Premier

Panache

France, Alsace-Lorraine
Cruise Along the Canal de la Marne au Rhine and the Canal du Rhone au Rhin

Check-in Time / Location 4:15 PM in Strasbourg

Capacity
12 Guests
Crew Members
6
Booking Type
Charter & Cabin bookings

Cruise through this breathtaking mountainous region with lots of German influence! From the Lalique collection of elegant crystal pieces to the Marc Chagall-designed stained glass windows in Sarrebourg, there is much for culture lovers to explore on this fascinating route.

A spacious and contemporary two-story vessel, the Panache gleams with elegant décor and chic design. Roomy cabins offer generous storage space, and the modern bathrooms feature a double sink. Handsome leather couches in the lovely salon provide the perfect perch for enjoying a glass of wine with friends or cozying up with a good book and a cup of tea. Those who appreciate more active pursuits can stroll or cycle along the towpath, perhaps after a refreshing soak in the hot tub.

From the expansive Grand Cru vineyards of the Alsace to the iconic stained glass windows of Marc Chagall, there is much on this cruise route for culture lovers to explore. Excursions introduce guests to the region’s culinary heritage, artisan producers, and lively towns. A highlight of this route is experiencing the famed 450 foot Arzviller Boat Lift, which allows vessels to easily cross into the Vosges Mountains. An engineering marvel of epic proportions, this massive open air elevator lifts the barge up (or down) while guests will have a “front row seat” to this unique thrill.

Food and drink reflects the local flavors and culinary customs of this idiosyncratic region. Guests enjoy a visit to a traditional inn, or ‘bierstub’, for an evening of classic Alsatian dishes such as ‘Flammekueche’, while hand selected wine pairings from the many nearby vineyards round out the Panache’s marvelous dining program.

Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan

Accommodations
  • 126 ft long, with 6’8 ceiling height throughout
  • Six cabins, all 150 sq ft, 6’8” ceiling height
  • All with choice of one Queen or two twin beds
  • Ensuite bathroom with shower
  • Salon and dining room
  • Deck with umbrellas
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
Amenities
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Bicycles and Helmets
Bicycles and Helmets
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Safe
Safe
Hot Tub on Deck
Hot Tub on Deck
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets

Itineraries

Travel from Niderviller to Krafft along the Canal de la Marne au Rhine and the Canal du Rhone au Rhin

Bicycling Opportunities:
Adequate 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrive in Niderviller
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Panache at the designated meeting point in Strasbourg. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in Niderviller. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before the first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Monday
The Arzviller Boat Lift!monday image
The Arzviller Boat Lift!
Travel: Niderviller to Lutzelbourg
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Begin the day with a candlelit breakfast cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels, then descend the Arzviller Boat Lift, a unique nautical elevator that carries Panache 450 feet down the mountains in minutes! After a tour of a local crystal shop, cruise this afternoon through beautiful woodlands and countryside. Relax on deck with a glass of wine and admire the scenery. An afternoon excursion presents Marc Chagall’s remarkable stained glass windows in Sarrebourg, followed by Alsatian themed appetizers and dinner onboard.

Tuesday
A Collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco Glasswaretuesday image
A Collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco Glassware
Travel: Lutzelbourg to Saverne
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Early risers will enjoy an optional visit to a local bakery to watch skilled patissiers create their delicious confections. A morning cruise offers the perfect opportunity to laze on deck, or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. This afternoon, discover over 500 superb examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco crystal at the Rene Lalique museum. Dedicated to France's master craftsman of fine glass, the Lalique collection is housed in an old glassworks factory. Your Tour Guide returns you to the Panache for drinks and dinner.

Wednesday
Gorgeous Countryside Viewswednesday image
Gorgeous Countryside Views
Travel: Saverne to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

The adventures begin today with a walking tour of Saverne, which was once the seat of the diocese for several centuries. Admire the Chateau de Rohan, well-known as the “Versailles of Alsace”, and located opposite the Panache’s mooring. Then it’s on to the hilltop Chateau Haut-Barr for its wonderful views over the countryside. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge for an afternoon cruise, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the towpath on foot or by bicycle. Freshen up, as dinner is ashore at a traditional Alsatian auberge.

Thursday
A Grape Time Was Had by Allthursday image
A Grape Time Was Had by All
Travel: Waltenheim-sur-Zorn to Strasbourg
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Winetasting is always a welcome excursion on the Panache! This morning, take a scenic drive to the Route des Grands Crus where the finest wines of Alsace are produced. Discover the secrets of producing such wines as Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Riesling, and of course enjoy a special sampling. Return to Panache for an afternoon cruise, gliding through the beautiful Brumath Forest, and explore the local flora and fauna by foot or bicycle. Dinner onboard is enhanced by tonight’s exciting mooring in the heart of one of Europe’s top capitals.

Friday
A Stroll Through Strasbourgfriday image
A Stroll Through Strasbourg
Travel: Strasbourg to Krafft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning's excursion is to the capital city of the Alsace-Lorraine region, Strasbourg. Discover the extraordinary 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and a soaring spire; then sip, shop, and stroll your way through the charming pedestrian boulevards. Return to the barge for a lazy afternoon cruise, crossing the Gran Ried wetlands, home to an abundance of wildlife, before arriving at the final mooring. Savor cocktails and canapes before the gala Captain’s Dinner onboard.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer to Strasbourg
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to a designated drop off point in Strasbourg.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • Flammenkueche Tarte with Crème Fraîche, Bacon, and Onions
  • Grilled Strasbourg Sausages with Potato and Leek Quenelles, Seasonal Vegetable Sautee
  • Cheeses: Saint Maure de Touraine, Abondance, Crottin de Chavignol
  • A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
Dinner
  • Wild Mushrooms in a Puff Pastry
  • Roasted Breast of Duck in a Red Wine and Alsatian Cherries Reduction
  • Cheeses: Valencay, Comté, Roquefort
  • Poached Pears with Gingerbread Ice Cream
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
  • 1 Dinner Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Wine
  • Domaine Chanson Beaune 1er Cru
  • Domaine Jaffelin Nuits-St-George
  • Famille Lignères Château La Baronne “Alaric” Corbières
  • Riesling Grand Cru
  • Chablis 1er Cru Pouilly Fuisse
  • Cremant d’Alsace

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 12 guests$79,500$92,500
Private Cruise for 11 guests$77,500$90,300
Private Cruise for 10 guests$75,500$88,100
Private Cruise for 9 guests$73,500$85,900
Private Cruise for up to 8 guests$71,100$83,300
Double Cabin (Per Person, Double Occupancy)$7,390$8,490
Single-Occupancy Supplement$2,700$3,000

Dates

2025 Regular Season Departures

May 25-31
June 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-5
July 6-12, 13-19
August 24-30, 31-6
September 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
October 5-11, 12-18

2025 Value Season Departures

July 20-26, 27-2
August 3-9, 10-16, 17-23
October 19-25, 26-1

Barge Panache offers additional cruise weeks in Holland.
Click here to view Panache’s Holland cruise itinerary.

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Strasbourg
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 12 guests $79,500$92,500
Private Cruise for 11 guests $77,500$90,300
Private Cruise for 10 guests $75,500$88,100
Private Cruise for 9 guests $73,500$85,900
Private Cruise for up to 8 guests$71,100$83,300
Double Cabin (Per Person, Double Occupancy)$7,390$8,490
Single-Occupancy Supplement$2,700$3,000

Dates

2026 Regular Season Departures

May 24-30, 31-6
June 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
July 5-11, 12-18
August 23-29, 30-5
September 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
October 4-10, 11- 17

2026 Value Season Departures

July 19-25, 26-1
August 2-8, 9-15, 16-22
October 18-24, 25-31

Barge Panache offers additional cruise weeks in Holland.
Click here to view Panache’s Holland cruise itinerary.

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Strasbourg
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Panache Route

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of Alsace-Lorraine?

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