Lorraine
Barging in Alsace-Lorraine

Passengers: 22
Size: 128 feet long
Rating: First Class, A/C

The owner of Lorraine has announced that the vessel will not be cruising in 2012.  Please call us at 800-880-0071 for fabulous alternate suggestions, both in Alsace-Lorraine and other areas of France. We hope to see the renovated Lorraine back in our product line for 2013.

 Lorraine holds down a fascinating route in Alsace - Lorraine, where French and German cultures intertwine. (The villages look German, the wines taste French! ) This beautiful route contains some of the most interesting and varied sightseeing in all of barging, including a barge "lift" that hauls Lorraine up 150 feet from the River Marne to the Rhine Canal! Other excursions include Strasbourg, a wonderful city with great shopping; Colmar, renowned for Renaissance and Medieval architecture; wine tasting in typical village; and the Chapel of Cordeliers, with its famed Chagal window.

We have always recommended this gorgeous itinerary and the barge Lorraine for its outstanding value-priced cruising. Lorraine is about to become an even better choice.  Young and enthusiastic crew keeps the ambiance festive and a French chef rules the kitchen. A great choice for 11 couples on a whole-boat charter, as the cabins are identical. Highly praised by our guests!

Lorraine

Alsace-Lorraine Cruise Itinerary

KRAFFT to xouxange

Saturday: Krafft
Welcome Aboard!
From Paris Gare de L’Est Train Station, take Lyria #9217, depart Paris 2:24pm, arrive Strasbourg 4:45pm. You will be met at the front door of the Station beginning at 4:45pm and Lorraine crew will also be in the Station to guide you. (The cost of these and other train tickets is in addition to the cruise price. We would be happy to book these before your departure – and recommend that you do so.) From there you will be transferred to The Lorraine, moored in Krafft. You will be welcomed aboard and meet the crew while your bags are put in your cabin. Following the welcome drink and orientation you will have a short time before your first gourmet dinner aboard Lorraine.

Sunday: Krafft to Strasbourg
Fabulous all-day excursion to Colmar - plus private winetasting
After breakfast we begin cruising from Krafft toward Strasbourg. Before lunch we will board our air conditioned coach to Colmar, renowned for its magnificent medieval and Renaissance buildings, 13th-century collegiate church, and the waterside Little Venice district. This is an all day program. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Colmar feasting on one of the specialties of the region. In addition to your guided tour you will have some free time to explore. Stop at the Unterlinden Museum, famous for its Renaissance art and home to the “Issenheim Altarpiece.” We will return to the barge, now moored in Strasbourg, through the famous "Route Des Vins" a small road running at the base of the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, parallel to the Rhine, and through the famous vineyards of Alsace. We pause in picturesque Medieval Riquewihr for a wine tasting of local vintages and souvenir shopping before returning to Lorraine.

Monday: Strasbourg to Hochfelden
Begin to cruise into the heart of Alsace
We cast off early and cruise over breakfast toward Strasbourg centre. We enter the heart of Strasbourg and pass through the commercial docks before leaving the city to the north. We pass the ultra modern buildings of the European Parliament. Here we will disembark for a guided walking tour of the principal sights of Strasbourg with its cobbled streets and timbered houses. The unique beauty of picturesque “petite France” riverside district is magnificent. The remarkable cathedral of Notre Dame, whose construction spread over five centuries from the Romanesque choir to the flamboyant gothic spire, is a highlight. Afterwards we continue cruising to Hochfelden and our mooring for tonight. There is ample opportunity to walk between locks on the tow path or to bicycle into nearby villages. Overnight in the picturesque village of Hochfelden.

Tuesday: Hochfelden to Saverne
Taste French Beers!
This morning we begin cruising after breakfast passing several typical Alsatian villages where ancient documents prove there was a brewery as early as 870 A.D. All French beer is brewed in Alsace. We will visit a small local brewery and sample some delicious Alsatian Beer. This day provides us with excellent opportunities for walking and cycling (perhaps diverting to a bierstub to appreciate the product of a local brewery). Later, a delightful afternoon cruise brings us to the picturesque small town of Saverne.

Wednesday: Saverne to Lutzelbourg
Crystal Factory and Ancient Ruins
After breakfast we make a short drive to visit a unique crystal factory to see the most famous products of this area. Alsace has long been the crystal center of Europe. You will visit a crystal factory where you can watch the glass as it comes out of the furnace and is turned into wonderful works of art. But the real skill is in the cutting. Professional crystal cutters go to school for 4 years and do a 3 year apprenticeship. Beautiful pieces of crystal are still individually blown and fashioned by hand. Each of you will have an opportunity to try your hand at the cutting wheel. Back on board, cruise into Lorraine to the beautiful town of Lutzelbourg nestled in the Vosges mountains. In Lutzelbourg there is the ruins of an old fortress, and dozens of beautiful walking trails through the nearby hills. Bring some walking shoes. There will be time to explore this canal side city before dinner.

Thursday: Lutzelbourg to Xouxange
Petite Chapel with a window designed by Chagall
We begin a morning cruise by entering the steep-sided valley of the River Zorn to the famous inclined plane of Arzwiller, pictured at right. Here, a counterbalanced barge lift hauls us up nearly 150 feet to the Marne to Rhine Canal. We then cruise through a cutting and two tunnels under the peak of the Vosges Mountains. We continue along the summit pound, the highest section, of the Marne to Rhine canal. This section of some thirty kilometers with no locks passes through the regional park of Lorraine, a nature reserve with numerous lakes and vast areas of woodland. The canal then begins its descent towards the plain of Lorraine through a series of locks, the first of which was built in the nineteen-fifties to replace a flight of seven of the original early nineteenth century locks and has a drop of nearly fifty feet. This afternoon we will take the coach for a drive to Sarrebourg and visit the chapel of the Cordelieres where we can see the stained glass window created by Marc Chagall. This day full of art has some pleasant surprises. We arrive at the peaceful village of Xouaxange. This sleepy little village is great for exploring. We return to Lorraine for our farewell gala dinner.

Friday: Coach Transfer to Strasbourg Rail Station
A Sad Farewell
Lorraine will be moored in Xouaxange. You will depart between 9:00am – 9:30 am and chauffeured back to the Strasbourg Train Station. Estimated driving time is two hours. Please book this departure train back to Paris Gare de L’Est: TGV #2082, depart Strasbourg 12:10 pm, arrive Paris 2:34 pm. Should you wish to transfer directly to Charles de Gaulle, take TGV #5422, depart Strasbourg 12:03 pm, arrive CDG 2:39 pm. Other departure plans may include renting a car at or near the Train Station; most of the major rental car companies have offices there. Cabs line up to take you to the Strasbourg Airport or local hotel. Please make all onward travel plans on the basis of this announced timing. We hope to see you again on the French canals! What about a cruise in Burgundy on the Caprice, the sister ship to Lorraine?

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 Barging and river cruises in France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

---

xouxange to krafft

Saturday: Drive to Xouxange to Begin Your Cruise
Moor in the heart of rural France
From Paris Gare de L’Est Train Station, take Lyria #9217, depart Paris 2:24pm, arrive Strasbourg 4:45pm. You will be met at the front door of the Station beginning at 4:45pm and Lorraine crew will also be in the Station to guide you. (The cost of these and other train tickets is in addition to the cruise price. We would be happy to book these before your departure – and recommend that you do so.) You will then transfer to Lorraine moored in Xouxange, an adorable small village which is a two hour drive from Strasbourg. As the luggage is taken to the cabins, the crew will welcome us aboard with Kir Royal. Feel free to have a walk around the village before your first gourmet dinner on board.


Sunday: Xouxange to Lutzelbourg
Window Designed by Chagall and Famous Barge Lift
We begin with a morning full of Art. We will take the coach for a drive to Sarrebourg and visit the chapel of the Cordelieres where we can see the stained glass window created by Marc Chagall. The museum has other pieces of Art including the famous Chagall Tapestry with its many meanings. This day full of art has some pleasant surprises. We will return to Lorraine and begin a very picturesque day of cruising. We cruise through the Regional Park of Lorraine (a sort of national park) along a stretch of canal with 30 kilometers without locks. Our cruise then passes through two tunnels under the peak of the Vosges Mountains. At last we arrive at the famous inclined plane of Arzwiller where we will enter a barge lift and be lowered 150 feet to the the steep-sided valley of the River Zorn to the famous inclined plane of Arzwiller. We continue to cruise the most picturesque canal route in France, to the beautiful town of Lutzelbourg nestled in the Vosges mountains. In Lutzelbourg there is the ruins of an old fortress, and dozens of beautiful walking trails through the nearby hills. Bring some walking shoes. There will be time to explore this canal side town before dinner. If you think this was a great day, it just keeps getting better.

Monday: Lutzelbourg to Saverne
How elegant crystal is created
Today’s shore excursions is a visit to visit a unique crystal factory to see the most famous products of this area. Alsace has long been the crystal centre of Europe. You will visit a crystal factory where you can watch the glass as it comes out of the furnace and is turned into wonderful works of art. But the real skill is in the cutting. Professional crystal cutters go to school for 4 years and do a 3 year apprenticeship. Beautiful pieces of crystal are still individually blown and fashioned by hand. Each of you will have an opportunity to try your had at the cutting wheel. Later, a delightful afternoon cruise brings us to the picturesque small town of Saverne. We will moor opposite an ancient Royal Palace.

Tuesday: Saverne to Hochfelden
Taste French Beers!
This morning we begin cruising after breakfast passing several typical Alsatian villages where ancient documents prove there was a brewery as early as 870 A.D. All French beer is brewed in Alsace. We will visit a small local brewery and sample some delicious Alsatian Beer. This day provides us with excellent opportunities for walking and cycling (perhaps diverting to a bierstub to appreciate the product of a local brewery). There is ample opportunity to walk between locks on the tow path or to bicycle into nearby villages. Overnight in the picturesque village of Hochfelden.

Wednesday: Hochfelden to Strasbourg
So much to see in Strasbourg!

We cast off early and cruise over breakfast toward Strasbourg centre. We enter the heart of Strasbourg and pass through the commercial docks. We will pass the ultra modern buildings of the European Parliament as Strasbourg is the capital of the European Union.. Here we will disembark for a guided walking tour of the principal sights of Strasbourg with its cobbled streets and timbered houses. The unique beauty of picturesque “petite France” riverside district is magnificent. The remarkable cathedral of Notre Dame, whose construction spread over five centuries from the Romanesque choir to the flamboyant gothic spire, is a highlight.


Thursday:  Strasbourg to Krafft
Fabulous all-day excursion to Colmar - plus private winetasting
After breakfast we begin cruising toward Krafft. Before lunch we will board our air conditioned coach and set off for Colmar, renowned for its magnificent medieval and Renaissance buildings, 13th-century collegiate church, and the waterside Little Venice district. This is an all day program. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Colmar feasting on one of the specialties of the region. In addition to your guided tour you will have some free time to explore. Stop at the Unterlinden Museum, famous for its Renaissance art and home to the “Issenheim Altarpiece.” We will return to the barge, now moored in Krafft, through the famous "Route Des Vins" a small road running at the base of the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, parallel to the Rhine, and through the famous vineyards of Alsace. We pause in picturesque Medieval Riquewihr for a wine tasting of local vintages and souvenir shopping before returning to Lorraine. We return to Lorraine moored in Krafft for our farewell gala dinner.


Friday: Coach Transfer to Strasbourg Rail Station
A Sad Farewell
Lorraine will be moored in Krafft, a village located a short drive from Strasbourg. You will depart at 10:00am and chauffeured back to the Strasbourg Rail Station, estimated arrival time is 10:30am. There will be plenty of time to board TGV # 2082, depart Strasbourg 12:10pm, arrive Paris Gare de L'Est at 2:34pm. There are major car rental office at the Strasbourg Rail Station and cabs line up to take you to your Strasbourg hotel or to the Strasbourg airport. Do not book a flight out of Strasbourg before 1:00pm on the day the cruise departs. Breakfast is your last on-board meal. We hope to see you again, perhaps on Caprice, Lorraine's sister ship in Burgundy!

Lorraine

Guest Book

"After cruising a few years ago on the Luciole, expectations were high, but they were met!  The cuisine and the staff were excellent.  Our favorite sightseeing excursions were the visits the Colmar, the stork preserve and the incline lift. 

We love barge vacations, and this was no exception.  We are treated like royalty with every request met with a smile.  All of the crew were charming.  Only complaint - too much of too good food!"
-Ben and Daphne Preyer, cruised October 2011

"This cruise was great fun and a pleasant experience!  The accommodations and food were great, the staff excellent and we had fantastic weather which was a bonus!"
-Brian and Janis Bell, 2010

"We had a great time.  The other passengers were lots of fun and Armel was a great guide - knowledgeable and good sense of humor."
-Raymond and Sandra Trull, 2010

"Barging is a beautiful and peaceful way to tour the French countryside.  Add the delicious cuisine and wine to make a perfect holiday."
- Allen and Faith Hastings, 2010

"There were seven crew members - all helpful and personable.  The bathroom was better than expected - great, thick towels and washcloths!  The sightseeing featured Roman history and wonderful churches.  The route is 80 miles long with over 40 locks!  At every port, guests can get off and walk or bike along the beautiful path.  We cruised through fields full of red poppies, saw rural views, and also cruised past adorable villages."
- Bill and Pat Fleming, 2010

"Fantastic!  The food was outstanding!  After telling friends about this experience, they are planning to book a barge trip in 2010."
-Jo Anne Eschler, 2009

"The tours were varied.  Our favorite was the beertasting - and we loved Colmar!"
-Cliff and Laura Wood, 2008

"Just a quick note from Kelly and I to say that we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.  The crew, the boat, the tours, everything including the weather were absolutely awesome and we will certainly recommend it to our friends.  Thanks, too, for your attention to detail and speedy responses."
-Greg and Kelly Banks, 2008

"Great Trip, can't wait to do another next year!"
-Doug and Paula Groseclose, 2008

"Fellow passengers were lots of fun and interacted very well with six in our Seattle group.  The entire staff was always friendly and helpful.  Helen, cruise manager, made special accomodation for Jane's allergy to "oaked" wines."
-Louis and Jane Lambert, 2008

Lorraine Floor Plan

128 feet long
-11 Cabins 110 sq ft, all with twin beds and large windows.
-Lounge/bar and separate dining room with modern decor and large windows.
-New for 2011: Brand new air-conditioning, hardwood flooring on the upper level, all new carpeting on the lower level.
-Sundeck with canopy.
-Laptop computer - extra charge
-French cell phones for rent.