NEW -- Christmas Market Cruise -- NEW
We are excited to present this new winter cruise in Alsace Lorraine aboard the
Hotel Barge Panache.
The Christmas Market cruise has three departures available in 2022:
- November 27 - December 3
- December 4-10
- December 11-17
You may book one of these special weeks as either a cabin cruise or a private charter.
Itinerary:
Alsace Christmas Market Cruise aboard Hotel Barge Panache
A few highlights...
Visit Colmar and tour its six famous Christmas markets, including a gourmet foods section. There is a magical atmosphere in this town framed by fairytale half-timbered houses, festive scenes, and white Christmas trees at every corner. Along the streets there are Christmas lights on display, troubadours and minstrels playing flutes, wooden toys, stained glass, wreaths, choirs and traditional concerts, live nativity, outdoor ice skating rinks, and Santa’s mailbox. Sample the typical products of Alsace, such as bredle aniseed, and mulled wine with cinnamon and orange.
The Christmas market in Strasbourg is one of the largest in Europe, with 300 stalls spread over 11 sites. The market is full of local products and traditional items, sweets, mulled wine, pancakes, decorations for the tree and the nativity scene. Besides the traditional stalls, there are many organized events, including concerts, entertainment, and boat rides for the kids during the Christmas season. We also visit the Musée du Chocolat and its workshop to observe seasonal candy being made. Afterwards, take some time to wander through Place Gutenberg and la Petite France, with its cobbled streets, boutique shops, and cafes. Dinner will be ashore this night at a traditional Alsatian restaurant.
Moored at the foot of the beautiful Château de Rohan, often called the “Versailles of Alsace”, we visit the Haguenau Christmas market. Situated 30 km north of Strasbourg, Haguenau is a town rich in historical monuments, the oldest of which dates back to the 1100s. This small town has an interesting historical museum with an archeological collection, coins, and local handicrafts.
The annual Christmas market in the town’s historical center is made up of small wooden chalets exhibiting and selling traditional Christmas gifts, handicrafts, and decorations. In the evening, take a walk through Saverne to soak up the atmosphere of the Christmas decorations and perhaps go skating on the ice rink.
In the pretty village of Lutzelbourg, Panache’s mooring is surrounded by hills and overlooked by the ruins of the medieval castle. We visit the Meisenthal Glass Bauble factory, the original birthplace of this iconic Christmas decoration, to watch the glassblowers in action. You can also view the outstanding René Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of art nouveau and art déco glassware.
Another interesting point of this cruise is ascending the unique Arzviller boat elevator that carries Panache 450 feet up the mountainside in minutes. Enjoy a candlelit cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels to the mooring at Niderviller.
Stretch your legs with a walking tour of the ancient town of Sarrebourg, which includes visits to the 13th century chapel containing Marc Chagall’s remarkable stained-glass window, and the impressive museum of Roman and Medieval artefacts.
If this sounds like a marvelous way to begin your holiday season, let us know.
About The Hotel Barge Panache
Hotel Barge Panache cruising in Alsace-Lorraine, France
The
12-passenger Hotel Barge Panache cruises in Holland & Belgium
during the springtime, then through Paris to Champagne, and finishes
their season in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France.
Hotel Barge Panache
The 128-foot Panache
is a 12-passenger luxury hotel barge of classic
Dutch design, fully air conditioned with spacious public areas and six
en-suite stateroms, with your choice of twin or double bed
configuration. En-suite bathrooms have twin sinks and oversize showers
with massage jets.
Panache is traditionally furnished in an old ship
style with brass and mahogany, creating a comfortable and charming ambience.
The salon and dining room have large panoramic windows for viewing the
passing countryside, as well as comfortable sofas, books and music, and
an always open inclusive bar.
The sun deck is spacious and has
a heated spa pool; a perfect place to watch the sun set after dinner.
Panache has a highly professional crew of six, comprised of Master Chef,
Deck Hand, Tour guide, two Housekeepers, and led by a knowledgeable and
experienced Captain, who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more.
Alsace Lorraine
Cruise Highlights
- Tour the beautiful city of Strasbourg and visit its Gothic cathedral
- Explore the Route des Vins d'Alsace and a private wine tasting
- Visit the Meteor Brewery, founded in 1640
- Experience an ascent or descent of the unique Arzviller boat elevator
- Visit the spectacular René Lalique Collection
- Tour of Sarrebourg including a visit to the Chagall chapel
- Enjoy a candlelit meal whilst cruising through the two Arzviller tunnels
- Excellent towpath for walking
#BargingInFrance #AlsaceBargeCruise #ChristmasMarketsCruise #BargeCharters
