Cruise through this breathtaking mountainous region with lots of German influence! From the Lalique collection of elegant crystal pieces to the Art Nouveau city of Nancy, 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 aperitifs and some traditional Alsatian ‘Flammekueche’. Unusual for a typical French cruise, guests indulge in a beer tasting at the Meteor Brewery, founded in 1640 and now the last privately-owned brewery in Alsace. Hand selected wine pairings from the many nearby vineyards round out the Panache’s marvelous dining program. Enjoy this video about the Meteor Brewery!
Last visited in 2016
