About Ourselves

The 'Luciole' is owned by John and Penny Liley who, between them have over fifty years experience of hotel barging! 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', fore-runner to 'Luciole'. John’s latest book ‘Keeping Afloat’ is a lively account of those early years. Continually updating the fittings and furnishings on board, Penny and John, with Captain Neil Gorrie, 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. Blended with his sense of humour and passion for the region in which he has lived for many years his natural ability as Captain and host will be savoured.

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.