7 Days in Alsace by Licence-Free Houseboat: From Lutzelbourg to Strasbourg

No licence, no experience, and completely safe

Which itinerary should you choose for a week-long houseboat holiday in Alsace?

Want to discover Alsace away from the usual tourist routes? A houseboat holiday in Alsace takes you from Lutzelbourg towards Strasbourg along the Marne-Rhine Canal, passing through the Zorn Valley, Alsatian villages and remarkable waterways.

The CrisBoat itinerary is a return journey starting and finishing in Lutzelbourg. It's a great way to combine cruising, cycling, heritage and food stops without having to change accommodation during your holiday.

➡️ Discover the Lutzelbourg – Strasbourg – Lutzelbourg houseboat itinerary

Day 1: what can you discover in Lutzelbourg before setting off?

Lutzelbourg is an ideal starting point for easing into your houseboat holiday in Alsace.

Before or after getting to grips with your licence-free houseboat, take some time to explore this small village at the foot of the Vosges. The ruins of Lutzelbourg Castle overlook the valley and offer lovely views of the surrounding area.

After your briefing and introduction to the boat, settle in and make yourself at home. There's no need to pack too much into the first day: part of the pleasure is simply getting used to life on board.

Things to do:

explore the village of Lutzelbourg;
walk up to the castle ruins;
get your bikes and belongings ready for the week;
familiarise yourself with the boat.

Day 2: why is the journey between Lutzelbourg and Saverne a must?

This first part of the route introduces you to some of the landscapes that make houseboat cruising in Alsace so special.

You'll cruise through the Zorn Valley, surrounded by wooded hills. The towpath alongside the canal is also ideal for walking and cycling.

Then it's on to Saverne, one of the main stops on this Alsace houseboat holiday.

Day 3: what can you do during a stop in Saverne?

Saverne is well worth leaving the boat for a few hours to explore.

Located alongside the Marne-Rhine Canal, the town is particularly well known for the Château des Rohan, an impressive building close to the water. Its historic centre is also perfect for exploring on foot.

It's also a great opportunity to discover Alsatian food: traditional winstubs, tarte flambée and regional specialities are all part of the experience.

Things to discover:

the Château des Rohan;
the historic town centre;
traditional Alsatian architecture;
regional specialities.

Day 4: why continue cruising towards Strasbourg?

As you get closer to Strasbourg, the atmosphere gradually changes: after peaceful countryside and small towns, the surroundings become increasingly urban.

That's precisely what makes this itinerary so interesting. In just a few days, your licence-free houseboat holiday in Alsace takes you from the landscapes of the Zorn Valley to the outskirts of one of the region's most iconic cities.

You can make small stops along the way depending on your pace. There's no need to cover as many miles as possible on a houseboat holiday: leave yourself plenty of time to go ashore and explore.

Day 5: how can you visit Strasbourg during a houseboat holiday?

Strasbourg is naturally one of the cultural highlights of the itinerary, even though your houseboat won't take you directly into the historic city centre.

After leaving your boat at a mooring near Strasbourg, cycling is an excellent way to reach the city centre. Strasbourg has an extensive network of cycle paths as well as plenty of places to leave your bike before continuing your visit on foot.

Once in the centre, explore the Grande Île, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Don't miss:

Strasbourg Cathedral;
the Petite France district;
traditional half-timbered houses;
the quays;
Alsatian specialities.

This stop perfectly sums up a houseboat holiday in Alsace: leave the boat behind for a few hours, hop on your bike and continue exploring on land.

Day 6: why does the return journey feel different?

Turning around doesn't mean experiencing exactly the same journey twice.

The light changes, the views look different and you can visit places you may have skipped on the outward journey. It's also an ideal opportunity to take out the bikes and explore part of the towpath.

Alsace is particularly well suited to combining houseboat cruising and cycling: spend a few hours on the water, then continue exploring the region on land.

Day 7: how can you make the most of your final hours before returning to Lutzelbourg?

For the final stage, give yourself plenty of time and enjoy the last few hours of cruising.

The final stretch gradually brings you back to the landscapes you discovered at the beginning of your holiday before returning to Lutzelbourg.

Rather than trying to squeeze in one final sightseeing trip, simply enjoy your last moments on board: breakfast on deck, a walk along the towpath or one last stop beside the water.

Why choose Alsace for a licence-free houseboat holiday?

Alsace offers a very different experience from the major waterways of southern France.

Here, cruising combines wooded valleys, Alsatian heritage, local food, cycle paths and remarkable waterways. The Marne-Rhine Canal takes you through beautiful natural landscapes and towns such as Saverne before reaching the outskirts of Strasbourg.

It's an excellent destination for travellers who enjoy combining time on the water with exploring on land.

➡️ Discover CrisBoat's houseboat holidays in Alsace

FAQ: Houseboat Holidays in Alsace

Can you reach Strasbourg city centre directly by licence-free houseboat?

No, the houseboat route does not take you directly into Strasbourg city centre. You can stop nearby and easily reach the centre by bike using the city’s extensive network of cycle paths.

How long does it take to cruise from Lutzelbourg to Strasbourg?

For the return itinerary offered by CrisBoat, allow 7 nights, around 108 km of cruising and 60 locks. Total cruising time is approximately 26 hours, spread throughout the holiday.

What can you see on a houseboat cruise between Lutzelbourg and Strasbourg?

The itinerary takes you through Lutzelbourg, Saverne, the Alsatian countryside and Strasbourg. It combines cruising with heritage, villages and cycling.