Alsace-Lorraine
Discover splendid scenery, pretty medieval villages and a truly multicultural atmosphere as you cruise the waterways of Alsace in north eastern France, Luxembourg and Germany. Framed by the pine trees of the Black Forest and the blue-tinted Vosges mountains, this culturally unique region has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel and offers superb cruising to suit all tastes.
The tiny French region of Alsace is as wonderful as the art and architecture of its cities. Follow the network of graceful rivers and canals to the delightful cities of Nancy, Metz, Lutzelbourg and Strasbourg, where storks’ nests perch high on the chimney tops and window boxes of geraniums provide vivid splashes of color. Stop for refreshments en route at ancient timber-framed ‘Auberges’ and enjoy the region’s famous light, refreshing wines and beers and distinctive cuisine – there are more Michelin starred restaurants here than anywhere else in France. From its vantage point overlooking the valleys below, Metz on the river Moselle is well worth visiting; its cathedral’s stunning stained glass windows have earned it the name ‘God’s Lantern’. Strasbourg is a delightful mix of old and new, its magnificent cathedral, cobbled streets and 19th century mansions sit comfortably next to the many modern-day buildings befitting a city that is home to the European parliament. Over the German border, enjoy carefree cruising in the naturally beautiful region of Saarland and soak up the laid-back atmosphere and pavement café culture of its cosmopolitan capital, Saarbrücken.
Suggested Cruises in Alsace-Lorraine
Week Breaks
Hesse - Nancy - Hesse
Cruise west through the rolling plains of the Lorraine region, stopping to visit Réchicourt le Château via the excellent fishing lake at Gondrexange. Admire the 15th century Basilica at St Nicolas de Port before arriving in beautiful Nancy. Head to Place Stanislas for glitzy shopping and a café-crème in the sunshine.
- Duration:
- One Week
- Cruise Type:
- Return Trip
- Distance:
- 152 km
- Locks:
- 42
- Cruise Time:
- 25 hrs

Admire the beautiful scenery as you ascend the Arzviller boat lift and cruise on to Saverne, with its beautiful rose gardens. Home to the European parliament, Strasbourg is a culturally rich city and perfect for shopping and sightseeing. Its' entire town center is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Duration:
- One Week
- Cruise Type:
- Return Trip
- Distance:
- 156 km
- Locks:
- 68
- Cruise Time:
- 37 hrs

Cruising on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin and Canal du Rhône au Rhin, take your boat up the Arzviller boat lift and experience one of the greatest marvels of modern canal engineering. Spend time in the cosmopolitan city of Strasbourg, admire Europe’s biggest stained glass window in Sarrebourg and enjoy a fantastic view of Alsace from the Château ...
- Duration:
- One Week
- Cruise Type:
- One Way
- Distance:
- 104 km
- Locks:
- 43
- Cruise Time:
- 28 hrs

Hesse - Saarbrucken (or vice versa) or 1 Week - One-way trip
This fantastic cruise through France and Germany can be done either as a One-way trip in either direction or as Return trip to Saarbrucken. Cruise the pretty Canal des Houilleres de la Sarre linking France and Germany and enjoy time at Godrexange lake and watersports at Mittersheim. ...
- Duration:
- One Week
- Cruise Type:
- One Way
- Distance:
- 103 km
- Locks:
- 31
- Cruise Time:
- 20 hrs

Longer Breaks
Hesse - Metz - Trier - Saarbrucken - Hesse
A fantastic cosmopolitan and cultural cruise through France, Luxembourg and Germany on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, the Moselle and Sarre rivers and the Canal des Houillères de la Sarre. A licence is required for part of this journey.
- Duration:
- Two Weeks
- Cruise Type:
- Return Trip
- Distance:
- 433 km
- Locks:
- 74
- Cruise Time:
- 84 hrs
