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in-depth experience
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Summary
Panache is a stylish 12 passenger luxury hotel barge cruising all summer through Alsace and Lorraine, with some cruises in Champagne and Paris early in the season. Storybook castles, rolling vineyards of Alsatian wines as well as Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture will inspire and delight, and the area’s unique blend of French and German influences are reflected in the delicious menus.
Panache has spacious social areas and six comfortable double or twin en-suite cabins. There are panoramic windows in the saloon and the whole barge exudes traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings. A large sun deck and spa pool, plus bicycles for exploring the excellent towpath complete the picture.
Key Features
- Excellence class (4*)
- Champagne and Alsace -Lorraine regions
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days
- 12 guests / 6 junior suites
- Themed cruises and Biking Plus
- Full board, on-board dining
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating
- Sun deck, loungers and Jacuzzi tub
The Classic Cruise — Panache
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Between Krafft-Erstein and Niderviller, Canal de la Marne au Rhin |
Pick-up | Strasbourg 4pm |
Dining | Dining programme: All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners on board. 2 dinners at local restaurant. |
Classic Cruise Highlights - Alsace-Lorraine
- Tour the beautiful city of Strasbourg and visit its Gothic cathedral
- Explore the Route des Vins d’Alsace
- Visit the Meteor Brewery, founded in 1640
- Experience an ascent or descent of the unique Arzviller boat elevator
- Visit the spectacular René Lalique Collection
- Tour of Sarrebourg including a visit to the Chagall chapel
- Enjoy a candlelit meal whilst cruising through the two Arzviller tunnels
- Opportunities to walk and cycle along the tow-path, and Biking Plus option
Champagne Classic Cruise
Panache cruises through Holland in springtime, the Champagne region in early summer and Alsace in late summer and autumn.
Golf and family themed cruise are also available.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival at Krafft-Erstein
Meet your guide at the pre-arranged rendez-vous in Strasbourg at 4pm for private chauffeured minibus transfer to Panache, currently moored at Krafft-Erstein. A Champagne welcome awaits and the first opportunity to meet the crew whilst you settle in on board Panache. Perhaps there is time for a walk or cycle ride, perhaps going further afield with with Biking Plus, before dinner on board.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Strasbourg | Tour of Strasbourg
Your day begins with a gentle cruise across the beautiful Gran Ried wetlands. Relax on deck and enjoy the scenery with a coffee before arriving at the historic city of Strasbourg. After lunch on board we’ll take a fascinating guided tour of this historic city. See the 12th century pink sandstone Gothic cathedral, its astronomical Renaissance clock and soaring spire; the Place Gutenberg; and La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops and cafés.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Hochfelden | Route des Grands Vins wine-tasting | Dinner at local restaurant.
After breakfast, cruise past the impressive European Parliament building on the outskirts of Strasbourg and through the Brumath Forest to our picturesque mooring at Hochfelden. After lunch, a scenic drive into the rolling Vosges hills on the Route des Grands Vins, for a private tasting of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling wines at a long-established winemaker, such as Domaine Pfister. Dinner ashore this evening at a traditional Alsatian restaurant.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Saverne | Excursion to Château de Rohan
A guided tour, with an optional beer tasting, at the Meteor Brewery, founded in 1640 and the last privately-owned brewery in Alsace. Then, cruise further along the canal, with good walking and cycling opportunities, to the enchanting Gallo-Roman town of Saverne, mooring at the foot of the Château de Rohan, also known as the ‘Versailles of Alsace’.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Lutzelbourg | Excursion to the Lalique glass factory | Dinner at a local restaurant
For early risers, there is an optional visit to a local bakery to watch skilled patissiers preparing delicious creations, before cruising to Lutzelbourg. After lunch on board a visit to the mountaintop village of La Petite Pierre with its medieval castle, then a visit to the outstanding René Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware. Nearby is Wingen-sur-Moder, the WW2 battleground where American infantry fought with distinction. Dine ashore at a local restaurant.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Niderviller | Excursion to Sarrebourg
Cruise through beautiful Alsatian countryside to reach the Lehrer Crystal glass works and then ascend the unique Arzviller boat elevator that carries Panache 450 feet up the mountainside in minutes. After lunch on board, enjoy a tour of Sarrebourg, including visits to the 13th century chapel containing Marc Chagall’s remarkable stained-glass window, and the impressive museum of Roman and Medieval artefacts. Then, a candlelit cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels to the final mooring at Niderviller. Festive farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Niderviller
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Strasbourg.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 129ft (39.3m) x 16ft (4.85m)
- Junior suites: 12ft 6” (3.8m) x 11ft 6” (3.5m) equating to 150ft² (13.9m²)
- Bathrooms: 11ft 6” (3.5m) x 3ft 2” (1m) and are included in suite sizes. Double basins and showers with massage jets.
- All cabins have fitted wardrobes, 2 bedside tables with reading lamps, writing desk & chair and a TV/DVD
- 1 large window measuring 3ft 8” (1.1m) x 1ft 6” (45cm).
- Bed sizes: Double 5ft 5” (1.65m) x 6ft (1.85m).
Twin 2ft 8” (80cm) x 6ft (1.85m). - Individual heating and air conditioning
Other items on board
- Professional crew of 6 – captain, chef, hostess, housekeeper, tour guide and deckhand. All speak fluent English as well as other languages
- Hi-fi stereo system with integrated CD player, radio and iPod dock
- Small library of books & maps
- Collection of board games
- Electronic piano
- Nordic walking sticks (on request)
- Spa pool (hot tub) for 6 guests
- 12 bikes
- Vehicles: 9-seater Mercedes Sprinter and 8-seater Mercedes Vito for excursions and transfers.
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
All meals on board are freshly prepared by your chef and most meals are a set-menu.
However, vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan dishes, and non-allergenic dishes, can be served given at least 8 weeks notice prior to your departure date.
Breakfast: Continental breakfast with fresh breads & pastries, cereals, freshly-squeezed orange juice and hot beverages.
Lunch is usually buffet style with colourful salads, pates and cold meats accompanied by hot soup or entrée, delicious deserts and a selection of regional cheeses accompanied by quality wines selected by the chef.
Dinner is a candlelit four-course gourmet experience where chef showcases his repertoire of dining delights. Harmonising food and wine is essential to the dining experience and locally produced wines are served to compliment the chef’s cuisine.
Panache cruise in the Alsace and Champagne regions
Strasbourg Cathl. ©Jn Martz | Lalique ©Corning Mus. Glass | Arzviller ©J Marssy | Wine ©iStock | Barge ©Nilaya | Others wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
What’s included
6 nights accommodation
Return transfers for charter parties
All meals and drinks on board
All excursions, including guide, transport and entrance fees
What’s not included
Air fares, and transport to the pick-up for cabin bookings
Travel, cancellation and medical insurance
Crew gratuities (5-10% recommended)
Personal expenses
2023
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks
Panache cruises in Holland in March, April and early May, Champagne in late May and June, and then Alsace for the rest of the season.
March 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23
July 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20
October 8, 15, 22
8 guest charter: 62,500 USD
9 guest charter: 64,300 USD
10 guest charter: 65,700 USD
11 guest charter: 67,100 USD
12 guest charter: 68,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Junior Suite Double Cabin: 6,390 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,300 USD
Regular rate weeks
May 21 Paris to Champagne
May 28 Champagne
June 4, 11, 18, 25 Champagne
July 9 Alsace and for the rest of season
August 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1
8 guest charter: 71,500 USD
9 guest charter: 73,800 USD
10 guest charter: 75,700 USD
11 guest charter: 77,600 USD
12 guest charter: 79,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Junior Suite Double Cabin: 7,490 USDper person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,600 USD
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
2024
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks
Panache cruises in Holland in March, April and early May, Champagne in late May and June, and then Alsace for the rest of the season.
March 24, 31
April 7, 14, 21
July 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18
October 13, 20, 27
8 guest charter: 67,000 USD
9 guest charter: 69,300 USD
10 guest charter: 71,200 USD
11 guest charter: 73,100 USD
12 guest charter: 75,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Junior Suite Double Cabin: 6,950 USD
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,500 USD
Regular rate weeks
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, -, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, -,
July 7, 14
August 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 30
October 6
8 guest charter: 77,800 USD
9 guest charter: 80,400 USD
10 guest charter: 82,600 USD
11 guest charter: 84,800 USD
12 guest charter: 87,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Junior Suite Double Cabin: 7,990 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,800 USD
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
Hotel Barge Enquiry
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise