Alsace Canal Cruise
Canal de la Marne au Rhin
Relax and be enveloped
in the magic of Colibri
2025 barge cruise
This cruise will include some amazing features along the canal, the incline slope of Arzviller, taking us on a change of level of over 44 metres and two short tunnels at the summit of the canal, the beautiful winding section where the canal follows the Zorn river valley, and the etangs full of wild bird life. On our visits we will take in hilltop castles, beautiful wine villages, crystal glass and enjoy exploring this beautiful region of France. For this cruise we will be serving wonderful local wines, enhanced by sumptuous wines from throughout France.
Alsace cruise – sample itinerary
Sunday Guest will be met by Captain Earl at noon, from the pre-arranged pick up point. Transferred to Colibri for a glass of bubbles and a warm welcome aboard, followed by your first Colibri lunch. After lunch we begin our cruise from our mooring near the village of Waltenheim-sur-Zorn, through the countryside to the village of Lupstein. A lovely mooring place to enjoy your first splendid dinner aboard Colibri.
Monday This morning, after breakfast we head out in the car along the Route des Vins and head deep into the wine region of Alsace to the beautiful village of Barr. Here we take in the sites and visit one of the excellent wineries for a private tasting. Back to Colibri for lunch before it is time to take up your positions for a stunning cruise heading towards the town of Saverne. A great place to explore and stretch your legs before dinner.
Tuesday Our visit today is to the hill top chapel at Dabo. Built from rose sandstone on a rock rising 664 metres above sea level, with fabulous 360° panoramic views over the Vosges mountains. We visit the small village of Dabo with its crystal glass maker and the chance for a pause in a café to watch the world go by. On the way back to Colibri we take in the ruined castle of Lutzelbourg, great views over looking the canal and our mooring this evening. After lunch we cruise through the beautiful valley of the Zorn river, winding up the valley to the village of Lutzelbourg, ready for tonights delightful dinner aboard.
Wednesday As we have explored the countryside you may have noticed the hop fields, today we head to one of the oldest breweries in France. A very interesting visit and tasting should you desire. This afternoons cruise takes us to the Plan incline d’Arzviller, an impressive construction. We take the ‘lift’ and climb over 44 metres, replacing a staircase of 17 locks. The water slope was built in the sixties and opened in 1969. It now takes just over half an hour to reach the top or bottom gliding effortlessly using a system of weights and balances. There will be the opportunity to explore the canals past route and the old locks, before aperitifs and dinner.
Thursday Our tour today takes you through the Vosges mountains and forests to the village of Wigen sur Moder, once the home of Rene Lalique and today the home of the Lalique glass museum. A wonderful display of his creations, set in a fabulous park. This afternoons cruise sees us cruising the summit section of the Marne au Rhin Canal meandering to our rural mooring for another fantastic dinner aboard Colibri.
Friday After a leisurely breakfast, depart Colibri to continue your adventures…
Note This is a sample itinerary, due to the nature of barging the moorings and visits may vary depending on the seasons, local influences and, of course, your preferences.
Alsace canal map
About the Marne-Rhine Canal
The Canal de la Marne au Rhin is a canal in north-eastern France. It connects the river Marne and the Rhine from Vitry-le-François to Strasbourg. The original objective of the canal was to connect Paris and the north of France with Alsace and Lorraine, the Rhine, and Germany.
- The canal is 313 km long and has 154 locks (originally 178).
- Construction began in 1838 and was completed in 1853