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6 nights from

£2595

Péniche Alsacienne

This ‘Great Canal Journey’ is a fabulous float on the Marne-Rhine canal, sailing through sylvan valleys and the Vosges Mountains, to picturesque villages, fairy-tale castles, chateau views, and Chagall glass, enroute from splendid Strasbourg to lovely little Lagarde

With Prunella Scales and Timothy West at the helm, the ‘Great Canal Journeys’ TV series showcased the scenery and serenity of the Marne-Rhine canal; and inspired us to create a barge cruise through the rural heart of Alsace. Taking to the water with a maximum of twenty guests, the MS Péniche Madeleine boasts air-conditioned cabins, an elegant dining room, lounge bar, sun deck and terrace, with bicycles for guests’ use when the vessel is moored. As relaxing and refreshing as the landscape it traverses, the barge begins its travels in charismatic Strasbourg, where a small boat cruise lets you see the city by night. Between here and journey’s end, land-based highlights include dinner ashore in canal-side Waltenheim, sightseeing amid the half-timbered houses of Saverne and the nearby Chateau Haut Barr, and climbing the hill to Lutzelbourg’s castle in the Zorn Valley. From here, the canal itself is the star as the barge navigates two tunnels, the unique and ingenious Arzviller Inclined Plane boat lift, replacing a series of 17 locks, and the huge Réchicourt lock; then sails through the lakes to Sarrebourg, to view Chagall’s stained-glass windows, before a gala dinner in its final mooring at charming Lagarde.

Overview

  • Day 1  - Strasbourg
  • Day 2  - Strasbourg / Waltenheim
  • Day 3  - Waltenheim / Saverne
  • Day 4  - Saverne / Lutzelbourg
  • Day 5  - Lutzelbourg / Arzviller Plane
  • Day 6  - Sarrebourg / Lagarde
  • Day 7  - Flight
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Tour Highlights

  • Small vessel cruising
  • Wander through Strasbourg
  • Explore Château du Haut Barr
  • Discover medieval Saverne
  • Experience Arzviller Inclined Plane
  • Stroll the ‘Chagall Trail’

This ‘Great Canal Journey’ is a fabulous float on the Marne-Rhine canal, sailing through sylvan valleys and the Vosges Mountains, to picturesque villages, fairy-tale castles, chateau views, and Chagall glass, enroute from splendid Strasbourg to lovely little Lagarde

Notes:

Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board and access to the public lounge).

The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.

Vessels

Peniche Madeleine

Launched in 2014, Péniche Madeleine is a surprisingly spacious barge registered in France with a mainly European crew. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river and barge fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family.

All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service. Reception, lounge bar, sun terrace with Jacuzzi and Sun Deck, WiFi (free/limited). Bicycles are available for use when the vessel is moored. The vessel does not sail at night.

10 air-conditioned Lower Deck cabins (96 sq. ft.) with picture window, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV. 1 air-conditioned Upper Deck double cabin (118 sq. ft.) with picture window, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin Lower Deck cabin

Thu 15 May 2025
From London St Pancras Int
Thu 18 Sep 2025
From London St Pancras Int
Price Includes:

Rail travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 6-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £1325
Upgrades
  • Peniche Madeleine - Upper Deck Double Cabin 201 from £145
  • Peniche Madeleine - Lower Deck Sole Use Cabin 110 from £1325
Tour Only
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • with group included

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