We offer discounts on all sailings.
Are they French or are they German? Alsace and Lorraine have changed nationality four times since 1871 alone, and though these two provinces are now part of eastern France, they form a region where traditions mingle too closely to separate.
In fact, Alsace-Lorraine has a unique identity of its own, with distinctive local dialects, architecture and traditions. Here, half-timbered cottages are topped with stork’s nests (storks bring luck!), women in traditional costume wear towering white bonnets draped with ruffles and lace, and artisans produce a wealth of specialties from pottery to chocolates.
Perhaps because history has taught them that tomorrow may be very different from today, local people appreciate the dependable pleasures of the table. Foie gras was invented in Strasbourg, and the regional dish is choucroute garni, a platter of sauerkraut embellished with smoked meats and sausage. Local vineyards produce crisp, subtly-flavored whites, and Muscat and Tokay dessert wines end many a satisfying meal.
'Lorraine' cruises through the borderlands of Alsace-Lorraine, where the history, cuisine and character of eastern France mingle with the traditions of neighboring Germany. A journey through this rich region is a voyage of endless discovery, as treasures of art and architecture, food and wine, history and heritage appear around every corner.
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Passengers: 22 |
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Crew: 7 |
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Length: 128 feet |
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Width: 17 feet |
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Cabins: 11 twins (triples in cabins #9–10–11–12 available on family departures only), all outside-facing cabins with en-suite bathrooms |
Saturday.
We meet at 9:30 am at the Hotel Régina in Paris, then transfer to the rail station to board a train for Saverne. Upon arrival, we drive to the village of Gondrexange to be welcomed on board ‘Lorraine’ with cocktails.
Sunday.
After breakfast we drive to the small town of Sarrebourg to visit Chappelle des Cordeliers and view its famous Chagall stained glass window, La Paix. After lunch back on board our barge, cruise to Niderviller with time to relax before dinner.
Monday.
At a nearby crystal factory this morning, we learn how some of the area’s most famous products are artfully blown and fashioned by hand. Returning to ‘Lorraine,’ we cruise through two tunnels under the Vosges Mountains to the famous inclined plane of Arzwiller where seventeen locks were replaced by the counterbalanced barge lift that lowers us nearly 150 feet into the valley of the River Zorn. As our cruise continues, there are opportunities to walk or cycle on the towpath before our arrival at the market town of Saverne, where we moor within sight of the splendid red sandstone palace of the Rohan Family.
Tuesday.
At Hochfelden this morning we visit a historic brewery before an afternoon cruise past picturesque Alsatian villages to a quiet spot near the village of Waltenheim-sur-Zorn.
Wednesday.
As we sit down to breakfast, ‘Lorraine’ cruises toward Strasbourg, passing the European Parliament buildings en route to our mooring. After lunch on board, we visit the “Petite France” riverside district and the remarkable Notre-Dame Cathedral. There’s also time at leisure to explore Strasbourg on our own before returning to ‘Lorraine’ for dinner this evening.
Thursday.
Leaving Strasbourg, we cruise southward on the peaceful Canal du Rhône au Rhin to Boofzheim, close to the canal’s junction with the River Rhine. After lunch, we visit Colmar for a guided tour of magnificent medieval and Renaissance buildings. After free time to explore the shops and museums, we return to Boofzheim by way of the “route de vins” with a stop at Riquewihr to visit a wine cellar for a tasting. This evening we gather for a farewell dinner on board our barge.
Friday.
After breakfast, we transfer to Strasbourg to board our train for Paris, where our tour ends with arrival at Gare de l’Est rail station.
What is Included
All canal and river cruises are seven days and six nights. They start on Saturday or Sunday. The all-inclusive trip price includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), transfers, and excursions alcoholic beverages.
Most French barge cruises in Burgundy include transfer from and to Paris in their price. Barges in the South Of France do not include transfers from Paris. In Ireland, Scotland, England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Italy, prices include transfers from and to the major gateway airport or hotel or train station.
Value season is typically early April and end of October. Regular season is all the remaining months.
Call 1-800-640-4899 or e-mail mike@riverdiscounts.com for availability.
Note: This route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.
April-November 7 Days $1,890 Per person
