Explore the scenic canals of Alsace and Lorraine on this 7-day private barge cruise from Nancy to Strasbourg aboard La Nouvelle Etoile. Begin with a champagne welcome before a short cruise to Laneuville. Tour the Baroque architecture of Nancy’s Place Stanislas and visit the Art Nouveau collection at Musée de l’École de Nancy. Continue through pastoral landscapes to Sarrebourg to view Chagall’s stained-glass windows. Cross the Vosges Mountains and ride the Arzviller boat elevator. Visit Saverne and sample wines along the Route du Vin d’Alsace. Conclude your visit to Strasbourg with a guided tour that includes the Folk Museum and the 11th-century cathedral.
Highlights
Explore Nancy’s Place Stanislas with your private group of up to 8 guests
Visit Obernai’s fortified town with 14th-century ramparts
Navigate the Vosges Mountains via the Arzviller boat elevator
Discover feudal ruins nestled in the scenic Zorn Valley hills
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Guests are greeted in Strasbourg and transferred to La Nouvelle Etoile, moored in Nancy. Following a warm welcome with champagne, the barge sets off on a short cruise to Laneuville. This evening, enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners served on board.
Cruise during breakfast this morning, followed by a short drive to Nancy for a guided walking tour beginning at the renowned Place Stanislas. Surrounded by grand Baroque buildings and adorned with intricate wrought iron and gilded gates, it is considered one of France’s most impressive squares. As the birthplace of the Art Nouveau movement, Nancy also offers a visit to the Musée de l’École de Nancy to view its exceptional collection. Return to the barge for a relaxed afternoon cruise to Lagarde. Dinner is served on board.
Enjoy breakfast on board. After a morning cruise past tidy farms and pasturelands you reach Richecourt, your last lock “climbing up”. The lock of Richecourt replaces 6 old locks and has an elevation of 15 meters. After passing this lock, you then cruise on to Xouaxange. After lunch, drive to one of the local Cristalleries where fine crystal is still blown by hand. Then continue to Sarrebourg to have a look at the famous Chagal stained glass windows. Dinner on board.
After breakfast, continue along the canal you have been gradually climbing, to reach the crest of the Vosges Mountains. After navigating two tunnels carved into the mountaintop, encounter the Arzviller boat elevator. This unique lock allows a barge to glide effortlessly up or down the mountainside using a sophisticated system of weights and balances. Continue the cruise through the Zorn Valley where the surrounding hilltops are dotted with ruins of feudal castles. Overnight mooring in Lutzelbourg. Dinner on board.
You wind through the heart of Saverne, past the regal 18th century Bishop’s Palace in the heart of the Alsatian countryside. From Saverne, take an afternoon drive along the Route du Vin d’ Alsace to the old fortified town of Obernai where you can visit the market square and 14th C ramparts that surround the city. Enroute, stop at a vineyard to taste some of the best Alsatian wines. Dinner on board.
Today, end your cruise in Hochfelden just on the outskirts of Strasbourg. Your afternoon tour of Strasbourg includes the folk museum and the 11th century gothic cathedral, leaving enough time to stroll around to explore the fine selection of shops. Captains farewell dinner onboard.
Day 7: Strasbourg | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark La Nouvelle Etoile and transfer to your drop-off point in Strasbourg.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$82,500
or $10,313 per person based on 8 max passengers
Suites
200 sq. ft. including en-suite facilities. Twin/double beds, private bathroom with shower, wardrobe, small tables and a chair.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
