling 10 years younger and totally relaxed!

Highlights

  • Discover historic Auxerre with its many ancient churches and fascinating boutiques
  • Wine tasting in the underground wine caves of Bailly
  • See the stunning vineyards at Chablis, St Bris and Irancy
  • Visit the historic market town of Avallon
  • Visit the imposing chateau of Bazoches
  • Stroll through the hilltop town of Mailly le Chateau for some stunning views
  • Walk in the steps of the Crusaders at Vezelay and its magnificent 12th-century Basilica
  • 1 lunch ashore in a typical Burgundian restaurant

Luciole offers 3 cruise routes & itineraries

Classic Cruise
Nivernais & River Yonne

Girlfriends Getaway
Nivernais & River Yonne

Adventure Charter
Nivernais & River Yonne

Download the information pack(s) for Luciole

Brochure ↓

Luciole cruise file

Prices

  • From 4950 USD per person
  • Charters from 52, 000 USD

Boat size

  • Length 111′7″ ft (34.00 metres)
  • Width 16′12″ ft (5.18 metres)

Specifications

  • Crew members : 6
  • Up to 12 guests
  • Double cabins : 3
  • Twin cabins : 3
  • Single cabins : 2

Also

  • Central heating
  • Air-conditioning
  • Wifi
  • iPod docking station
  • Bicycles : 12

Guests have awarded ★★★★★ stars

Guests comments

After dealing with Emma pre and post Covid, I felt as though we had become good friends! Emma helped us plan a family barge experience to accommodate 12 family members. She did an outstanding job collecting individual needs and our wishes for a perfect experience for all ages. We could not have been happier with the results of the planning and subsequent trip on the Luciole. I would highly recommend Hotels Afloat for your next barge experience.

Mixie H; June 2022

Cruising the Nivernais canal on the Luciole was absolute perfection. The barge is a cosy, welcoming home on the water and the crew is fabulous. Penny, the owner, has brought together a team which works well together and are each warm and interesting people. They all contributed to making our week aboard unforgettable.

Deborah G; October 2022

We appreciated It's small size, fabulous crew, and the opportunity for our family to be together. I rate the boat 9/10
The Nivernais Canal was quiet (unlike other canals in France), beautiful scenery
I'd rate Hotels Afloat a 10! and would book again
Everything was fabulous! Thank you, Emma!

Ann Hofmann; April 2017
Everything on the Luciole was absolutely perfect. Our crew and Penny were just wonderful. Even the smallest details were not overlooked. I would recommend the Luciole. It will be one of the best weeks you will ever experience.
ESCHER ★★★★★
After dealing with Emma pre and post Covid, I felt as though we had become good friends! Emma helped us plan a family barge experience to accommodate 12 family members. She did an outstanding job collecting individual needs and our wishes for a perfect experience for all ages. We could not have been happier with the results of the planning and subsequent trip on the Luciole. I would highly recommend Hotels Afloat for your next barge experience.
HOCKMAN ★★★★★
Cruising the Nivernais canal on the Luciole was absolutely perfection. The barge is a cosy, welcoming home on the water and the crew is fabulous. Penny, the owner, has brought together a team which works well together and are each warm and interesting people. They all contributed to making our week aboard unforgettable.
Gudger ★★★★★

About Luciole barge cruises

Luxury barge Luciole

With 35 years of experience, proud owners John and Penny have seen many hundreds of clients leave with a smile, and treasured memories of their cruise, recorded in the Guests Log and their hearts.

The result of such experience is evident the moment you step aboard.
As Penny says, "There is no 'them and us' on the Luciole, but a warm-spirited and relaxed ambience".

So, leave your troubles behind and step aboard the Luciole for a week of bliss.

The spacious accommodation comprises:

  • Three twin-bedded, ensuite cabins: bed size: 6ft4 by 3 ft
  • Three double ensuite cabins, which can be converted to twins if preferred: Bed size: 6ft4 x 3 ft or 6ft4 x 6ft
  • Four single cabins: Bed size: 6ft4 x 3 ft

All cabins benefit from opening windows; air conditioning with individual thermostat control; bathroom with shower, hand basin and WC.

There is a large, airy saloon, lined with picture windows in which to relax and of course enjoy the French cuisine, described by the Financial Times as "culinary miracles".

As a former chef, Penny ensures that the meals served on board are both typical of the area, created using fresh, local produce, yet with an international twist.

Outside, enjoy the fine, raised sun deck which gives excellent views of the passing scenery.

Choose to sit and watch Burgundy unfold, with a cup of tea or glass of wine, or stroll along the canal towpath or take one of the Luciole's touring bicycles to explore the many villages along the route.  
With a team of 6 British or English speaking diligent crew members, personalized, attentive service ensures the holiday of your dreams.

Luciole deck and cabin plans

Luciole deck plan

Luciole photo gallery

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Luciole cruise routes & itineraries

Classic Cruise map

Classic Cruise

Nivernais & River Yonne

Rates

Paris - Auxerre
Sunday:
Meeting at the Hotel Mansart, Paris (April to August cruises) or the Hotel Brighton, Paris (September & October cruises) with a representative of the Luciole at 2.15 pm, followed by a journey to Auxerre in the air-conditioned bus. (Private charters can select an alternative meeting point in Paris if preferred)
Luciole is moored on the impressive river frontage in the city, overlooked by the Cathedral, Parish Church and the Abbey. In these splendid surroundings, we stage a champagne reception on board.

Auxerre - Bailly
Monday :
A visit into the Historic centre of Auxerre is followed by a cruise out of the city into the beautiful pastoral countryside.
Lunch on board will be taken at Champs, one of several attractive villages along the way.
The afternoon cruise through attractive reaches of the River Yonne concludes at the winemaking centre of Bailly.

Bailly - Vermenton
Tuesday :
A morning visit is made to one of the wine caves in the vicinity of Chablis.
The picturesque villages of St Bris, Irancy and Esolives all stand close beside the waterway in beautiful surroundings, and a rendezvous will be made with one of the wine producers in the area.
After lunch, we cruise onwards and up an arm of the canal to a quayside on the River Cure at the small town of Vermenton.

Vermenton - Mailly-la-Ville
Wednesday:
A morning drive in the bus takes the group up the valley of the tumbling River Cousin to the historic town of Avallon and the lively weekly market in the streets.
Avallon is the regional centre for shopping, with an inside market also, in addition to the numerous stores in the historic streets.
After lunch, Luciole continues southward along a waterway in which winding stretches of canal mingle with sparkling river sections before we arrive at the village of Mailly-la-Ville.

Mailly -la -Ville - Lucy-sur-Yonne
Thursday :
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 sundeck.
Visits during the day can include the hill town of Mailly-le-Chateau, or the imposing chateau of Bazoches, home in the 17th century to the Maquis de Vauban, France most excellent military engineer.

Lucy-sur-Yonne - Clamecy
Friday :
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, which dominates the town.
Here St Bernard preached the 2nd Crusade, and from this hillside, a swathe of rural Burgundy can be seen.
Travelling onwards, Luciole then reaches the delightful Medieval town of Clamecy, a worthy venue for the climax of our cruise.

Clamecy - Paris
Saturday :
An after-breakfast departure for Paris anticipates arrival there at 12.30.
For guests travelling onwards in hired cars from the area, a stop can be made at Auxerre again, on our journey through.

Classic Cruise rates

USD rates 2024 Regular Value Premium
Charter for 12 guests 75, 000 USD 67, 000 USD 74, 000 USD
Charter for 10 guests 69, 000 USD 60, 500 USD NA
Cabin per person 6, 700 USD 5, 750 USD 6, 700 USD
Single berth cabin 6, 700 USD 5, 750 USD 6, 700 USD
Theme charter supplement 2000 USD 2000 USD 2000 USD
USD rates 2023 Regular Value
Charter for 12 guests 70, 500 USD 63, 000 USD
Charter for 10 guests 65, 000 USD 57, 000 USD
Cabin per person 6, 300 USD 5, 400 USD
Single berth cabin 6, 300 USD 5, 400 USD
Theme charter supplement 2, 000 USD 2, 000 USD

Departure dates 2023

Value: April 23 to May 6; August 6 to August 26; October 8 to October 28

Regular: May 1 to August 5; August 28 to October 8

Departure dates 2024

Value: April 21 to May 4; August 4 to August 24; October 6 to October 26

Regular: May 5 to August 3

Premium: August 25 to October 5


Girlfriends Getaway

Nivernais & River Yonne

Rates

Although initially conceived and designed with ladies in mind as the ideal Girls' Getaway, this cruise is equally available to any group looking for that something special, a de-stress and lots of fun!
Our activities include a visit to a beautiful private garden, a spa massage and sauna, wine tasting, cookery demonstration, and a personalized colour/style consultation with our visiting expert from Paris!

With 35 years of experience, proud owners John and Penny have seen many hundreds of clients leave with a smile and treasured memories of their cruise, which is recorded in the guests' log and their hearts.
The moment you step aboard, their experience will be evident.
As Penny says, "There is no 'them and us' on the Luciole, but a warm-spirited and relaxed ambience."
So, leave your troubles behind and step aboard the Luciole for a week of bliss.

Paris - Auxerre
Sunday:
Meeting at the rendezvous of your choice, followed by a journey to Auxerre in the air-conditioned bus.
Luciole is moored on the impressive river frontage in the city, overlooked by the Cathedral, Parish Church and the Abbey. In these splendid surroundings, we stage a champagne reception on board.

Auxerre - Bailly
Monday:
Our morning cruise will be from Auxerre to Bailly.
Your onboard chef invites you to a cookery demonstration in the Luciole galley, and will happily share his savoir-faire with you!
After lunch, we head off to Chablis to see the vineyards and enjoy some wine tasting.

Bailly - Accolay
Tuesday:
This morning we explore the culture and boutiques of Auxerre, a fascinating town.
During the afternoon cruise from Bailly to Accolay, our visiting consultant offers a colour and style consultation.
Fun learning and laughter with Rosemary, who can make you look and feel years younger!

Accolay - Mailly-le-Chateau
Wednesday:
We will begin our day with a visit to the delightful town of Noyers-sur-Serein, with its colourful market, and the rambling remains of the hill-top castle.
Our cruise will take us on to Mailly-le-Chateau, a beautiful mooring.
This afternoon we visit the beautiful Priory Spa for a relaxing massage and sauna: True Bliss!

Mailly-le-Chateau - Lucy-sur-Yonne
Thursday:
This morning we will visit the imposing Chateau of Bazoches, home in the 17th century to the Maquis de Vauban, Frances greatest military engineer.
After lunch, we'll take leave of Luciole to visit a stunning private french garden for tea, cake and gardening tips galore from the knowledgeable owners.
After such a visit, you'll be ready to rejoin the barge for her late afternoon cruise to Lucy-sur-Yonne.

Lucy-sur-Yonne - Clamecy
Friday:
During our morning cruise to Clamecy, it's into the dining room for some fun.
Discover how to replicate the unusual napkin folding that you've seen during the week, ready to impress your next dinner guests with your french chic, while chatting with our lovely chef.
After lunch we make the short journey in our bus to Vezelay, to visit the spectacular 12th-century Basilica, which dominates the town.
Here Saint Bernard preached the 2nd Crusade, and from this hillside, a swathe of rural Burgundy can be seen.

Clamecy - Paris
Saturday:
An after-breakfast departure for Paris anticipates arrival there at 12.30.
For guests travelling onwards in hired cars from the area, a stop can be made at Auxerre again, on our journey through.

Girlfriends Getaway rates

- Departure Dates 2021 -
Value May 2 to May 22
July 18 to August 28
October 3 to October 30
   
Regular May 23 to July 17
August 29 to October 2

Adventure Charter

Nivernais & River Yonne

Rates

Our adventure charters offer a range of exciting activities for all the family to enjoy, regardless of age or aptitude!
The fun includes canoeing, tree climbing, horse-back riding and rock climbing, all in stunning surroundings.

With 35 years of experience, proud owners John and Penny have seen many hundreds of clients leave with a smile and treasured memories of their cruise, which is recorded in the guests' log and their hearts.

The moment you step aboard, their experience will be evident.
As Penny says, "There is no 'them and us' on the Luciole, but a warm-spirited and relaxed ambience". So, leave your troubles behind and step aboard the Luciole for a week of bliss.

Paris - Auxerre
Sunday:
Meeting at the rendezvous of your choice, followed by a journey to Auxerre in the air-conditioned bus.
Luciole is moored on the impressive river frontage in the city, overlooked by the Cathedral, Parish Church and the Abbey. In these splendid surroundings, we stage a champagne reception on board.

Auxerre - Bailly
Monday :
This morning we will cruise from the historic city of Auxerre to Baily.
After lunch on board,  today's activity will give you a new perspective as you ropewalk in the trees at Bois de la Folie.
Alternatively, step back in time to Geudelon, a 13th-century village in the making, using traditional methods and tools.

Bailly - Accolay
Tuesday:
Our morning cruise takes us from Bailly to Accolay.
After lunch, we set off for some horse-back riding in the hills.
Rest assured, there are horses to suit every age, size and riding experience!
Alternatively, we can take a visit to Auxerre to discover it's culture and beautiful boutiques.

Accolay - Mailly-le-Chateau
Wednesday:
We will begin our day with a visit to the delightful town of Noyers-sur-Serein, with its colourful market and the rambling remains of the hill-top castle.
Enjoy your free time to stroll at your will and enjoy the vistas.
After lunch, we will cruise from Accolay to Mailly-le-Chateau, with opportunities to swim in the refreshing river Yonne.

Mailly-le-Chateau - Lucy-sur-Yonne
Thursday:
Our day begins on the river, cruising to Lucy-sur-Yonne.
In the afternoon, we head for the quarry of Dissingis, for some cave-climbing in a truly remarkable setting!
This is spectacular, whether you participate or simply sit and watch, spellbound, with a cup of coffee.

Lucy-sur-Yonne - Clamecy
Friday:
After cruising to Clamecy, it's all hands on deck for our canoe-kayak outing at Saint Pere sous Vezelay.
A safe environment to discover this activity or to hone your skills.
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, we can visit the historic Basilica at Vezelay with ample time to visit the lovely clothes and craft shops in this ancient setting.

Clamecy - Paris
Saturday :
An after-breakfast departure for Paris anticipates arrival there at 12.30.
For guests travelling onwards in hired cars from the area, a stop can be made at Auxerre again, on our journey through.

Adventure Charter rates


These are sample itineraries, on alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Availability for Luciole

The dates indicated as "Available" may be booked on a charter or cabin basis.

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