Our itinerary to make sure you don't miss a thing during your river cruise in Alsace
Why not spend a week on a river cruise in Alsace on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin? Our suggested itinerary will take you to three of the region's must-sees: the impressive boat lift at Arzviller, the magnificent Château des Rohan in Saverne and the bustling city of Strasbourg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
All set? Here's our 7-day programme. Hire a houseboat in Hesse for a one-way cruise to Boofzheim. It's 86 kilometres, 40 locks and 19 hours of navigation!
Day 1: Arzviller to Lutzelbourg, 7 km, 3 lock(s), 1.5 h navigation
On this first day of the River cruise in Alsace, you will pass through two tunnels before taking the impressive “Plan Incliné d'Arzviller”. This enables houseboats to be hoisted up 44.5 metres in just 4 minutes. It's a monumental structure that can't be ignored on France's waterways! Guided tours are available to find out all about the history of the Inclined Plan, and a little train takes you on an exploration of the magnificent "Vallée des Eclusiers".
What about a little gourmet break? We recommend two options: opt for a picnic on the banks of the canal to admire this exceptional structure a little longer, or sample some local dishes at the Brasserie de Eclusiers, located close to the canal (03 87 25 48 66). Before taking your houseboat back to Lutzelbourg, we recommend a stop at the Plan Incliné Alpine Sledge for maximum thrills. Are you ready to hurtle through the trees on a 500-metre-long toboggan run?
Day 2: Lutzelbourg to Saverne, 10 km, 10 lock(s), 3.3 hrs navigation
Are you ready for a new day? Today, discover the village of Lutzelbourg, perched on a hill overlooking the canal and offering exceptional panoramic views. You can also hire a houseboat in Lutzelbourg and take a different route to discover the Marne-Rhine Canal.
Shall we continue our cruise towards Saverne? Your arrival will be sumptuous, as the famous Château des Rohan rises up in front of you and all you have to do is admire it from all angles. We recommend that you moor up in front of it to enjoy a good meal and a lovely view.
To round off this wonderful day of cruising in Alsace, why not take a stroll through the town's magnificent rose garden? Internationally renowned, the Roseraie gives Saverne its title of "City of Roses". This 1.5 hectare garden boasts a collection of around 5,000 rosebushes, divided into 800 varieties. If you're going on a river holiday in Alsace in June, don't miss the annual Rose Festival.
Day 3: Saverne to Hochfelden, 18 km, 10 lock(s), 4.4 hrs navigation
On this route, you will have the opportunity to visit Hochfelden, a small village that is home to France's oldest brewery site, the Brasserie Meteor, with a history spanning almost 4 centuries. You can visit the brewery from Tuesday to Sunday from June to September.
Day 4: Hochfelden to Strasbourg, 26 km, 10 lock(s), 5.5 hrs navigation
Today we're off to Strasbourg, a City of Art and History and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a must-see destination during your river trip in Alsace, where there's so much to see and admire.
We recommend a stroll through the old town, which boasts an exceptional architectural and cultural heritage, including the majestic Notre-Dame cathedral. The Grande Île, surrounded by the River Ill, is home to picturesque streets, including the romantic Petite France. The city boasts a number of museums, including the Palais Rohan and the Musée Alsacien, showcasing local art and traditions. Make the most of an evening in this pretty city to sample Alsatian specialities.
Day 5: Strasbourg to Plobsheim, 11 km, 3 lock(s), 2.1 hrs sailing time
To start this 5th day of houseboat cruising in Alsace, we recommend that you take in the beauty of Strasbourg one last time. A magnificent promenade awaits you as you cross the 20 bridges spanning the River Ill. On arrival in Plobsheim, we recommend the Au Boeuf restaurant, where you can sample home-cooked dishes including the emblematic Flammenkueche, a delicious Alsatian speciality.
Day 6: Plobsheim to Boofzheim, 14 km, 4 lock(s), 2.7 h navigation
One of the great things about a houseboat cruise is the pleasure of doing nothing. Settle down somewhere, in the middle of nature, with no one in sight. Alone with your friends or family, get out the fishing rod and prepare an evening barbecue. Quite simply, that's what a successful holiday is all about!
We hope this itinerary will inspire you for your next holiday in Alsace. It is, of course, just one of many suggestions! The Canal de la Marne au Rhin and the Canal de la Sarre have many exceptional sites to discover. So don't wait any longer to hire a houseboat in this beautiful region of Alsace!
