Panache
Barging in Alsace-Lorraine

Passengers: 12	English Speaking Crew of: 6
Size: 128 feet long	Bicycles: 12
Last Visited: 2012	Air Conditioned: Yes
Rating: Deluxe

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, pickup and drop off at a designated meeting point in Strasbourg, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, transportation to and from Strasbourg (we will assist you with this), cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2013 Value Season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $50,400
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $51,700
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $53,000
Individuals: $4,890 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,750

2013 Value Season dates

June 16 - 22	August 4 - 10	October 6 - 12	October 21 - 27
July 21 - 27	August 11 - 17	October 13 - 19
July 28 - August 3	August 18 - 24	October 20 - 26

2013 regular Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $58,000
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $59,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $61,000
Individuals: $5,690 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,950

2013 regular Season dates

June 23 - 29	August 25 - 31	September 15 - 21
June 30 - July 6	September 1- 7	September 22 - 28
July 7 - 13	September 8 - 14	September 29 - October 5

The Panache is well-known to us as the former Marjorie II, which Go Barging/European Waterways recently purchased and launched in the Alsace-Lorraine region. Panache spends the first part of the season in Holland and it was there that Ellen visited this barge, moored in the chic and historic town of Haarlem. Ellen said: “We were among the first in the industry to visit Panache, now painted in the colors of the Go Barging fleet, but otherwise unchanged. A good thing, too, because this has always been an especially beautiful and spacious vessel! Six identical cabins are well designed, as are the spacious en-suite bathrooms featuring double sinks. The large deck is a definite plus, as is the hot tub. Twelve guests will be very comfortable on the Panache!

Panache will operate with six in crew, all of them experienced – in fact, we had met the Barge Manager some 25 years ago! There will be two mini-vans to chauffeur guests to excursions and to provide the maximum of flexibility. Dining specialties of the Alsace-Lorraine region will be offered, along with classic French cuisine. Guests dine at a dining room table of contemporary - yet comfortable – design. The piano in the lounge adds another nice touch.

This is a very special area, reflecting both French and German heritages. The villages and castles are the stuff of fairy tales, while the barge cruises through forests and hills. Panache visits many major sites, as well as offering lunch in a gorgeous castle perched high over the area and winetasting on the famed Route des Grand Crus. The area has a major artistic heritage, as well. From the Lalique collection of elegant crystal pieces to the Art Nouveau city of Nancy, there is much for culture lovers to enjoy.

A high point of the route is the famed Arzviller Boat Lift, a giant open air elevator taking the vessel up or down some 17 stories. Panache guests will have a ”front row seat” on this incredible experience, enjoying a candlelit brunch on the spacious deck!!!

Panache

Alsace-Lorraine Barge Cruise Itinerary

XOUAXANGE TO StrasBourg

In the Alsace - Lorraine

Sunday: Board in Xouaxange
Welcome to Panache!
You will arrive to the Strasbourg Train Station between 4:00 - 4:30 pm.  From here Panache crew will meet you and chauffeur you to the barge moored in Xouaxange.  Estimated drive time is 1 hour.  A traditional ‘Champagne Welcome’ awaits you and an introduction to your crew and barge. Maybe take a stroll or bike ride and explore the area before your first gourmet dinner on board.

Monday: Xouaxange to Arzviller
13th Century Chapel with Stained Glass Windows by Chagall
Morning cruise to Arzviller through the game filled natural park and forest of the Lorraine. A candlelit meal will be served whilst passing through the two Arzvillier tunnels - one of the highlights of the week. In the afternoon we tour the interesting town of Sarrebourg, including visits to the 13th century chapel containing remarkable stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall, and the impressive museum with its collection of Roman and Medieval artefacts. Then, returning to the barge there is enough time for a stroll along the path of the old lock system around the Arzviller boat lift. Dinner on board

Tuesday: Arzviller to Lutzelbourg
Panache Ascends the Heights on the Arzviller Boat Lift!
This morning we descend the Arzviller boat lift. This unique barge elevator allows a vessel to glide effortlessly down the mountainside in minutes, thus avoiding 17 traditional locks and an additional day's navigation. After lunch we visit the mountain top village of La Petite Pierre with its medieval castle fortified by the personal architect of Louis XIV, Sebastien Le Prestre Vauban. After a short drive, we tour the outstanding René Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware, chandelier and designs depicting the Belle Epoque era. In nearby Wingen-sur-Moder is also the World War II battleground where American infantry confronted some of Germany’s most seasoned veterans. Before dinner we enjoy the outstanding views along the Zorn valley from the nearby 12th century castle ruins. Dinner ashore at Restaurant des Vosges.


Wednesday: Lutzelbourg to Saverne
Visit a Local Baker and Tour a Hilltop Chateau
We start the day with a visit to one of the local bakeries to watch skilled bread makers and patissiers at work preparing their delicious creations. Then a morning cruise through the Valley of the Zorn and forest to the enchanting village of Saverne, where history traces back over 20 centuries to the Gallo-Roman Times. We moor at the foot of the Chateau de Rohan, also known as the Versailles of the Alsace with its monumental classicistic façade. Depart the barge and transfer to the hilltop 11th century Château du Haut Barr, a former residence of the bishops of Strasbourg with its Roman chapel and Gothic choir, before strolling the narrow streets of Saverne. Dinner on board.

Thursday: Saverne to Waltenheim-sur-zorn
Private Winetasting
This morning we visit the farmers’ market before enjoying a cruise through the beautiful Alsatien countryside to the picturesque village of Waltenheim-sur-zorn. After lunch we take a scenic drive into the rolling Vosges hills and Route des Grands Vin, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced, for followed by a private wine tasting with the Mosbach family of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling have been produced here for over 200 years. Dinner on board.

Friday: Waltenheim-sur-zorn to Strasbourg
Tour Strasbourg
Today we will finish the cruise in Strasbourg at Parc d’etoiles in the heart of Strasbourg. After lunch enjoy a tour of the beautiful Capital city of Europe including, of course, a visit to the 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and massive spire. We visit Place Gutenberg and pass the impressive Protestant church of St-Thomas, leaving enough time to explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half timbered houses, boutique shops and cafes. Returning to the barge we enjoy our Captains Farewell Dinner on board

Saturday: Strasbourg
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to the Strasbourg Train Station for a morning train.  If you are returning to Paris, estimated arrive time is 12 noon.  Alternatively, pick up a rental car or book a flight out of Strasbourg – but make an onward travel plans on the basis of this timing.

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.

Panache
Guest Book

"Everything went exactly as your material said it would. It was a very good cruise and met my expectations. The cabin was large and very nice. The barge crew and climate were excellent. It really was better than expected. I think it was as perfect as a trip like this can get. The excursions were well done with Guide Frilon doing a great job of driving and explaining. Overall this is an excellent barge trip. The barge was the best I've ever been on. It was new and clean and spacious.  The Barge Lady is great with the pre-trip material."
- George Byam, cruised October, 2012 (repeat Barge Lady guest)

Panache Floor Plan

128 Feet long
6 large cabins - 170 sq ft
One queen or two twin beds
-Double sink and large shower in each bathroom
TV, and good sized windows
In the Public Areas
-Elegant, modern decor with big picture windows in salon, dining room
-Piano in the lounge
-Large deck with Jacuzzi on deck
13 Bicycles
12 touring bicycles
Plus one tandem bicycle