Regions of migration, close to Paris, Alsace and the Northeast of France are very well served by all types of transport: car, train, or plane.
Alsace-Lorraine is located at the intersection of Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium. So you will discover a mix of cultures. You might feel like you are no longer entirely in France. You will simply be in Europe!
Alsace-Lorraine is part of the Alsace, Ardennes, Somme destination that we offer for your next river cruise.
Nearby, check out our Ardennes destination, also open to river tourism and the rental of license-free Pénichettes®.
Don't forget that we can also rent you license-free boats in Belgium close to Dunkirk and Bruges.
The must-sees of Alsace-Lorraine by boat
- The choice of gastronomic products is as vast as the region. Alsatian sauerkraut, Lorraine quiche, and Alsace beers and wines are the major representatives. You should not miss the flammenküche, onion tarts, munster cheese, white pudding, andouille sausage, local fruit-based liqueurs, etc. A little bike ride along the towpath won't hurt to burn off the excess!
- The Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg is the architectural highlight of the region. The Arzviller boat lift will be the highlight of your navigation. But above all, it will be the large number of waterways, both rivers and canals, and the omnipresent nature that will charm you.
- If you have some time, you can visit Paris before or after your cruise to explore the capital and why not extend your adventure with a stay at Disneyland Paris.
In conclusion, in Alsace-Lorraine, activities during your cruise will be numerous.
Some stops on your cruise in Alsace-Lorraine
All the waterways below are, of course, open to river tourism and allow for many river cruises, all license-free.
Marne-Rhine Canal
It was dug in the mid-19th century to provide a transport route for barges between the Paris Basin and the Rhine Valley. Its starting point is in Vitry-le-François. The Marne-Rhine Canal covers a distance of 314 kilometers before reaching Strasbourg and has 221 locks.
Vitry-le-Francois. A city with a rich historical past, it welcomes many tourists who particularly appreciate its good ambiance and its aspect of a true river city.
Sermaize-les-Bains. Burned down in 1914, the city was almost completely destroyed. Only the city's fountain survived intact. However, you can still discover and visit the 12th-century church that has been rebuilt identically.
Revigny-sur-Ornain. Here you can discover the Notre Dame de Grâce fountain whose fresh water is highly appreciated by tourists, as well as the Notre Dame-de-la-Grâce Chapel in the city center, which offers an exceptional view of the valley.
Bar-le-Duc. This small town is divided in two; on one side, you will find shops and restaurants in the lower part of the town. On the other side, in the upper part of the town, lie the old quarters and old buildings, including the Barrois Museum with its statues and Gallo-Roman pieces.
Toul. It is a charming city full of qualities that offers numerous monuments that have survived various wars. The old town is surrounded by fortifications, which are very pleasant to discover.
Saint Nicolas De Port. Do not miss the basilica with its two large towers of 85 and 87 meters and visit the regional beer museum at the Brasserie.
Hesse. In addition to a well-equipped port, the town has the ruins of an 11th-century Benedictine abbey whose church has become parochial since the monks' departure.
Hochfelden. Do not miss the famous Meteor brewery, which produces 320 liters of very good beer every day. You can taste it on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Strasbourg. It is a city much appreciated by tourists because of its wealth of discoveries. In Strasbourg, you will find everything: the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the palace of the Rohan cardinals, the flower-filled alleys, the many museums... An unforgettable experience in this great French city!
Canal des Houillères de la Sarre
The Canal des Houillères de la Sarre and the canalized Sarre form a 105 km waterway, including 63 km of artificial canal with 27 locks. It also crosses the Lorraine reservoir ponds of Gondrexange, Mittersheim, and Stock.
Rhodes. The small town of Rhodes will offer you many hiking trails that will allow you to discover the many landscapes of the region. In addition, the port is very lively, and you will find many bars and restaurants.
Mittersheim. Its small port is very well equipped and will provide you with what you need. On the town's pond, you can practice all kinds of water sports, which will give you a real sense of pleasure.
Sarreguemines. The marina has obtained the Blue Flag of Europe for the 8th year. This label, created in 1985, rewards municipalities and marinas that permanently pursue a policy of sustainable tourism, in this case, river tourism. A blue flag hoisted on a port guarantees optimal reception conditions for holidaymakers and boaters in a high-quality environment.
Vosges Canal
Punctuated by automatic or manual locks operated by lock keepers, the Vosges Canal offers a pleasant walk and allows you to discover particularly attractive sites and heritage.
Messein. Messein is a small town dating back to Roman times. You will discover many historical monuments and leisure activities will be at your disposal. Do not miss visiting the Gallo-Roman villa and the natural area of ecological and floristic interest.
Carmes. This small town, very affected by many historical battles, has been rebuilt several times by its courageous inhabitants. The rare buildings that have "survived" all the battles, such as the Maison des Loups or the Belvédère du Monument de la Lorraine, have been highlighted.
Epinal. The port of Epinal is very well equipped, and you will find everything you need. It is also animated by musical groups.
Bains-Les-Bains. A city renowned for treating cardiovascular diseases, its atmosphere will be beneficial and will do you a lot of good. Do not miss relaxing in the park near the port, which offers a very relaxing ambiance.
Fontenoy-le-Chateau. A small medieval town, Fontenoy-le-Château is very pleasant to visit. You will find a very well-equipped port close to the city center that can provide you with everything you need.
Corre. Just before entering the Saône, you can make a small stop in Corre, a very friendly village.
Moselle
It rises in the Vosges Massif in Bussang and flows into the Rhine in Koblenz, Germany. Its total length is 560 km: 314 km in France, 39 forming the border between Luxembourg and Germany, 208 exclusively in Germany.
Toul. Toul is a city rich in historical monuments. Do not miss discovering its many cathedrals, the Synagogue, the Museum of Art and History, and many more. Its small port is very well equipped, and you will find many restaurants.
Pompey. This small town with a historical past will offer you many leisure activities. Do not miss visiting the Local History Museum.
Pont-A-Mousson. Pont-à-Mousson is located in Lorraine, crossed by the Moselle, in Meurthe-et-Moselle, halfway between Nancy and Metz, at the foot of the Mousson hill (382 m), a former stronghold of the counts and then dukes of Bar. Alternately a stronghold, a forward town, or a frontier land, Pont-à-Mousson often suffered the rigors of war.
Cogny sur Moselle. This village has a pleasant marina. You will be sheltered from the current and river traffic. Many services are accessible at the nearby campsite. Right next door is the village of Gorze, do not miss the Baroque abbey palace dating from 1696. It has magnificent fountains with statues representing mythological deities.
Passing through Ars and Jouy-aux-Arches, you will see remains of Roman occupation, including a 1st-century aqueduct.
Metz. The main marina in Metz is the Port des Régates, located very close to the city center in a beautiful site. Be careful to respect the channel as the water is shallow.
Do not miss discovering this surprising city with the nearby port, the garden of the Régates and its swan lake. At the top of the old ramparts, you will find the esplanade and its French gardens with very geometric architecture.
Crossing this garden, you will arrive in the pedestrian streets of the city center.
Following the Moselle quays northwards, you will pass the theater, the Cathedral, the courthouse, and the entire historic center of the city.
Thionville. This ancient stronghold dating back to the Merovingian era was one of Charlemagne's favorite residences. With the industrial revolution, the city became a steel center. Today, the city is welcoming and flower-filled and offers many walking opportunities.
Saar
By navigating the Saar, you will pass from France to Germany and/or from Germany to France. The Saar starts in Sarreguemines and follows its course to Saarbrücken.
Sarreguemines. Do not miss discovering many Gallo-Roman remains (villa-palace, tiles), as well as strolling in the ruins of the 12th-century castle: two towers, a gate overlooking the city center. Finally, you can also visit the Neunkirch Castle dating from 1906.
Saarbrücken. Saarbrücken is located in a valley crossed by the Saar and bordered by many hills and terraces. To the north of the city begins a long series of medium-altitude hills, while to the south, the city is bordered by the state forest and its sandstone massifs. The lowest point - the Luisenthal lock - is 178.5 meters above sea level.
Photos: Locaboat, Nicols.