'Luciole'

On the Nivernais Canal, between Auxerre and Clamecy (or reverse) The following is a provisional itinerary, based on many years experience on this route, taking advantage of one of the most varied and picturesque waterways in Europe.

Sunday: The rendezvous in Paris at the Hotel Mansart with the ‘Luciole’ representative is at 2.30 pm, followed by the journey to Auxerre in the barge’s private bus. There the ‘Luciole’ herself is moored on the impressive river frontage of the city, overlooked by the Cathedral, the 13 - 15th Century Abbey and Parish Church. A Champagne reception welcomes our guests on board.

Monday: A cruise upriver leads us into beautiful pastoral countryside intermingled with sweeping reaches of the River Yonne. After lunch we arrive at the Crément -making centre of Bailly. An afternoon visit is made to a wine cellar in the vicinity of Chablis. The picturesque villages of St Bris and Irancy, also devoted to wine stand nearby.

Tuesday: The morning’s cruise along the Nivernais takes us up an arm of the canal to the small town of Vermenton. In the afternoon we return for a tour to historic Auxerre, providing also a good opportunity to visit the shops and take time to enjoy French provincial life.

Wednesday: From Vermenton, we make the short journey to delightful Noyers-sur-Serein. With its friendly market stalls, half timbered houses and turreted ramparts it is easy to see why Noyers is considered ‘one of the most beautiful villages in France’. After lunch ‘Luciole’ continues southwards to a nighttime mooring at Mailly-la-Ville.

Thursday: A morning drive takes our group to Vézelay, where the spectacular 12th Century Basilica dominates the town. Here St Bernard preached the 2nd Crusade. In the afternoon ‘Luciole’ cruises through a region where dramatic cliffs stand by the waterside, to an evening mooring at Châtel-Censoir.

Friday: A morning voyage takes us to the delightful Medieval town of Clamecy, a worthy venue for the climax of our cruise. : Our final visit is to the imposing Chateau of Bazoches. Set on a hillside amidst splendid rolling countryside, this was the 17th Century home of the Marquis de Vauban, France’s great military engineer.

Saturday: An after-breakfast departure, in our bus for Paris anticipates arrival there around 1pm. For guests wishing to travel elsewhere in France, by train or hire car, a stop can always be made in Auxerre again on our journey up to Paris.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ON ALTERNATE WEEKS CRUISES WILL BE IN REVERSE DIRECTION.