Cruise the Alsace-Lorraine Region of France
Barge Cruise Itinerary between Niderville and Kraftt, France
Enjoy barging in Alsace Lorraine aboard the French Hotel Barge Panache. This area's unique blend of French and German influences is strongly evident in its customs, cuisine, wines, architecture and language. For centuries, the great empires of Europe confronted one another at this strategic and military crossroads.
Sunday, Day 1 : Niderviller
Guests are met in Strasbourg and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Panache for a Champagne welcome and the first opportunity to meet your crew. Perhaps there is time for a walk or cycle ride before dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 : Niderviller to Lutzelbourg
This morning, we enjoy a candlelit breakfast as we cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels. Then we descend the Arzviller boat lift, a unique barge elevator that carries Panache 450 feet down the mountainside in minutes and visit a fascinating local crystal glassworks, before cruising on to through beautiful Alsatian countryside to Lutzelbourg. Our tour this afternoon is to the town of Sarrebourg, including visits to the 13th century chapel containing Marc Chagall's remarkable stained-glass windows and the impressive museum of Roman and Medieval artefacts. Before dinner on board, time for aperitifs and perhaps some traditional Alsatian "Flammekueche" prepared by your chef.
Tuesday, Day 3 : Lutzelbourg to Saverne
For early risers, there is perhaps an optional visit to a local bakery to watch skilled patissiers preparing their delicious creations. Then a morning cruise through the Valley of the Zorn and forest to the enchanting town of Saverne where history traces back over 2,000 years to the Gallo-Roman Times, mooring at the foot of the Château de Rohan, also known as the "Versailles of Alsace". After lunch we visit the mountaintop village of La Petite Pierre, then tour the outstanding René Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware. Nearby Wingen-sur-Moder is also the World War Two battleground where American infantry fought with distinction. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 : Saverne to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn
After breakfast, we take a walking tour of Saverne. The town's history traces back over 2,000 years to the Gallo-Roman times, and is well-known for the Chateau de Rohan, also known as the "Versailles of Alsace", located opposite our mooring. We also drive up to Chateau Haut-Barr perched on the hillside and offering wonderful views. After lunch, we enjoy a cruise, with excellent walking and cycling opportunities to moor at pretty Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. Dinner ashore this evening at a traditional Alsation restaurant.
Thursday, Day 5 : Waltemheim-sur-Zorn to Strasbourg
This morning we take a scenic drive into the rolling Vosges hills on the Route des Grands Vins, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced, and a private tasting of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Reisling wines at a long-stablished winemaker, such as Domaine Pfister. We return to the barge for lunch, then continue our cruise through the Brumath Forest, again with excellent walking and biking opportunities, to our mooring in the heart of historic Strasbourg, passing the impressive European Parliament building on the way. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 : Strasbourg to Krafft
This morning, we enjoy a tour of the beautiful "capital city of Europe" including, of course, a visit to the 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and a soaring spire. We visit Place Gutenberg and explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops and cafés. After lunch, we cruise out of Strasbourg, across the Gran Ried wetlands and home to an abundance of birdlife, to arrive at our final mooring at Krafft. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7: Krafft
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Strasbourg.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
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