Alsace Boating Holidays
About Alsace-Lorraine
As seen on Great Canal Journeys - Let alluring Alsace seduce you
Alsace Boating Holidays indulge the senses with all manner of experiences — rural, urban and everything in between. Two beautiful canals lead to vibrant cities in France and Germany, and along the way you get to enjoy lake resorts, village cafés, towering castles and some of the finest cuisine in France! Enjoy a deliciously unique blend of cultures you’ll find nowhere else!
Explore Alsace from the comfort of your canal boat for cosmopolitan cruising, including architecture, shopping, and dining in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Strasbourg.
Alsace-Lorraine map
= Le Boat Base 
= Canal 
= Navigable river 
= License required
= No navigation beyond this point
The perfect boating region for...
Nature Lovers
Truly a unique region of France on the western border of Germany, the Alsace-Lorraine-Saarland is rife with lush forests and expanses of marshland that support a host of wild creatures. The Delta de la Sauer is just one of the 21 nature reserves in the area.
History & Heritage
Grand castles and soaring cathedrals in Germany’s Saarbrücken and France’s Strasbourg signify the rich historic past of the region. Whilst enjoying the history and heritage of these waters, be sure to see the Basilica St. Johann in Saarbrücken and Rohan Palace in Saverne.
Gastronomy
In Alsace-Lorraine-Saarland, the pig is known as le seigneur cochon (the noble pig). Obviously, pork is big on Alsace boating holidays. Choucroute alsacienne, for example, is sauerkraut with sausage, pork or ham. Try tourte, a pie with ham, bacon or ground pork with eggs and leeks.
Useful information
Download our Region Guide
We've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.
A careful look at an Alsace-Lorraine regional map reveals two intersecting waterways: the Canal de la Marne au Rhin and The Canal des Houillères de la Sarre. They form an L-shape from Germany’s Saarbrücken south down the Saar Valley and east to Strasbourg, France, known as the city of roads. These two fabulous waterways create an ideal setting for your boating holidays in Alsace.
The Marne au Rhin runs 314 kilometres (195 miles) from Vitry-le-Francois to Strasbourg, passing through the amazing Arzviller transversal inclined plane completed in 1968. It replaced 17 locks and raises boats 45 metres (147 feet). The Canal des Houillères de la Sarre dates from 1860 and extends 64 kilometres (about 40 miles) from Saarbrücken to the Marne au Rhin.
Whilst France expanded its canal network in the west, with fledgling efforts starting in the 1500s, the east languished. Finally, as the Industrial Revolution hit full swing, construction of the Canal de la Marne au Rhin began in 1838 and was finished in 1855. The canal’s purpose was to link Paris with Alsace and Germany. By the 1950s, thousands of tractor-towed, 300-tonne wooden barges (bilanders) plied the canal, but the traffic died out in the 1970s. Leisure craft rule now.
Licenced areas: if you are cruising on the Moselle River towards Toul, Metz and Luxembourg you will require an International Certificate for Operator of Pleasure Craft, which is issued in UNECE member States in accordance with Resolution No. 40. Without this licence you won’t be able to cruise on these waterways. If your licence does not reference ‘Resolution No. 40 of the UNECE Working Party on Inland Water Transport’ – we suggest you send it to our sales team prior to booking so it can be validated.
We've partnered up with some of the best local businesses from the towns and villages in the Alsace to help you get the most out of your Le Boat holiday.
Discover our range of exclusive offers, only available to Le Boat customers.
- Purchase a boating licence before you begin your cruise if you plan on cruising from Saarbrücken to Apach along the waterways of Germany and Luxembourg. Our sales team can help you.
- Navigating the Canal de la Marne au Rhin and the Canal des Houillières de la Sarre is easy and suitable for beginners.
- Please note that a licence is required to reach Toul to cruise the Moselle River.
Take a look at our waterway and lock closures page to find out if there are any scheduled cruising restrictions that will affect your holiday plans.
The locks on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin and Canal du Rhône au Rhin are automatic and easy to operate, and there is no charge to use them. Canal des Houillières de la Sarre locks are all automatic with chain pull mechanism (in the direction of Strasbourg) or with remote control (in the direction of Nancy and Saarguemines). There is no charge for the locks.
Opening hours: During the busy summer season locks are open 07:00 – 19:00 on weekdays and Saturdays, and 09:00 - 18:00 on Sundays. These hours are for the Canal de la Marne au Rhin and the Canal du Rhône au Rhin. During the busy summer season the locks on the Canal des Houillères de la Sarre are open 08:30 - 18:30.
Public holidays: Locks are closed on some public holidays (1st May & 1st November) otherwise they are open.
Lock Closure dates: Please be aware about the lock closure dates by local authorities. During that day(s), you won’t be able to go through the locks. For more details and questions, please contact our sales team.
- Moselle River: Moselle is closed for 10 days in May or June, dates change each year - 3rd June - 12th June 2024, 19th May - 28th May 2025. The 'Triple Nations's cruise' and Toul is not possible.
Moorings are generally plentiful on all the canals.
- Hire of the boat and its onboard equipment
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and linen for all passengers
- A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
- Technical support
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Passage through locks
- Optional holiday extras
- Boat damage waiver
- Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour.
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside services if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
- Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
- Food and drink
Interactive map of Alsace-Lorraine
= Le Boat base 
= Point of interest
Great to see…
Itinerary suggestions
Our boating holidays allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever 'floats your boat'. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
Route suggestions
As well as the suggested itinerary shown above, all the routes available in this region are shown below. They aren’t as detailed, but they should help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have. You won’t have time to stop at every single place listed on each suggestion – but they should give you an idea of what’s possible. Of course, cruising times are approximations and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
Hesse RETURN via Saarbrücken & Metz
Licence required
Hesse
Gondrexange
Lagarde
Saint-Nicolas-de-Port
Nancy
Pont-à-Mousson
Metz
Thionville
Saarbrücken
Sarreguemines
Sarralbe
Mittersheim
Hesse
71 hr(s) of cruising
433km 75 locks 14 nightsHesse RETURN via Saarbrücken & Metz
LICENCE REQUIRED
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right:
You’ve always gotten the most out of life, and now as you guide your own floating villa down the waterways of three countries you feel like a king! You can’t wait to tie up in the next city, or to have fun with watersports at resort lakes. Five-star dining, superlative museums and more await you on extended boat holidays in Alsace! Notes: Please note that the lock Ars-sur-Moselle (located in South Metz) will be closed for maintenance between June 26th & July 5th. This itinerary will then be restricted during that period.
**LICENCE REQUIRED** A boating licence is required for this route in order to navigate the waterways of Germany. Ask us for more details on how to obtain it.
Top highlights:
- Fishing in Gondrexange's huge lake
- The museum of cinema and photography in St-Nicholas-de-Port
- Metz's thirteenth century wall and fortresses
- Saarbrucken's national theatre
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming and also has watersport facilities.
- Lagarde: With its flower-lined harbour, Lagarde is part of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park. The Saint Jean Baptiste church is also a beautiful sight to see.
- St-Nicolas-de-Port: "I float, but I do not sink" is the saying in Saint-Nicolas-De-Port, a welcoming city accustomed to fluvial activity for centuries. Enjoy visiting the great basilica and the museum of cinema and photography.
- Nancy: Nancy is a great city with so many treasures to see. The Place Stanislas, with its wrought iron grills and balconies lighting up during the night give the city a wonderful dimension. The Duke's palace, with the Lorrain Museum, or the great gardens in the old Nancy, are also a treat to discover.
- Pont-à-Mousson: In Pont-à-Mousson, visit the old church Saint-Laurent. The city is also known for its unique red fountain. Downtown is a very good place to have a drink or a meal.
- Metz: If there were a list of the most beautiful cities in France, Metz would certainly be near the top! Its history and heritage are unique. Take a walk in this wonderful town, especially downtown, where you will enjoy viewing the city hall. Metz is a perfect place to visit and to relax.
- Thionville: A beautiful city full of history, Thionville has an impressive history and deserves to be visited. Discover the old abbey, the church of Beauregard, and the bridge-sluice. Thionville is also a dynamic city focused on culture. Why not checking out the theater?
- Saarbrucken: Saarbrucken is the dynamic metropolis of the area with its numerous shop, restaurants, and its large patrimony. Don't miss the national theater, and the basilica Saint-Jean.
- Sarreguemines: Discover the medieval part of Sarreguemines, the winding streets as well as houses built in an 'Art Nouveau' style. If you have time, there is also a casino there. Why not trying to earn your evening?
- Sarralbe: Sarralbe is a charming and quiet village with a beautiful fountain downtown. Plus, you can see the biggest mill in the Moselle!
- Mittersheim: This is an ideal place to stop if you are interested in watersports. The Etang de Mittersheim, which is close to this mooring, offers a full range of watersports and there are also several restaurants in close proximity.
Please note: A license is required for this cruise. Ask us for more details.
71 hr(s) of cruising
433km 75 locks 14 nights
Hesse RETURN via Saverne & Saarbrücken
Hesse
Niderviller
Arzviller
Lutzelbourg
Saverne
Gondrexange
Mittersheim
Sarralbe
Sarreguemines
Saarbrücken
Hesse
54 hr(s) of cruising
266km 88 locks 10 nightsHesse RETURN via Saverne & Saarbrücken
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
Flexibility and leisure time go right together, ensuring that your boat holidays in Alsace are unforgettable. The city of Saarbrücken is just over the border in Germany, offering chic boutiques, gourmet dining and marvelous sunsets to all who venture near. The joy of canal cruising is the ability to set the pace and choose where to linger for a day of pure relaxation.
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- Niderviller's porcelain factory
- Watersports in Mittersheim
- Saarbrucken's national treasure
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Niderviller: In this typical floral city, you will find a beautiful church tower in a baroque style. Faience is also very developed in Niderviller; you will enjoy a visit to the porcelain factory.
- Arzviller: Arzviller is a pretty little village mainly known for its huge and unique boat lift that you will use to lift or lower your boat 45 metres up or down the canal. There's also a small, but interesting visitor centre if you fancy learning more about the lift's history.
- Lutzelbourg: Lutzelbourg is easily identified by its towering castle which overlooks alpine wooden houses, giving the city a fairytale appearance. You can take a guided tour of the city by train. Also worth a visit are the city's many shops, the crystal cutter at Maison Wurmâ, and the boat museum.
- Saverne: It's a small and friendly town, possessing the region's characteristic steep-pitched roofs and window boxes full of geraniums with some beautiful traditional old half-timbered houses. Saverne is known for its famous Rose Garden, displaying over 550 roses.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming and also has watersport facilities.
- Mittersheim: This is an ideal place to stop if you are interested in watersports. The Etang de Mittersheim, which is close to this mooring, offers a full range of watersports and there are also several restaurants in close proximity.
- Sarralbe: Sarralbe is a charming and quiet village with a beautiful fountain downtown. Plus, you can see the biggest mill in the Moselle!
- Saareguemines: Discover the medieval part of Sarreguemines, the winding streets as well as houses built in an 'Art Nouveau' style. If you have time, there is also a casino there. Why not trying to earn your evening?
- Saarbrücken: Saarbrucken is the dynamic metropolis of the area with its numerous shop, restaurants, and its large patrimony. Don't miss the national theater, and the basilica Saint-Jean.
54 hr(s) of cruising
266km 88 locks 10 nights
Hesse RETURN via Strasbourg
Hesse
Saverne
Strasbourg
Hesse
35 hr(s) of cruising
156km 68 locks 7 nightsHesse RETURN via Strasbourg
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Overview
City chic and amazing waterways enthrall you on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, one of the prettiest in Alsace. You pass through upscale laid-back hamlets on your way to lively Strasbourg, wetting your appetite for urban flavours. You’re in the thick of a canal holiday in France, and you realize that it just doesn’t get any better!
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- Saverne's Rose Garden
- Strasbourg's remarkable architecture - be sure to stop for a bite to eat in the city!
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Saverne: It's a small and friendly town, possessing the region's characteristic steep-pitched roofs and window boxes full of geraniums. There are some beautiful traditional old half-timbered houses in town. Saverne is also known for its famous Rose Garden, displaying over 550 roses.
- Strasbourg: There are so many things to see in this big town, with its streets bursting with flowers! This is the home of the European parliament and its impressive building can be seen from the canal. Strasbourg is also famous for its Gastronomy: foie gras, wines of Alsace, chocolates and eaux de vie.
35 hr(s) of cruising
156km 68 locks 7 nights
Hesse RETURN via Saarbrücken
Hesse
Gondrexange
Mittersheim
Sarralbe
Sarreguemines
Saarbrücken
Hesse
38 hr(s) of cruising
206km 62 locks 7 nightsHesse RETURN via Saarbrücken
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Overview:
You chose this cruise for your boat vacations in Alsace for its focus on Saarbrücken. You leave and return to this wonderful city, timing your plans to attend one of the many music and art festivals held during the summer. Travelling down the canal to linger in medieval Hesse is on the itinerary, as is a visit to lake resorts and picturesque Saaralbe.
Top highlights:
- Watersports in Mittersheim
- Saarbrucken's national theatre
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming and also has watersport facilities.
- Mittersheim: This is an ideal place to stop if you are interested in watersports. The Etang de Mittersheim, which is close to this mooring, offers a full range of watersports and there are also several restaurants in close proximity.
- Sarralbe: Sarralbe is a charming and quiet village with a beautiful fountain downtown. Plus, you can see the biggest mill in the Moselle!
- Sarreguemines: Discover the medieval part of Sarreguemines, the winding streets as well as houses built in an 'Art Nouveau' style. If you have time, there is also a casino there. Why not trying to earn your evening?
- Saarbrücken: Saarbrucken is the dynamic metropolis of the area with its numerous shop, restaurants, and its large patrimony. Don't miss the national theater, and the basilica Saint-Jean.
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
38 hr(s) of cruising
206km 62 locks 7 nights
Hesse RETURN via Nancy
Hesse
Gondrexange
Lagarde
Saint-Nicolas-de-Port
Nancy
Hesse
28 hr(s) of cruising
152km 50 locks 7 nightsHesse RETURN via Nancy
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Overview
The Alsace-Lorraine-Saarland is mostly situated on the west bank of the upper Rhine River, and it contains some of Europe’s most beautiful canal cruising grounds. Known for superb fishing, watersports, châteaux, upscale shops and all the pleasures of chic urban destinations, boat holidays in Alsace treat you to exquisite scenery and a sophisticated setting.
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- The museum of cinema and photography in St-Nicholas-de-Port
- The Duke's Palace and the gardens in Nancy
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming and also has watersport facilities.
- Lagarde: With its flower-lined harbour, Lagarde is part of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park. The 'Saint Jean Baptiste' church is also a beautiful sight to see.
- St-Nicolas-de-Port: "I float, but I do not sink" is the saying in Saint-Nicolas-De-Port, a welcoming city accustomed to fluvial activity for centuries. Enjoy visiting the great basilica and the museum of cinema and photography.
- Nancy: Nancy is a great city with so many treasures to see. The Place Stanislas, with its wrought iron grills and balconies lighting up during the night give the city a wonderful dimension. The Duke's palace, with the Lorrain Museum, or the great gardens in the old Nancy, are also a treat to discover.
28 hr(s) of cruising
152km 50 locks 7 nightsBoofzheim RETURN via Saverne
Boofzheim
Plobsheim
Obenheim
Strasbourg
Hochfelden
Saverne
Boofzheim
25 hr(s) of cruising
148km 50 locks 7 nightsBoofzheim RETURN via Saverne
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Overview:
The urban culture of Strasbourg does not disappoint you as you marvel at the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame that soars over the Old Town. The building dates from 1190, but it underwent much change over the years. Museums, wine tasting, fine dining — it’s all part of boat holidays in Alsace! Relaxing on the canal on a sojourn to Rohan Palace in Saverne just adds to the pleasure!
Top highlights:
- Boofzheim's eighteenth century houses
- Strasbourg's remarkable architecture - be sure to stop for a bite to eat in the city!
- Hochfelden's 1000 year old family brewery
- Saverne's Rose Garden
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Boofzheim: A typical Alsatian village, Boofzheim is a beautiful place to see. In the thick of the town, between the Lutheran Roman Catholic Church and the old belltower, you will discover timbered-houses from the eighteenth century.
- Plobsheim: Take a walk through Plobsheim and visit the impressive chapel "Notre-Dame du Chêne" from 1454. Plobsheim has a golf club, a village square and pretty gardens.
- Obenheim: A typical Alsatian village, Obenheim will enchant you with its half-timbered houses and good restaurants. Here you can visit the flower cave of the Jungfrau or, if you have time, explore the hiking trails.
- Strasbourg: There are so many things to see in this big town, with its streets bursting with flowers! This is the home of the European parliament and its impressive building can be seen from the canal. Strasbourg is also famous for its Gastronomy: foie gras, wines of Alsace, chocolates and eaux de vie.
- Hochfelden: The town is famous locally for its brewery. Brewing has been here since 870 A.D. and the local family owned brewer, Meteor, has a brasserie and museum. The brewery also offers guided tours.
- Saverne: It's a small and friendly town, possessing the region's characteristic steep-pitched roofs and window boxes full of geraniums. It also has beautiful traditional old half-timbered houses in town. Saverne is known for its famous Rose Garden, displaying over 550 roses.
25 hr(s) of cruising
148km 50 locks 7 nights
Hesse to Boofzheim via Strasbourg
Hesse
Niderviller
Arzviller
Lutzelbourg
Saverne
Hochfelden
Strasbourg
Obenheim
Plobsheim
Boofzheim
24 hr(s) of cruising
104km 44 locks 7 nightsHesse to Boofzheim via Strasbourg
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Overview:
The incredible Arzviller boatlift is an engineering marvel, lifting or lowering boats 148 feet. The charm of boat holidays in Alsace is the juxtaposition of the new and the old, with both coexisting in harmony. Eclectic shops, gourmet restaurants, fascinating museums, impressive castles, as well as swimming, cycling and watersports are all part of the fun!
Top highlights:
- The Arzviller boat lift
- Views from Lutzelbourg Castle
- Saverne's Rose Garden
- Hochfelden's 1000 year old family brewery
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Niderviller: In this typical floral city, you will find a beautiful church tower in a baroque style. Faience is also very developed in Niderviller; you will enjoy a visit to the porcelain factory.
- Arzviller: Arzviller is a pretty little village mainly known for its huge and unique boat lift that you will use to lift or lower your boat 45 metres up or down the canal. There's also a small, but interesting visitor centre if you fancy learning more about the lift's history.
- Lutzelbourg: Lutzelbourg is easily identified by its towering castle which overlooks alpine wooden houses, giving the city a fairytale appearance. You can take a guided tour of the city by train. Also worth a visit are the city's many shops, the crystal cutter at Maison Wurma, and the boat museum.
- Saverne: It's a small and friendly town, possessing the region's characteristic steep-pitched roofs and window boxes full of geraniums. There are some beautiful traditional old half-timbered houses in town. Saverne is also known for its famous Rose Garden, displaying over 550 roses.
- Hochfelden: The town is famous locally for its brewery. Brewing has been here since 870 A.D. and the local family owned brewer, Meteor, has a brasserie and museum. The brewery offers guided tours.
- Strasbourg: There are so many things to see in this big town, with its streets bursting with flowers! This is the home of the European parliament and its impressive building can be seen from the canal. Strasbourg is also famous for its Gastronomy: foie gras, wines of Alsace, chocolates and eaux de vie.
- Obenheim: A typical Alsatian village, Obenheim will enchant you with its half-timbered houses and good restaurants. Here you can visit the flower cave of the Jungfrau or, if you have time, explore the hiking trails.
- Plobsheim: Take a walk through Plobsheim and visit the impressive chapel "Notre-Dame du Chêne" from 1454. Plobsheim has a golf club, a village square and pretty gardens.
- Boofzheim: A typical Alsatian village, Boofzheim is a beautiful place to see. In the thick of the town, between the Lutheran Roman Catholic Church and the old belltower, you will discover timbered-houses from the eighteenth century.
24 hr(s) of cruising
104km 44 locks 7 nightsHesse RETURN via Saverne
Hesse
Niderviller
Arzviller
Lutzelbourg
Saverne
Hesse
15 hr(s) of cruising
60km 28 locks 4 nightsHesse RETURN via Saverne
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Overview
You board your floating villa, and canal boating in Alsace France immediately enchants you! The Arzviller boatlift captivates as you exit the inclined plane, a true engineering marvel, and you snap so many pictures you fill a memory card on your camera! Water skiing, kayaking or playing a spot of golf awaits you on your adventure in this unique region!
Top highlights
- Views from Lutzelbourg Castle
- Saverne's Rose Garden
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Niderviller: In this typical floral city, you will find a beautiful church tower in a baroque style. Faience is also very developed in Niderviller; you will enjoy a visit to the porcelain factory.
- Arzviller: Arzviller is a pretty little village mainly known for its huge and unique boat lift that you will use to lift or lower your boat 45 metres up or down the canal. There's also a small, but interesting visitor centre if you fancy learning more about the lift's history.
- Lutzelbourg: Lutzelbourg is easily identified by its towering castle which overlooks alpine wooden houses, giving the city a fairytale appearance. You can take a guided tour of the city by train. Also worth a visit are the city's many shops, the crystal cutter at Maison Wurmâ, and the boat museum.
- Saverne: It's a small and friendly town, possessing the region's characteristic steep-pitched roofs and window boxes full of geraniums with some beautiful traditional old half-timbered houses also found in town. Saverne is known for its famous Rose Garden, displaying over 550 roses.
15 hr(s) of cruising
60km 28 locks 4 nights
Hesse RETURN via Mittersheim
Hesse
Gondrexange
Mittersheim
Hesse
14 hr(s) of cruising
60km 26 locks 3 nightsHesse RETURN via Mittersheim
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Overview:
Alsace canal boat holidays in France inspire you with amazing landscapes. As you travel from lovely Hesse to the etangs of Gondrexange, you find yourself amidst natural beauty in a land of forests and lakes. Perfect for a relaxing break!
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- Watersports in Mittersheim
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming. There are also watersport facilities.
- Mittersheim: This is an ideal place to stop if you are interested in watersports. The Etang de Mittersheim, which is close to this mooring, offers a full range of watersports and there are also several restaurants in close proximity.
14 hr(s) of cruising
60km 26 locks 3 nightsBoofzheim RETURN via Strasbourg
Boofzheim
Plobsheim
Obenheim
Strasbourg
Boofzheim
8 hr(s) of cruising
52km 18 locks 3 nightsBoofzheim RETURN via Strasbourg
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Overview:
The grand Rhine River is near the city of Boofzheim, where you’ve just entered natural areas of marshland abundant in wildlife. You’ve noticed the contrasts of Alsace canal boat vacations in France. You see the travelling takes you to cities, lakes and small villages full of charm. You look forward to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage city of Strasbourg to sample its varied pleasures!
Top highlights:
- Boofzheim's eighteenth century houses
- Playing golf in Plobsheim
- Hiking in Obenheim
- Strasbourg's remarkable architecture - be sure to stop for a bite to eat in the city!
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Boofzheim: A typical Alsatian village, Boofzheim is a beautiful place to see. In the thick of the town, between the Lutheran Roman Catholic Church and the old belltower, you will discover timbered-houses from the eighteenth century.
- Plobsheim: Take a walk through Plobsheim and visit the impressive chapel "Notre-Dame du Chêne" from 1454. Plobsheim has a golf club, a village square and pretty gardens.
- Obenheim: A typical Alsatian village, Obenheim will enchant you with its half-timbered houses and good restaurants. Here you can visit the flower cave of the Jungfrau or, if you have time, explore the hiking trails.
- Strasbourg: There are so many things to see in this big town, with its streets bursting with flowers! This is the home of the European parliament and its impressive building can be seen from the canal. Strasbourg is also famous for its Gastronomy: foie gras, wines of Alsace, chocolates and eaux de vie.
8 hr(s) of cruising
52km 18 locks 3 nights
Hesse RETURN via Lagarde
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Overview:
You enjoyed the lake resort of Gondrexange. The beach called and you listened, feeling relaxed whilst on your Alsace canal boat holidays in France. Now you’re headed into the Lorraine Regional Nature Park, where you plan to cycle in the shade and feel the soothing touch of Nature. You’ll also stop to poke around in Lagarde, a beautiful little village so typical of Alsace.
Top highlights:
- Eleventh century Benedictine Abbey in Hesse
- Fishing in Godrexange's hugelake
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:
- Hesse: A pleasant and serene village, Hesse has preserved its charm and character over many years. Apart from a well-organized port, the village also has the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey from the 11th century, which is now the village church.
- Gondrexange: Gondrexange is a charming city famous for its huge lake. It is an excellent place for fishing or swimming. There are also watersport facilities.
- Lagarde: With its flower-lined harbour, Lagarde is part of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park. The church Saint Jean Baptiste" is also a beautiful sight to see
11 hr(s) of cruising
60km 14 locks 3 nights