Marne-Rhine Canal ~ Nancy ~ Strasbourg ~ River Rhine
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. Being so close to Germany and Switzerland, these 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.
See our 10 Must-See Châteaux and Castles in Alsace
Cruising Strasbourg and Alsace – the options
You can cruise the Alsace canals piloting your own Self-drive Hire boat,
being pampered in fine style aboard a luxury Hotel Barge,
or as a guest cruising the Rhine aboard an impressive de-luxe Riverboat.
Self-Drive Boating – Marne-Rhine canals
Go your own way. Explore the pleasures and treasures of the Alsace canals.
Luxury Hotel Barging – Marne-Rhine
Lie back and let the skipper and crew take care of everything. Great food. Fine wine. Unique.
Riverboat Cruises – River Rhine
Cruise sedately along the magnificent Rhine. Moor in the centre of historic towns and cities.
Getting to Alsace
Hotel barges often collect and return guests to a pre-agreed Strasbourg hotel. 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.
