Boating holidays in Alsace & Ardennes

Canal boat holidays in Alsace Lorraine & Ardennes are a real pleasure, with bucolic gardens, historic monuments, lush natural surroundings and lively cultural attractions. Here are 5 ‘must-see’ sites. The Meuse Valley, an ideal route for cycling stops How you’ll love leaving the city for a breath of fresh air in the Meuse Valley… And as you enjoy this gentle combination of boat and bike, taking the greenway along the river, the landscapes gently flow by in perfect harmony. Gondrexange Lake, unspoilt charm This 700-hectare lake lies between Strasbourg and Nancy, and is well-known as a fishing spot and a lovely place to swim. The lake was created by monks who bred fish in the middle ages. These days it’s enjoyed by skippers and crews on boating holidays. Château de Dave, medieval treasure Built in the 13th century, Château de Dave is majestic with its imposing towers, moat and French-style gardens. It’s ideal for a romantic getaway or a family discovery. Arzviller’s boat elevator was an obvious choice! On the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, take a detour to the Saint-Louis d’Arzvilliers inclined plane and discover this boat elevator that can overcome 44.55 meters of difference in level… The only one of its kind in Europe! The Meuse Valley, an ideal route for cycling stops How you’ll love leaving the city for a breath of fresh air in the Meuse Valley… And as you enjoy this gentle combination of boat and bike, taking the greenway along the river, the landscapes gently flow by in perfect harmony.

The northeast French region of Alsace has long been a point of contention and allure for those exploring the further reaches of the European heartland. A long-contested stretch of land between Germanic and Franco influences, Alsace canal boat hire gives you a real perspective of the northeastern French and the northwestern German way of life. There are many large towns and cities that really define this region, but maybe none-other than the city of Strasburg. A border town between the nations of Germany and France, Strasburg has long been a city that encapsulates both regions and the culture of these two major European nations. Starting out from Riverly’s base at Lutzelbourg, you can take your boat on a westerly or easterly route, depending on what you want to see. Heading out on an easterly route along the Marne Rhine canal will take you towards the city of Strasbourg, one of the shining highlights of a Marne Rhine canal cruise. Standing in the centre of the city is one of its most famous attractions, the Strasbourg cathedral. For centuries, this cathedral was one of the tallest buildings in the world and its height is still awe-inspiring today. Dating back to the 11th century, the cathedral is adorned with a myriad of decorations, sculptures and breath-taking facades. No visit to Strasbourg would be complete without paying the cathedral a visit. Along with its more famous cathedral, Strasbourg is also home to the more modern European parliament, one of only three non-capital cities around the world to have an international institution.

Once the waterways have climbed through the Vosges Mountains, you’ll begin a straightforward westerly route towards the famous French city of Nancy. As you follow the canal, you’ll come to a confluence of canals and rivers at Gondrexange, a small commune town on the banks of the Marne Rhine canal. This is home to one of the biggest drop-locks in France, known as the Écluse de Réchicourt-le-Château. An impressive feat of engineering it’s a must-see for any canal barge fanatic and must be navigated to carry on your way west. Taking your Marne Rhine canal boat hire further west, you’ll soon be navigating the waters just east of Nancy. As you draw closer, the city and its built-up suburbs begin to appear on the horizon, a sight drawing you ever closer to the inner city. Walking around the city, you will notice that there is a seemingly endless amount to attract you to the streets of Nancy. The Place Stanislas is the centrepiece of the city and has a well-deserved UNESCO status. This 18th-century town square was the brainchild of Pole, Stanislas Leszczyński, the last Duke of Lorraine. Wandering around the square, you’ll be shocked by the beauty and grandeur of the square and its city centre. There are numerous other sights to see in the French city aside from the main square; these include the city hall, opera house, the Fine Arts Museum and Triumphal Arch.

Leaving Sarralbe, your boat will meander ever closer to the French-German border. Yet, before it reaches the border, you will pass through the town of Sarreguemines. Originally a Roman settlement, Sarreguemines has been at the forefront of Franco-German relations for centuries – the town was part of Germany for some time and then returned to France after the First World War. Famous for crafting earthenware, the town of Sarreguemines is home to an earthenware museum, displaying a huge collection of pots, vases and many other items crafted in the town. Carrying on north along the Saar, you will seamlessly and unceremoniously pass over the border and into Germany, making this a real European boating adventure. As soon as you enter Germany, you will tumble into the canalside town of Saarbrücken. Saarbrücken is the capital and largest city in the German state of Saarland and is home to a wide variety of culture and history. At the very heart of the town is one of the most stunning Protestant churches in all of Germany. The Ludwigskirche, as it is known, is a perfect example of German-baroque architecture and fits ideally into the artistically designed Ludwig square. Just to the west of the city is the Völklingen Ironworks, which is one of the only smelting works built in the 19th century that made it right through to the modern-day. This unique fact has given the Völklingen Ironworks UNESCO status. You can take a tour of the Völklingen Ironworks and learn about the industry here and the science behind smelting.