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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 Hochfelden. 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. Then, on to Hochfelden, home to the Meteor Brewery, an Alsatian
family brewery since 1640. Dinner
on board the barge.
Day
3 - Tuesday:
Hochfelden 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 on board the barge. Day
5 - Thursday: Lutzelbourg to Niderviller. 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. One of the highlights of today's cruise, while
passing through the two Arzvillier tunnels, is a candlelit brunch on deck. Dinner
on board the barge. After
mooring in gorgeous Niderviller, we visit the mountain top village of La Petite
Pierre with its medieval castle fortified by Marechal Vauban, Louis X1V's best
known engineer. Next is a visit to the fabulous René Lalique collection
to admire some 500 or more examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware, chandeliers
and designs from the Belle Epoque era. Dinner on board the barge. Day
6 - Friday: Niderviller
to Mittersheim.
On to Nancy,
the capital of Lorraine, this morning. The city tour begins at the Baroque Place
Stanislas with its ornate gold and wrought iron gates. This square is considered
one of the grandest in all of France. The Art Nouveau movement originated in Nancy.
So, a tour of the Musee de l’Ecole, to discover its fine collection, is a
must. Return to the barge and cruise through a natural park and forests to Mittersheim.
Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
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
- Nancy,
home of the Art Nouveau movemenT
- The
"Arzviller" barge lift: raising watercraft 170 feet
- 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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