La Nouvelle Etoile

Barging in Alsace-Lorraine

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2007
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C
2008 Prices
Whole Boat Charter in France: $46,200
Individuals: $5,995
2008 Alsace Lorraine Cruise Dates
August 24 - 30,
August 31 - September 6,
September 7 - 13,
September 14 - 20

Alsace-Lorraine is one of our favorite regions in France.  Captain Jan Meijer offers particularly personalized cruises.  In addition to the expected sights in Strasbourg and Nancy, he adds excursions to a privately-owned Renaissance chateau, a fortified town, and visits a village where glass is still blown by hand.  Explore an enchanting wine village-and taste the local wines.

Jan and Diana Meijer who run one of the most accomplished and congenial operations in barging - beginning with the vessel itself. In addition to the lovely public areas and cabins, NOUVELLE ETOILE boasts a long list of innovations: an elevator, a handicap access cabin, computers in every cabin (with e-mail and a navigational system that the passengers can access), an exercise room, and sput poles that allow the barge to stop anywhere without tying up.

Our guests loved NOUVELLE ETOILE.  Andy and Nordal McWethy said: "The whole cruise was like being in the elegant home of very good friends who had the best staff you could imagine. We loved it!" Hans Brouwer and Mary Spillane said: "Jan and Diana are dedicated people and enjoy what they do. Absolutely a first class operation."

La Nouvelle Etoile

Alsace-Lorraine Cruise Itinerary

2008 "Alsace-Lorraine Cruise" Dates
 August 24 - 30
 August 31 - September 6
 September 7 - 13
 September 14 - 20

Nancy to Strasbourg
Day 1
After being met by our driver you will be taken to La Nouvelle Etoile, which will be moored in Nancy, for a wonderful champagne welcome. You will have the afternoon to relax. The barge will stay in Nancy tonight where you will enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.

Day 2
We will enjoy a leisurely morning cruise to Einville and then return to Nancy for a walking tour of the city beginning at the elegant Place Stanislas. Flanked by handsome Baroque palaces and enclosed by ornate gold and wrought iron entry gates, the square is considered one of the grandest in all of France. The Art Nouveau movement originated in Nancy. We may visit the Musee de l'Ecole De Nancy to see its fine collection.

Day 3
After a morning cruise past tidy farms and pasturelands we will drive to the privately owned Chateau de Fleville. This graceful Renaissance residence adjoins a 14th century castle keep. The interiors are richly furnished with 18th century antiques. We then return to the barge moored in the peaceful village of Schneckenbush for the night.

Day 4
Each day we travel on the canal we have been gradually climbing to the crest of the Vosges Mountains. After navigating two tunnels carved into the mountaintop, we will encounter the Inclined Plane at Arzviller. This unique lock allows a barge to glide effortlessly up or down the mountainside using a system of weights and balances. A short drive along the way will take us to the Christallerig of Harz village where fine crystal is still blown by hand. We continue the cruise through the Zorn Valley where the surrounding hilltops are dotted with ruins of feudal castles. Our overnight stay will be in Lutzelbourg.

Day 5
This morning we wind our way through the heart of Saverne, past the regal 18th century Bishop's Palace. From Saverne we will take an afternoon drive along the Route du Vin d'Alsace to the old fortified town of Obernai where we will visit the Market Square and the 14th century ramparts that surround the city. We will stop along the way at village along the Wine Road to taste some of the best Alcasian wines.

Day 6
Today we will finish the cruise in the busy port of Strasbourg. Our afternoon tour of Strasbourg includes the folk museum and the 11th century gothic cathedral, leaving enough time to stroll around to explore the fine shops. Returning to the barge late in the afternoon you will enjoy your last gourmet dinner on board and a farewell party.

Day 7
After breakfast you are driven to your hotel or the airport.

Cruises in the opposite direction on alternate weeks

La Nouvelle Etoile

Guest Book

"Totally relaxing, low-key luxury.  Charming hosts, delicious food, and remarkably comfortable cabins"
- William Weaver and Frona Daskal 2008

" First rate.  Jan and Diana made us feel at home and treated us royally.  We will go back again next year."
-Ron and Hannah Rogers, 2008

"It was terrific. We loved the ship. The owners and staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The food and drink were excellent. They met my husband's food issues without a hitch and the chef made is sound as if Mike was getting the better of the meals. Everyone was so gracious and were our friends rather than people there to take care of us. We can't wait to go again."
-Michael and Christine Harris, 2007


"As owner/operators, Jan and Diana Meijer take great pride in their barge - and it shows! Everything about the trip exceeded our expectations. Our only complaint was that the trip had to end."
-Steve and Anna Duff, 2007

"The crew of the Nouvelle Etoile were all both professional and personal. We enjoyed them as much as our fellow travelers. They spared nothing in pampering us beyond our wildest expectations. I don't believe that you could find a better travel experience on a barge, but thanks to this marvelous crew, we will be back for more."
-Gordon and Meredith Burns, 2007

"The trip was 'over the top.' Luxurious accommodations, sumptuous meals, and the dynamite team of Jan and Diana as our hosts. La Nouvelle Etoile was our home away from home and we wanted for nothing."
- Harriet and Michael Kaplan, 2006
Wonderful Barge Lady repeat guests! Thanks, Harriet.

"It was a beautiful trip with incredible food and wine. And... when you said this barge was Ultra - luxury category, you really understated things! The accommodations were beautiful and spacious; the bath had double sinks. The internet access was very helpful. The whole cruise was like being in the elegant homes of very good friends who had the best staff you could imagine. We really loved it."
- Andy and Nordal McWethy 2005

La Nouvelle Etoile Floor Plan

128 feet long
-Four suites over 200 sq ft with twins or queen beds, TV, internet access, picture windows
-Beautiful, elegant salon/dining area with picture windows.
-Elevator. One suite wheelchair accessible.
-Washer/dryer for guest use.
-Jacuzzi on deck.