About Alsace-Lorraine Boat Rental
Let Alsace seduce you
Boating vacations in Alsace indulge the senses with all manner of experiences — rural, urban, and everything in between.
Two beautiful canals lead to vibrant cities in France and Germany, and along the way, you get to enjoy lake resorts, village cafés, towering castles, and some of the finest cuisine in France! Enjoy a deliciously unique blend of cultures you’ll find nowhere else.
Interactive map of Alsace-Lorraine
Le Boat base
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No license or experience required
Never handled a boat? You don’t need a license or prior experience to be the captain of your own houseboat. Our base teams will show you everything you need to know before you set off safely on your houseboat cruise.
Our customer reviews on Alsace-Lorraine
See all reviews >all perfect
all perfect
I was a great experience, we enjoyed the trip, restaurants,…
I was a great experience, we enjoyed the trip, restaurants, bicycle rides and the family in all moments.
Strasbourg to Boofzheim not as nice as from Hesse
Strasbourg to Boofzheim not as nice as from Hesse
Everything was just perfect, just as it should be. Ideal…
Everything was just perfect, just as it should be. Ideal vacations.
Gorgeous scenery loved the trip
Gorgeous scenery loved the trip
Aside from a few equipment issues, our week was exactly…
Aside from a few equipment issues, our week was exactly as wonderful as we had hoped (and what I ‘sold’ to our friends). It was relaxing, it was beautiful, it was unique, and it was memorable.
Very friendly staff, in a small base, very well situated…
Very friendly staff, in a small base, very well situated close to canal junction giving multiple cruise possibilities
Lovely area, nice boat, relaxed way of spending the vacation
Lovely area, nice boat, relaxed way of spending the vacation
The trip on the canal was very fun and relaxing.
The trip on the canal was very fun and relaxing.
The perfect boating region for…
Nature Lovers
Truly a unique region of France on the western border of Germany, the Alsace-Lorraine-Saarland is rife with lush forests and marshy expanses that supports a host of wild creatures. The Delta de la Sauer is just one of the 21 nature reserves in the area!
History & Heritage
Grand castles and soaring cathedrals in Germany’s Saarbrücken and France’s Strasbourg signify the regions rich historic past. Whilst enjoying the history and heritage of these waters, be sure to see the Basilica St. Johann in Saarbrücken and Rohan Palace in Saverne!
Gastronomy
In Alsace-Lorraine region, the pig is known as le seigneur cochon which translate to “the noble pig”. Pork is a big choice of cuisine on boating vacations in the Alsace! Choucroute alsacienne, for example, is sauerkraut with sausage, pork or ham. Try tourte, a pie with ham, bacon or ground pork with eggs and leeks!
Read our articles about boating in Alsace-Lorraine
The most beautiful places to visit in Alsace-Lorraine
Where to eat in Alsace-Lorraine: our guide to the best restaurants
Gastronomy of Alsace-Lorraine: what to try during your stay?
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Marcus has been an integral part of Le Boat’s sales team for several years, so knows our destinations and fleet very well. After many cruises with us he particularly loves our stunning Irish and Italian destinations!
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Itinerary suggestions
Our boating vacations allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever ‘floats your boat’. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
7-Night Alsace Itinerary: Hesse Return
3-Night Alsace Itinerary: Hesse Return
Route suggestions
As well as the suggested itinerary shown above, all the routes available in this region are shown below. They aren’t as detailed, but they should help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have. You won’t have time to stop at every single place listed on each suggestion – but they should give you an idea of what’s possible. Of course, cruising times are approximations and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Little Alsace Cruise
The Little Alsace Cruise
The Little Alsace Cruise
Hesse RETURN via Saverne
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Overview
You board your floating villa, and canal boating in Alsace France immediately enchants you! The Arzviller boatlift captivates as you transit the inclined plane, a true engineering marvel, and you snap so many pictures you fill a memory card on your digital camera! Water skiing, kayaking or playing a spot of golf awaits you on your adventure in this unique region!
Top highlights
- Views from Lutzelbourg Castle
- Saverne’s Rose Garden
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Niderviller: In this typical floral city, you will find a beautiful church tower in a baroque style. Faience is also very developed in Niderviller; you will enjoy a visit to the porcelain factory.
- Arzviller: Arzviller is a pretty little village mainly known for its huge and unique boat lift that you will use to lift or lower your boat 45 metres up or down the canal. There’s also a small, but interesting visitor centre if you fancy learning more about the lift’s history.
- Lutzelbourg: Lutzelbourg is easily identified by its towering castle which overlooks alpine wooden houses, giving the city a fairytale appearance. You can take a guided tour of the city by train. Also worth a visit are the city’s many shops, the crystal cutter at Maison Wurmâ, and the boat museum.
- Saverne: It’s a small and friendly town, possessing the region’s characteristic steep-pitched roofs and window boxes full of geraniums with are some beautiful traditional old half-timbered houses. Saverne is known for its famous Rose Garden, displaying over 550 roses.
The Little Lorraine Short Break
The Little Lorraine Short Break
The Little Lorraine Short Break
Hesse RETURN via Lagarde
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Overview:
You enjoyed the lake resort of Gondrexange. The beach called and you listened, feeling relaxed whilst on your Alsace canal boat vacations in France. Now you’re headed into the Lorraine Regional Nature Park, where you plan to cycle in the shade and feel the soothing touch of Nature. You’ll also stop to poke around in Lagarde, a beautiful little village so typical of Alsace.
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- Fishing in Gondrexange’s huge lake
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming. There are also watersport facilities.
- Lagarde: With its flower-lined harbour, Lagarde is part of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park. The church Saint Jean Baptiste” is also a beautiful sight to see.
The Art Nouveau Cruise
The Art Nouveau Cruise
The Art Nouveau Cruise
Hesse RETURN via Nancy
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Overview
The Alsace-Lorraine-Saarland is mostly situated on the west bank of the upper Rhine River, and it contains some of Europe’s most beautiful canal cruising grounds. Known for superb fishing, watersports, châteaux, upscale shops and all the pleasures of chic urban destinations, boat vacations in Alsace treat you to exquisite scenery and a sophisticated setting.
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- The museum of cinema and photography in St-Nicholas-de-Port
- The Duke’s Palace and the gardens in Nancy
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming and there are also watersport facilities.
- Lagarde: With its flower-lined harbour, Lagarde is part of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park. The ‘Saint Jean Baptiste’ church is also a beautiful sight to see.
- St-Nicolas-de-Port: “I float, but I do not sink” is the saying in Saint-Nicolas-De-Port, a welcoming city accustomed to fluvial activity for centuries. Enjoy visiting the great basilica and the museum of cinema and photography.
- Nancy: Nancy is a great city with so many treasures to see. The Place Stanislas, with its wrought iron grills and balconies lighting up during the night give the city a wonderful dimension. The Duke’s palace, with the Lorrain Museum, or the great gardens in the old Nancy, are also a treat to discover.
The Cosmopolitan Cruise
The Cosmopolitan Cruise
The Cosmopolitan Cruise
Hesse RETURN via Strasbourg
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Overview
City chic and amazing waterways enthrall you on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, one of the prettiest in Alsace. You pass through upscale laid-back hamlets on your way to lively Strasbourg, wetting your appetite for urban flavors. You’re in the thick of a canal vacation in France, and you realize that it just doesn’t get any better!
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- Saverne’s Rose Garden
- Strasbourg’s remarkable architecture – be sure to stop for a bite to eat in the city!
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Saverne: It’s a small and friendly town, possessing the region’s characteristic steep-pitched roofs and window boxes full of geraniums. There are some beautiful traditional old half-timbered houses in town. Saverne is also known for its famous Rose Garden, displaying over 550 roses.
- Strasbourg: There are so many things to see in this big town, with its streets bursting with flowers! This is the home of the European parliament and its impressive building can be seen from the canal. Strasbourg is also famous for its Gastronomy: foie gras, wines of Alsace, chocolates and eaux de vie.
The Triple Nations Cruise
The Triple Nations Cruise
The Triple Nations Cruise
Hesse RETURN via Saarbrücken & Metz (License required)
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Overview:
You’ve always gotten the most out of life, and now as you guide your own floating villa down the waterways of three countries you feel like a king! You can’t wait to tie up in the next city, or to have fun with watersports at resort lakes. Five-star dining, superlative museums and more await you on extended boat vacations in Alsace! Notes: Please note that the lock Ars-sur-Moselle (located in South Metz) will be closed for maintenance between June 26th & July 5th. This itinerary will then be restricted during that period.
**LICENSE REQUIRED** A boating license is required for this route in order to navigate the waterways of Germany. Ask us for more details on how to obtain it.
Top highlights:
- Fishing in Gondrexange’s huge lake
- The museum of cinema and photography in St-Nicholas-de-Port
- Metz’s thirteenth century wall and fortresses
- Saarbrucken’s national theatre
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming and also has watersport facilities.
- Lagarde: With its flower-lined harbour, Lagarde is part of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park. The ‘Saint Jean Baptiste’ church is also a beautiful sight to see.
- St-Nicolas-de-Port: “I float, but I do not sink” is the saying in Saint-Nicolas-De-Port, a welcoming city accustomed to fluvial activity for centuries. Enjoy visiting the great basilica and the museum of cinema and photography.
- Nancy: Nancy is a great city with so many treasures to see. The Place Stanislas, with its wrought iron grills and balconies lighting up during the night give the city a wonderful dimension. The Duke’s palace, with the Lorrain Museum, or the great gardens in the old Nancy, are also a treat to discover.
- Pont-à-Mousson: In Pont-à-Mousson, visit the old church Saint-Laurent. The city is also known for its unique red fountain. Downtown is a very good place to have a drink or a meal.
- Metz: If there were a list of the most beautiful cities in France, Metz would certainly be near the top! Its history and heritage are unique. Take a walk in this wonderful town, especially downtown, where you will enjoy viewing the city hall. Metz is a perfect place to visit and to relax.
- Thionville: A beautiful city full of history, Thionville has an impressive history and deserves to be visited. Discover the old abbey, the church of Beauregard, and the bridge-sluice. Thionville is also a dynamic city focused on culture. Why not checking out the theater?
- Saarbrucken: Saarbrucken is the dynamic metropolis of the area with its numerous shop, restaurants, and its large patrimony. Don’t miss the national theater, and the basilica Saint-Jean.
- Sarreguemines: Discover the medieval part of Sarreguemines, the winding streets as well as houses built in an ‘Art Nouveau’ style. If you have time, there is also a casino there. Why not trying to earn your evening?
- Sarralbe: Sarralbe is a charming and quiet village with a beautiful fountain downtown. Plus, you can see the biggest mill in the Moselle!
- Mittersheim: This is an ideal place to stop if you are interested in watersports. The Etang de Mittersheim, which is close to this mooring, offers a full range of watersports and there are also several restaurants in close proximity.
The Alsacian Etangs Short Break
The Alsacian Etangs Short Break
The Alsacian Etangs Short Break
Hesse RETURN via Mittersheim
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Overview:
Alsace canal boat vacations in France inspire you with amazing landscapes. As you travel from lovely Hesse to the etangs of Gondrexange, you find yourself amidst natural beauty in a land of forests and lakes. Perfect for a relaxing break !
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- Watersports in Mittersheim
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming. There are also watersport facilities.
- Mittersheim: This is an ideal place to stop if you are interested in watersports. The Etang de Mittersheim, which is close to this mooring, offers a full range of watersports and there are also several restaurants in close proximity.
The Dual Nations Long Break
The Dual Nations Long Break
The Dual Nations Long Break
Hesse RETURN via Saverne & Saarbrücken
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Overview
Flexibility and leisure time go right together, ensuring that your boat vacations in Alsace are unforgettable. The city of Saarbrücken is just over the border in Germany, offering chic boutiques, gourmet dining and marvelous sunsets to all who venture near. The joy of canal cruising is the ability to set the pace and choose where to linger for a day of pure relaxation.
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- Niderviller’s porcelain factory
- Watersports in Mittersheim
- Saarbrucken’s national treasure
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Niderviller: In this typical floral city, you will find a beautiful church tower in a baroque style. Faience is also very developed in Niderviller; you will enjoy a visit to the porcelain factory.
- Arzviller: Arzviller is a pretty little village mainly known for its huge and unique boat lift that you will use to lift or lower your boat 45 metres up or down the canal. There’s also a small, but interesting visitor centre if you fancy learning more about the lift’s history.
- Lutzelbourg: Lutzelbourg is easily identified by its towering castle which overlooks alpine wooden houses, giving the city a fairytale appearance. You can take a guided tour of the city by train. Also worth a visit are the city’s many shops, the crystal cutter at Maison Wurmâ, and the boat museum.
- Saverne: It’s a small and friendly town, possessing the region’s characteristic steep-pitched roofs and window boxes full of geraniums with beautiful traditional old half-timbered houses. Saverne is known for its famous Rose Garden, displaying over 550 roses.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming and also has watersport facilities.
- Mittersheim: This is an ideal place to stop if you are interested in watersports. The Etang de Mittersheim, which is close to this mooring, offers a full range of watersports and there are also several restaurants in close proximity.
- Sarralbe: Sarralbe is a charming and quiet village with a beautiful fountain downtown. Plus, you can see the biggest mill in the Moselle!
- Saareguemines: Discover the medieval part of Sarreguemines, the winding streets as well as houses built in an ‘Art Nouveau’ style. If you have time, there is also a casino there. Why not trying to earn your evening?
- Saarbrücken: Saarbrucken is the dynamic metropolis of the area with its numerous shop, restaurants, and its large patrimony. Don’t miss the national theater, and the basilica Saint-Jean.
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
The Saarland Cruise
The Saarland Cruise
The Saarland Cruise
Hesse RETURN via Saarbrücken
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Overview:
You chose this cruise for your boat vacations in Alsace for its focus on Saarbrücken. You leave and return to this wonderful city, timing your plans to attend one of the many music and art festivals held during the summer. Traveling down the canal to linger in medieval Hesse is on the itinerary, as is a visit to lake resorts and picturesque Saaralbe.
Top highlights:
- Watersports in Mittersheim
- Saarbrucken’s national theatre
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming and also has watersport facilities.
- Mittersheim: This is an ideal place to stop if you are interested in watersports. The Etang de Mittersheim, which is close to this mooring, offers a full range of watersports and there are also several restaurants in close proximity.
- Sarralbe: Sarralbe is a charming and quiet village with a beautiful fountain downtown. Plus, you can see the biggest mill in the Moselle!
- Sarreguemines: Discover the medieval part of Sarreguemines, the winding streets as well as houses built in an ‘Art Nouveau’ style. If you have time, there is also a casino there. Why not trying to earn your evening?
- Saarbrücken: Saarbrucken is the dynamic metropolis of the area with its numerous shop, restaurants, and its large patrimony. Don’t miss the national theater, and the basilica Saint-Jean.
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.