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Barge Cruises in France ~
Alsace
- Lorraine
Colorful
villages, unique wines and tasty cuisine
Cruise
the rivers and canals of northern France aboard a 12-passenger barge-hotel
(7 days - 6 nights). Cruising through Alsace and Lorraine, one of the most picturesque
regions in France, is a voyage of endless discoveries: art and architecture, gourmet
food and wine, history and heritage. The rolling Vosges mountains dotted with
turreted castles and picture-perfect villages with brilliant displays of petunias
and geraniums make this a most colorful and memorable barge cruise. An interesting
blend of French and German cultures is strongly evident in this region's unique
heritage. 
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary) Day
1 - Sunday: Strasbourg. Meeting at a designated point in Strasbourg.
From there you will be escorted to the barge for a welcome champagne as we introduce
you to the crew. Enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board this evening. Day
2 - Monday: Strasbourg to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn.
Today, enjoy a beautiful guided tour of the principal sights of Strasbourg:
The Beaux Arts Museum - The unique beauty of the picturesque “Petite
France” riverside district is magnificent - The remarkable Cathedral of Notre
Dame, whose construction spread over five centuries from the Romanesque choir
to the flamboyant gothic spire, is a highlight. After lunch we cruise through
the Brumath Forest to the picturesque village of Waltenheim-sur-Zorn where the
Captain takes you to a typical Hansel and Gretel style Alsatian inn. Dinner
on board the barge.
Day
3 - Tuesday:
Waltenheim-sur-Zorn
to Saverne. Cruise to the enchanting village of Saverne where history
traces back to the Gauls. We then moor at the foot of the Chateau de Rohan, the
former residence of the bishops of Strasbourg. After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive
up into the rolling hills of the Vosges and discover the Route des Grands Crus,
where the finest Alsacian wines are produced - private wine tasting of Gewürztraminer,
Pinot Noir and Riesling. Dinner on board the barge. Day
4 - Wednesday: Saverne to Lutzelbourg. After
breakfast, walking tour of picturesque Saverne followed by a visit to the hilltop
11th-century Chateau du Haut Barr, considered to be (with its 12th-century Romanesque
chapel and Gothic choir) one of the most imposing castles in Alsace. A gourmet
lunch willl be served in the gastronomic restaurant of the Chateau overlooking
the scenic Valley of the Zorn. Afternoon cruise through the valley and forest
to Lutzelbourg. Dinner at a local restaurant. Day
5 - Thursday: Lutzelbourg to Arzviller. On to the amazing Arzviller
boat elevator, this morning. This unique engineering feat allows the barge to
glide effortlessly up the mountain in minutes, avoiding 17 traditional locks and
an additional day of navigation. After
mooring in the village of Arzviller, we visit the mountain top village of La Petite
Pierre with its medieval castle fortified by the personal architect of Louis XIV,
Sebastien Le Prestre Vauban. After a short drive we tour the outstanding René
Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art
Deco glassware, chandelier and designs depicting the Belle Epoque era. Nearby
Wingen-sur-Moder is also the World War II battleground where American infantry
confronted some of Germany's most seasoned veterans. Then, returning to the barge
there is enough time for a stroll along the path of the old lock system around
the Arzviller boat lift. Dinner on board the barge. Day
6 - Friday: Arzviller
to Xouaxange.
This morning
there is a tour of the interesting town of Sarrebourg, including visits to the
13th-century chapel containing remarkable stained-glass windows designed by Marc
Chagall, and the impressive museum with its collection of Roman and Medieval artefacts.
Then, returning to the barge there is one of the highlights of the week - while
passing through the two Arzviller tunnels, a candlelit meal will be served followed
by a relaxing afternoon cruise to our final mooring at Xouaxange. Captain's Farewell
Dinner on board the barge.
Day
7 - Saturday: Mittersheim.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On
alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is
subject to change without notice. [top]
Highlights - Strasbourg:
the "pink" cathedral and the picturesque "Petite France" district
- The
"Arzviller" barge lift: raising watercraft 170 feet
- The
Rene Lalique collection
- Picturesque
Alsatian villages
Included - Accommodations
with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on
day 7
- Wine
with lunch and dinner
- Bar
drinks
- Sightseeing
tours and entrance fees as specified
Not
Included - Transportation
to and from beginning and end points. (Optional transfers to and from Paris are
available.)
- Health
and travel insurance
- Barge
crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Personal
expenses
- Optional
activities when available
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Barge
Features - 6
Cabins (twin/double)
-
5 crew members
- Size:
128ft long
- Sundeck
and spa pool/hot tub
- DVD
and satellite TV in each cabin
- WiFi
(subject to local reception)
- Piano
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- 2
Air-conditioned minibuses for excursions
Cruise
Departures Every
Sunday, from the middle of June through early November, subject to availability This
barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to
fit the specific interests of each group. [top]
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