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Barges In France: Luciole
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Cruise in France on the Canal du Nivernais in Northern Burgundy aboard the First Class Hotel-Barge LUCIOLE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 14-passenger 'Luciole' reaches the very heart of France. To travel from Paris - where we meet our guests each week - is to be transported to another world.

Beautiful and historic, the waterway on which we travel provides a step back in time. Of all European barge cruise routes this must surely be the finest. Each curve in the route presents an exciting panorama, to be explored, should you choose, on a stroll between locks - or from the sun deck of the 'Luciole'. Visits are made also to vineyards, market towns or chateaux, in a region where hustle knows no place.

With our warm-spirited and expert crew of six, all of whom are British or English-speaking, we combine gastronomy and comfort with thoughtful personal service throughout each cruise.

The 'Luciole' is owned by John and Penny Liley. Previously, John was editor of a leading British yachting magazine, while books he has written include France-the Quiet Way, an exploration of the entire canal and river system of France. These early journeys inspired him to select the Nivernais cruising area and establish the present hotel-barge business in 1976. This was with another barge, 'Secunda', forerunner to 'Luciole'. Continually updating the fittings and furnishings on board, Penny and John ensure the smooth-running of each cruise.

Penny first worked on the 'Luciole' as a chef in 1986, and has since played a major role in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere on 'Luciole', where a feeling of calm and attention to detail is apparent as soon as one steps aboard.

Available for whole-boat charter or individual bookings, the 'Luciole' allows its guests to explore in comfort the intimate up-country waterways of central France. From the air-conditioned saloon big picture windows allow uninterrupted views of the passing scene. Refreshments are freely available at all times from our open bar.

Three double-bedded cabins are available, each of which can be converted into twins, together with three further twin-bedded and two single cabins on board. Each has its own private shower and toilet facilities. Individually-controlled air-conditioning is installed throughout.

Meals on board the Luciole are treasured times: opportunities to sit and relax and share with friends, old or new, a summer luncheon or dinner by candlelight. The warm ambiance, for which the 'Luciole' is well known, is no better experienced than when gathered round a table with the anticipation of unfolding culinary delights.

The chef is encouraged to be innovative and imaginative, marrying French cuisine with a contemporary twist while using fresh local ingredients to inspire and spoil you. Your day commences with the arrival of freshly baked bread and pastries. Lunch is a feast of salads and savory dishes, followed by a selection of cheese. The four-course evening meal is the gastronomic highlight of each day, to be concluded, on the starlit nights for which Burgundy is noted, with coffee on our observation deck. Wines from far and near are chosen to complement the menu. With Chablis on our doorstep, local vineyards are well represented; but wines from the Cote d'Or are also on our list, together with Chateauneuf du Pape and selections from Bordeaux.


Features

  • Size of barge: 100 ft. by 17 ft.
  • Number of Passengers: 14
  • Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 8
  • Crew: 6
  • Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Central Heating; air-conditioning units in salon and cabins.
  • Salon: The salon/dining area has large picture windows, comfortable seating and dining areas with dining table for 14
  • Bar: Open bar
  • Deck: Sundeck with chairs, dining table and umbrellas.
  • Spa Tub: No
  • Cabin Features: Cabins average 107 sq. ft. with bath. Three cabins with twin or double beds, three cabins with twin beds, and two single cabins, all including ensuite bathroom with shower.
  • Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: l6-passenger air-conditioned Mercedes van
  • Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins.
  • Bicycles: 8 sturdy roadster bicycles. Additional bicycles can be provided upon request.


Luciole's Deck Plan
Luciole's Deck Plan



Passenger Comments:

Our trip on the Luciole was wonderfully relaxing, refreshing and a gastronomical delight. The boat was well maintained and appointed. Most of our time was enjoyed in the salon, on deck, walking, biking or exploring the beauty of the villages and countryside. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants a relaxing vacation and enjoy the local wines and flavors of France.
-- G.C.

Excellent crew in every respect. Food was superb and the wine and cheese were chosen with care. The tour guide was knowledgeable and all the crew made us feel like family. The barge was well equipped and comfortable. The route was charming in every way. Very beautiful.
-- E.F., OR, USA

This wonderful and beautiful week was a real pleasure for my daughter and myself as we cruised, toured and dined with terrific passengers and a delightful crew. From all of my travels, this trip was the best, a perfect panacea from a hectic life of noise and deadlines. Very, very relaxing.
-- A.B., IL, USA

I ADORED every moment on the Luciole. The crew was wonderful, the service was excellent, the food was fabulous, and the tour on the Nivernais was idyllic.
-- P.M., ID, USA

Service was exceptional and done in a non-intrusive, "glad to do it" manner. The crew was always at our call but never in the way. I liked the manner they quickly responded to requests and then disappeared; no easy task on a small craft. Every meal was a supreme event. Maybe that's stretching it for breakfast yet they too were excellent. The wines and cheeses were perfect complements for the meals; well selected and professionally presented by the crew.
-- W.W., MD, USA

We had one of the best times of our lives. We have traveled extensively and have rarely seen such dedicated and personal service. The pace was perfect.

The only aspect of the cruise that exceeded the pleasure of the Luciole herself was the absolute beauty of the landscape.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy:
Canal du Nivernais
Auxerre to Clamecy

Varied and dramatic, the Nivernais Canal offers all the attractions of a rural waterway, the River Yonne interweaving with sections of man-made canal. Work began in 1784, reaching completion in 1842. On our cruise we pass through 35 locks, each with its lockkeeper's house alongside, a succession of stone-built villages marking the way as Charolais cattle graze in the meadows alongside. Once used for floating timber and wine down to Paris, this enchanting waterway preserves the character of 200 years ago.

Sunday
The rendezvous in Paris at 2:30 pm is followed by the journey in our private bus to the Luciole at her mooring beneath the cathedral of Saint Etienne in Auxerre. The waterfront here is amongst the most picturesque in France. A Champagne reception welcomes our guests on board.

Monday
A cruise upriver leads us into beautiful pastoral countryside, along sweeping reaches of the River Yonne. Hand-wound locks lie along our course, providing opportunities to step ashore as we work the barge through. We moor at the village of Bailly, home to Burgundy's Cremant sparkling wine. An afternoon visit is made to Chablis, to a private wine cellar, then on into the famous vineyards of the area.

Tuesday
The morning's voyage takes us up an attractive arm of the canal and on to the River Cure at Vermenton. In the afternoon we return by bus to tour historic Auxerre and its old shopping centre, taking time to enjoy French provincial life.

Wednesday
From Vermenton, we visit delightful Noyers-sur-Serein. With its friendly market stalls, half-timbered houses and turreted ramparts, it is easy to see why Noyers-sur-Serein has been nominated "one of the most beautiful villages in France." After lunch we return down the Vermenton Arm, turning southwards at its end to a night-time mooring at Mailly-la-Ville.

Thursday
A morning drive takes our group to Vezelay, where the spectacular 12th Century Basilica dominates the town. Here St. Bernard preached the 2nd Crusade. Vezelay, a centre of pilgrimage still, is a focal point for the region, with numerous shops and cafes. In the afternoon we cruise again, past the dramatic cliffs of Le Saussois to an evening mooring at Chatel-Censoir.

Friday
Our cruise in the morning is to Clamecy, a medieval town of narrow streets and stairways and a worthy climax to the cruise. The final visit is to the imposing Chateau of Bazoches. Set on a hillside amidst a rolling landscape, this was the 17th Century home of the Marquis de Vauban, France's great military engineer.

Saturday

An after-breakfast departure for Paris anticipates arrival there around 1 pm. For guests wishing to travel elsewhere in France by hire car we can always stop in Auxerre while passing through on our way.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change if necessary. It cruises in reverse on alternating weeks.



Luciole
2009 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Apr 5 Auxerre-Clamecy Early Spring
Apr 12 Clamecy-Auxerre Early Spring
Apr 19 Auxerre-Clamecy Early Spring
Apr 26 Clamecy-Auxerre Early Spring
May 3 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
May 10 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
May 17 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
May 24 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
May 31 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
Jun 7 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
Jun 14 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
Jun 21 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
Jun 28 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
Jul 5 Not cruising Spring
Jul 12 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 19 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
Jul 26 Clamecy-Auxerre Summer
Aug 2 Auxerre-Clamecy Summer
Aug 9 Clamecy-Auxerre Summer
Aug 16 Auxerre-Clamecy Summer
Aug 23 Clamecy-Auxerre Summer
Aug 30 Auxerre-Clamecy Summer
Sep 6 Clamecy-Auxerre Autumn
Sep 13 Auxerre-Clamecy Autumn
Sep 20 Clamecy-Auxerre Autumn
Sep 27 Auxerre-Clamecy Autumn
Oct 4 Clamecy-Auxerre Autumn
Oct 11 Auxerre-Clamecy Autumn
Oct 18 Clamecy-Auxerre Late Autumn


Luciole
2010 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Apr 4 Auxerre-Clamecy Early Spring
Apr 11 Clamecy-Auxerre Early Spring
Apr 18 Auxerre-Clamecy Early Spring
Apr 25 Clamecy-Auxerre Early Spring
May 2 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
May 9 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
May 16 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
May 23 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
May 30 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
Jun 6 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
Jun 13 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
Jun 20 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
Jun 27 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
Jul 4 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
Jul 11 Auxerre-Clamecy Spring
Jul 18 Clamecy-Auxerre Spring
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 25 Auxerre-Clamecy Summer
Aug 1 Clamecy-Auxerre Summer
Aug 8 Auxerre-Clamecy Summer
Aug 15 Clamecy-Auxerre Summer
Aug 22 Auxerre-Clamecy Summer
Aug 29 Clamecy-Auxerre Autumn
Sep 5 Auxerre-Clamecy Autumn
Sep 12 Clamecy-Auxerre Autumn
Sep 19 Auxerre-Clamecy Autumn
Sep 26 Clamecy-Auxerre Autumn
Oct 3 Auxerre-Clamecy Autumn
Oct 10 Clamecy-Auxerre Autumn
Oct 17 Auxerre-Clamecy Late Autumn
Oct 24 Clamecy-Auxerre Late Autumn
Oct 31 Auxerre-Clamecy Late Autumn


*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.


LUCIOLE
2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION EARLY SPRING
Apr 5 thru May 2
SPRING
May 3 thru Jul 25
SUMMER
Jul 26 thru Sep 5
AUTUMN
Sep 6 thru Oct 17
LATE AUTUMN
Oct 18 thru Oct 24
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
$2,950
$2,950
$2,950
$3,750
$3,450
Single in Single Cabin
$2,950
$2,950
$2,950
$3,850
$3,550
Charter for up to 10
$30,000
$36,000
$30,000
NA
NA
Charter for up to 12
$34,000
$38,000
$32,000
$40,000
NA
Charter for up to 14
$38,000
$42,000
$36,000
$44,000
$44,500


LUCIOLE
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION EARLY SPRING
Apr 4 thru May 1
SPRING
May 2 thru Jul 24
SUMMER
Jul 25 thru Aug 28
AUTUMN
Aug 29 thru Oct 16
LATE AUTUMN
Oct 17 thru Nov 6
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
$3,450
$3,750
$3,450
$3,750
$3,450
Single in Single Cabin
$3,550
$3,850
$3,550
$3,850
$3,550
Charter for up to 14
$42,000
$44,000
$42,000
$44,000
$42,000


What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- all wines with lunches and dinners
- open bar
- all escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros

Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™

For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com



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Photos copyright © 2001-2007, 2008 by John Liley, Bollington, Macclesfield, Cheshire, ENGLAND. All rights reserved. May not be used without permission. Web design by Special Places Travel, LLC. Phone 1-877-642-2743 US/Canada, or 001.443.321.3614, outside of the US/Canada.
Last Update: July 3, 2009

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