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Home Our Vessels Alsace & Lorraine Barge Cruise on board Panache

France

Alsace & Lorraine Barge Cruise on board Panache

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Mixing German and French architectures, wine, cuisine and even language, Alsace and Lorraine have a completely distinct feel to the rest of France. Home to fairy tale castles, rolling vineyards, ancient battlegrounds and mountaintop villages, this less-visited corner of France is both fascinating and picturesque.

This six-day cruise begins in the historic city of Strasbourg and passes through the beautiful Alsatian countryside on its journey along the Canal de la Marne au Rhin. On shore, highlights include the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of Strasbourg, private wine tasting and visits to the medieval castle and Rene Lalique collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware in the mountain village of La Petite Pierre. Ascend the unique Arzviller boat elevator, lifting the Panache some 450 feet up the mountainside and cruise through the Arzviller tunnels by candlelight.

There are also optional excursions for beer tasting and an early morning visit to a local patisserie as well as plenty of opportunities to cycle or walk along the canal.

On board Panache

Panache is a stylish and spacious hotel barge decorated in a traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings. Each of the six cabins has an ensuite bathroom with twin hand basins and oversized showers.

Departure dates

Panache departs Strasbourg every Sunday between June and October and cruises in the opposite direction on alternate weeks.

Ship Information

Crew: 6
Music: CD player/iPod dock
Cabins (en-suite): 6
Sleeps: 12
Communal Areas: Sun Deck and Spa Pool
Telescope: 1
Touring bikes: 12
Wifi: (subject to local reception)
Other: Air Conditioning and Central Heating

Alternative boats

Our travel experts have years of knowledge and between them and have personally inspected or travelled on board many of the boats we offer.

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France

Alsace & Lorraine Barge Cruise on board Panache

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Very satisfied with all aspects of our trip. Steppes kept us fully informed of the progress of the arrangements and gave us various choices of hotels.

Nick

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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Vessel Ice Rating Comparison Chart.

We use the Llyod Register scale to signify the ice rating of our vessels but you can see how that scale aligns with other scales in the chart below.

Mame / Country of Register

Ice thickness (cm)

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Ice thickness (cm)

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Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super