THE BARGE: Constructed in 1926 as a mule-drawn vessel Converted into a hotel barge in 1966 Measures 100 ft. long by 17 ft. wide Eight (8) onboard cabin accommodations Fourteen (14) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Six (6) crew members consisting of Tour Guide, Chef, two (2) Housekeepers, Matelot (Sailor), and Captain. This crew speaks both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well). PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: HI FI system with CD player Eight (8) touring bikes Board games Extensive library of books MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Luciole has no wheelchair access. There are several stairs joining the Lower Deck, Main Deck, and Sun Deck and narrow passageways which may be difficult to navigate for those with extremely limited mobility. DECK PLAN: With warm-spirited, expert crew of six, Luciole offers her guests wonderful local gourmet cuisine and comfort with thoughtful personal service throughout each cruise.

CABINS: There are eight (8) cabins on board Luciole which occupy the entire Lower Deck. The cabins offer a variety of bedding configurations and all come with private en suite bathrooms. CABIN SIZE: All cabins are very similar in size and are equally comfortable. On average, the cabins are approximately 107 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: There are three (3) double-bedded cabins available, each of which can be converted into two (2) twin beds. There are also three (3) twin-bedded and two single cabins on board. BATHROOMS: Each cabin has its own private en suite bath facilities complete with shower, basin, and toilet. The bathrooms are well-stocked with towels and Molton Brown bath products. AMENITIES: Climate Control Hairdryer Storage Space Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Cabin  Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: In the air-conditioned Salon, big picture windows allow uninterrupted views of the passing scene. The Salon/Dining Room combine different mixes of beautiful woods, complemented by traditional and regional fabrics with ever-present bouquets of fresh flowers. The comfortable furniture consists of: Sofa Armchair Well-stocked bar Dining table with seating for fourteen (14) The Salon/Dining Room makes an excellent area to relax indoors whether engaging in fascinating conversation, playing board games, listening to music, or enjoying a good book. ON DECK: The spacious Sun Deck on board Luciole has huge umbrellas for those who wish to be in the shade. Lined with fresh flowers, the deck provides a premium vantage point to view the gorgeous scenery as the barge cruises along the waterway. It is also the perfect setting for "al fresco" dining. The deck furniture consists of: Reclining chairs Table with seating for fourteen (14) 2 parasols OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). An air-conditioned, 14-seater minibus is also available for transfers and shore excursions.

Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

Reaching into the very heart of France, Luciole explores a magical part of the land. The route chosen by the barge is described as ‘the most beautiful and varied water route of them all', the Nivernais offers all the attractions of an up-county waterway in combination with the elegant city of Auxerre, where voyages begin or end. Along the way, Charolais cows graze by the water's edge, while periodic stone built villages stand invitingly, the painted shutters and doorways framed in roses. Embracing both river and man-made canal,this entrancing waterway preserves the character of 150 years ago. Too shallow now for larger barges, it has a number of locks that are also short - hence the dimensions of the Luciole, which can just pass through. Click below for Sample Itinerary: Auxerre-Clamecy

Highlights: Passage through picturesque villages of St Bris and Irancy Visiting wine caves in the vicinity of Chablis Vezaley, where the spectacular 12 th Century Basilica dominates the town Chateau of Bazoches , the 17 th century home of the Marquis de Vauban, France 's great military engineer Visiting delightful Medieval town of Clamecy

The Luciole is owned by John and Penny Liley who, between them, have fifty years experience of hotel barging!  Previously, John was editor of a leading British yachting magazine and authored the book "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', fore-runner to 'Luciole'. Continually updating the fittings and furnishings on board, Penny and John, with Captain Stephane Pignard, 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. Neil has many years of hotel barge experience, and his flair as a guide and historian is greatly appreciated by our passengers.  Combining his sense of humor with his passion for the region in which he has lived for many years produces his natural ability for Captain and host.  Under her previous name of Palinurus – the Luciole was the first hotel barge to cruise the waterways of France.  Built and captained by her owner, Richard Parsons, Palinurus entered service in 1966 going on to feature in ‘Floating Island’, Emily Kimbrough’s affectionate account of a voyage into Burgundy.  Now completely rebuilt and refurbished, Luciole is still visited from time to time by Richard Parsons, a highly respected friend. Luciole's crew is widely remembered for their uncommon hospitality and personality, and is consistently praised in our customer feedbacks. They love talking with the guests, getting to know where they are from, sharing information on the cruising area, and conveying their love for barging.

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 chef is encouraged to be innovative and imaginative, marrying French cuisine with a contemporary twist while using fresh local ingredients to inspire and spoil. 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 fresh fruit and cheeses. 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. With Chablis on our doorstep, local vineyards are well-represented; but wines from far and near - Bordeaux and the Côte D'Or amongst them - are chosen and introduced to complement the menu. Sample Lunch Menu I Sea trout fishcakes with salsa verde Smoked chicken with tarragon Warm potato and chorizo salad Roquefort and rocket mixed green salad Cheeses: Delice de Bourgogne, Morbier Sample Lunch Menu II Salmon and red onion tartlets Burgundian gougere Pasta, sun dried tomato and pesto salad Courgette, pine nut and parmesan salad Roasted Mediterranean peppers Three bean and celeriac Marinated artichoke hearts   Frisee salad with bacon lardons Cheeses: Bleu d'Auvergne, Chaource Sample Dinner Menu I Warm asparagus with a Dijon vinaigrette, smoked duck and parmesan shavings Grilled Guinea fowl on a bed of wild rice with a tomato and butter sauce, garnished with tomato crisps Broccoli florets, Butter fried zucchini Cheeses: Epoisses, Brie, Roquefort Tossed green salad Passion fruit and orange tarte with Cointreau Cream Coffee, chocolates and liqueurs Sample Dinner Menu II Pan fried foie gras served on a country style bread with caramelised apples Pork filet migon with a cognac cream sauce Savoyard gratin Honeyed carrot straws, Haricot vert Cheeses: Saint Agur, Beaufort, Tomme de Chevre Tossed green salad Chocolate fondant and vanilla ice-cream, garnished with strawberries, white chocolate dipped strawberry ice cream balls and chocolate sauce Coffee, chocolates and liqueurs

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Luciole
Transfers from Paris to barge & return
All meals
All wines with lunch & dinner
Open bar
All escorted excursions
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

Cruise Passenger Meeting Point Hotel Mansart, Paris - 2:30pm To begin the cruise, passengers will be picked up from Hotel Mansart in Paris at 2:30pm. If you would like to stay in Paris prior to your cruise, please contact our Reservations Team for more information. At the end of your cruise, you will be transferred to Place Vendome in central Paris by 12:30pm If you are chartering the whole vessel, alternative local transfer points can also be arranged.