La Nouvelle Etoile

Alsace-Lorraine Cruises

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2007 in Holland
                    2008 in France
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2011 Regular Season rates*

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $52,900
Individuals: $6,900
per person in a double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,450

2011 Dates in AlSace Lorraine

August 21 - 27	Nancy to Strabourg
August 28 - Sept 3	Strasbourg to Nancy
September 4 - 10	Nancy to Strabourg
September 11 - 17	Strasbourg to Nancy

* The cruise fare does not include the cost of your transfer to/from the pickup and return points in Alsace-Lorraine. We would be happy to coordinate and reserve train transfers from Paris or other locations. Please call us at (800)880-0071 to start this process!

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 run one of the most accomplished and congenial operations in barging - beginning with the vessel itself. 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, a washer and dryer for the guests and sput poles that allow the barge to stop anywhere without tying up.

NOUVELLE ETOILE ("New Star") is the dream barge of Captain Meijer, who was born into a Dutch shipping familly - and thus knows more than the average barge captain about design and navigation. But not at the expense of elegance and comfort!

The spacious suites boast oversized showers, double sinks and rich interiors design. The salon-dining room is designed for socializing. Guests congregate at the gorgeous bar. There is lots of good seating - even a piano for those so inclined.

The Meijers run a top operation - one defined by divine cuisine, the depth and breadth of the wine selection, and extremely literate sightseeing. This attractive couple is front and center; tending bar, pouring champagne, and creating a lighthearted on-board ambiance.

The Barge Lady and her husband Monsieur Le Barge Lady criused in summer, 2008. Please go to The Barge Lady Blog for my day to day diary of this fabulous trip! We now understand due to our own first-hand experience why Jan and Diana have so many repeat guests!

La Nouvelle Etoile

Alsace-Lorraine Barge Cruise Itinerary

2010 Alsace Lorraine Cruise Dates
August 22 - 28 - Nancy to Strasbourg
August 29 - September 4 - Strasbourg to Nancy
September 5 - 11 - Nancy to Strasbourg
September 12 - 18 - Strasbourg to Nancy

Nancy to Strasbourg
Sunday:  Board in Nancy
Champagne Welcome
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.

Monday:  Nancy to Einville
Elegant Art Nouveau in Nancy
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.

Tuesday:  Einville to Schneckbush
Privately-owned Renaissance Chateau
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.

Wednesday:  Schneckbush to Lutzelbourg
Incredible barge lift!
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.

Thursday:  Lutzelbourg to Saverne
Adorable villages and winetasting on the Route de Vin
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.

Friday:  Saverne to Strasbourg
So much to see in Strasbourg!
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.

Saturday:  Strasbourg Transfer
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, we'll chauffeur you to any destination in Strasbourg or immediate environs:  A local hotel, rental car office, airport or train station.  (from where TGV trains depart regularly to Paris, arrive in less than three hours!).

Please note:This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barge cruises in Alsace - Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

La Nouvelle Etoile

Guest Book

"Our barge trip was a true vacation.  You can't help but slow down and enjoy the wonderful experience of food, scenery and history."
-Allan and Nancy Miner, 2010

"Thank you Ellen for arranging another wonderful trip for us! We received a very warm welcome from Jan and Diana and their crew. The care and attention that they have given to their barge and to making the trip a perfect experience for their guests is evident. Thoughtful extras such as the use of  laundry facilities and being able to keep in touch with friends and family by email were appreciated.  We were extremely comfortable and our room (I refuse to call it a cabin as this was a proper room!) and shower room were truly spacious. The food was beautifully balanced and accompanied by an interesting selection of wines. I adore Champagne and I certainly got my share on this trip, both on and off the barge!  It was fascinating to visit both a major Champagne House and a smaller, family run, business; the two visits were quite different but together provided a wealth of information about the production and storage of my favorite drink.  The daily trips were very well chosen and, perhaps surprisingly, one which stood out for us was a thought provoking visit to Belleau woods and cemeteries near Château Thierry where US and German troops, who fought and died in June 1918 during a strategically important engagement of World War I, are buried or commemorated. We can't wait for next summer and our return to La Nouvelle Etoile for our Nancy/Strasbourg trip!"
- Margaret Harding and Paul Hewitt, 2010

"The cruise was deluxe and better than anything we expected.  The Meijers were not only superb operators, they are delightful, cheerful, entertaining people.  Richard the Chef was over the top wonderful.  I would follow him on any barge.  Every effort was made to accommodate all wishes.  We got off and walked - much needed as food and wine was abundant at meals.  I would do the trip again but lose at least 5 pounds before departure!"
-Deborah and Richard Kessler, 2010

"Words cannot explain what a wonderful trip it was.  The crew and Jan and Diana went beyond the duties as host and hostess.  Richard's food was to die for, there was nothing I did not enjoy.  My whole family was overwhelmed with everything and enjoyed the evenings sitting around reviewing the days travels.  Wow - what an experience - beyond my wildest dreams.  Thank You!"
-Helen Poe, 2009

"A truly once in a lifetime experience that our entire family enjoyed.  Diana, Jan and the crew were so friendly and accomodating, paying attention to important detail.  The newspapers and fresh pastries were delightful each morning.  I'd recommend this barge to anyone interested in wine and vacationing.  Diana presented each food course so elequently, it was delicious before we even tasted it!"
-Jeff and Barb Perlmutter, 2009

"Loved the barge trip.  The accomodations, crew and ambiance was the best and really wonderful.  We plan to take another trip with Jan and Diana, hopefully soon."
-Kevin and Marsha Jennings, 2009

"WOW...Thank you so much for recommending the Nouvelle Etoile.  It was the most luxurious barge we have ever sailed on, but you know that.  Luxury is nice but the food, the staff and the owners were right up there as well.  Jan and Diana were wonderful.  We definitely want to do some additional trips with them.  One in Holland and one on the Moselle, which Jan recommends.  Thank you for everything you did for us and our friends to make it such a wonderful holiday."
-Elaine Lee, 2009

"It was by far the most luxurious trip we've taken.  The personal attention, excellent cuisine (I can't just use the word "food"), fabulous wines, relaxed and friendly atmosphere - we just had such a great time!  We made new friends with the other passengers and felt like we were leaving family when we had to say good bye to Jan and Diana!  The whole crew was so gracious and professional.  The ship (again, I can't just call it a "barge") was spotless, beautifully appointed and very comfortable. I tell my friends we were on a luxurious yacht!"
-Thomas and Kathy Coyle, 2009

"The most upscale barge I have been on and I have been on at least two dozen barges and river boats.  Can you believe an elevator on a two-deck barge?  Hope to do it in the Champagne area next year."
-Ada and Erik Paulsen, 2008

"As our friends summed it up, you hit a Home Run.  Jan and Diana couldn't have been better host and hostess - they provide everything you need and then some.  The tours in Ireland and Germany were great - What's next?"
-Robert and Judy Drotman, 2008

"We have taken many barge trips and this was among the best - due to the staff and service provided.  We loved Captain Jan Meijer!"
-Robert and Eugenia Mills, 2008

"What a glorious trip! This barge exceeded our expectations - none of our 4 previous barge trips was quite this grand!  The barge, captain and crew, food, side trips - all superb.  One thing that really impressed me was the quietness of the cabins - we never heard from anyone else.  I would highly recommend La Nouvelle Etoile to anyone.  Thanks, Ellen for the great job you did for us."
-Henry and Diana Moog, 2008

"The service by the staff was 5 star or higher.  This was the most intimate and relaxing vacations we have ever taken.  If you enjoy good conversation, beautiful sights, excellent wine, superb food, quality accomodations and relaxation, this is the trip for you!"
-Larry and Frances Anne Collmann, 2008

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.
-Lovely piano in the salon.
-Elevator. One suite wheelchair accessible.
-Washer/dryer for guest use.
-Jacuzzi on deck.
-Exercize Room with machines and free weights.