Reference: 25 Luc
The Hotel Barge Luciole cruises in Burgundy between the city of Auxerre and medieval Clamecy towards the South, alternating the direction each week.
A week on board balances cruising the Nivernais Canal with daily excursions in our accompanying bus.
The Captain pilots the barge along the Nivernais canal with precision. Each day we cruise for 6 to 7 hours through the glorious scenery. The Luciole’s evening moorings vary; dramatic Auxerre, charming villages and Medieval Clamecy, where time stands still.
Our expert guide, knows this historical and culturally rich region well. Every day his informed tours take you to delightful destinations of wine tasting, shopping and sightseeing.
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The Nivernais Canal
Explore this glorious waterway in the center of France and escape the crowds.
The River Yonne was an important route for transporting goods to Paris. In 1784 work began on the Nivernais Canal as we know it today. This entailed the building of wiers and locks to increase the depth of the waterway. Freight traffic soon rose in variety and volume: stone, wood, grain and wine were carried northwards. Embracing both river and man-made canal, the Nivernais preserves the character of 200 years ago.
The Nivernais is intricate and very beautiful. The canal is rated by experienced barge travellers as one of the finest cruise routes in Europe. It takes a dramatic and varied route, with breathtaking panoramas as the waterway weaves through the heart of Burgundy. While the boat gently slips through the water; there is time to look around from our raised sundeck and admire the bankside flora and absorb the beauty of the countryside.
The Nivernais Canal towpath is now an excellent cycle route, with a smooth and flat surface running alongside the canal for the whole of our cruise. With no cars, it provides a perfect opportunity to stroll or cycle the short distances between the locks or bridges. We have bicycles on board for those wishing to pedal alongside the barge or explore nearby villages.
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Hotel Barge Luciole Cruise Highlights
- A Day to explore Auxerre
- A Chablis excursion reveals breath-taking views across the vineyards
- The Basilica at Vézelay a World Heritage UNESCO site
- The 12th Century Château of Bazoches
- Noyers-sur-Serein, rated one of France most beautiful village
- ...and so much more
LUCIOLE DECK PLAN 
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Cruise a section of the most beautiful canal in France each day.
- Daily excursions - Discover and explore Burgundy's rich history.
- 8 En-suite cabins - Double, twin or up to 4 single cabins
- Relax in our large, light and airy saloon or raised sun-deck.
- Crew of 7 who combine professionalism, attentiveness and a friendly disposition.
- Four-course evening meals and delicious buffet lunches, breakfasts and cheeses.
- Fine French wine each day and evening, plus an open bar.
- Free return transfers to and from central Paris in our private Mercedes bus.
- Use of our bicycles - Twelve bikes, including 4 electric ones. Great for exploring.
