Cruising Alsace Lorraine
⬤ LeBoat ~ ⬤ France Afloat + Linssen (‘L’)
⬤ Locaboat + Linssen (‘L’) ~ ⬤ Nicols
The waterways of North-East France are set against striking scenic backdrops – the forests of the Ardennes, the Vosges mountains, the beautiful Doubs valley – with the River Rhine marking its eastern-most edge.
Whilst the Meuse and Moselle rivers flow north into Belgium and Germany, the Marne-Rhine and Rhone-Rhine canals connect east-west.
Being so close to Germany and Switzerland, their influences and references are strong – castles, steeply pitched roofs, decorative timberwork, hearty cuisine, ham, Riesling wine – and a big selection of beers.
The culturally rich city of Strasbourg is the region’s capital and principal city. The 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral is considered one of the three grandest Gothic style buildings in the world, described by French poet and novelist Victor Hugo as a “gigantic and delicate marvel.”
At Saverne the Lalique Museum is home to more than 500 exceptional pieces of glassware by French designer René Lalique, considered a genius of the craft. The Arzviller boat lift is a marvel of engineering that carries boats, barges and passengers 450 feet up the Vosges Mountains. For the perfect end to a day’s strenuous sightseeing, try sipping a glass of fine Riesling wine in Place Stanislas, the gilded, UNESCO listed central square in the Art Nouveau city of Nancy.
Regional highlights
A selection of boats in the region
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The primary French international airport is at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and there is a European-flight airport at Strasbourg. There are also TGV express train stations at Strasbourg and Nancy; and many other towns in the region have railway connections.
