The Alsatian city of Strasbourg – whose name literally means ‘town at the crossing of roads’ – lies at a fascinating juncture between old and new, German and French. It is of course famous for its colossal Gothic cathedral, but also as the seat of the European Parliament, while its half-timbered German merchant dwellings sit next to elegant French townhouses.
During your escorted tour of this wonderful city on your cruise aboard Panache along the Canal de la Marne au Rhin in Alsace, highlights will include:
Cathédrale de Notre-Dame
No trip to Strasbourg would be complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Cathédrale de Notre-Dame. It is hard not to be impressed by this huge, pink-sandstone masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its 142-metre spire made it the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 250 years, and if you’re feeling fit, you can climb the 332 steps to the platform below its towers and admire the stunning views of the city from this lofty vantage point.
Make sure to admire the exquisite stained-glass windows when you walk around the cathedral, including the rose window in the western portal. In the south transept you’ll find an impressive astrological clock and at different hours of the day a host of mechanical figures, including angels, Death and the Apostles, are sent out on parade.
La Petite France
Just a short walk from the cathedral is La Petite France, the home of artisanal trade in medieval Strasbourg. This maze of narrow streets and canals is full of picturesque half-timbered houses blooming with flowers in the summer months. It’s a lovely place to do some boutique shopping, have a cup of coffee or just relax in one of the waterside parks.
Place Gutenberg
It was in the city of Strasbourg in the 15th century that Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press, first experimented with moveable type. His revolutionary ideas, which hugely cut down the time it took to reproduce a text compared with labour-intensive scribal reproduction, made a real contribution to the rise in literacy at the end of the medieval period in Europe.
You can see a bronze statue of Johannes Gutenberg in the appropriately named Place Gutenberg and perhaps as you read your guidebook, you can send a silent thank you to the father of printing!
Alsace-Lorraine is a unique corner of France. Discover a land of
storybook castles, rolling vineyards of Alsatian wines as well as
Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture. For centuries, the great
empires of Europe confronted one another at this strategic and military
crossroads. The area’s unique blend of French and German influences are
strongly evident in its customs, cuisine, wines, architecture and
language.
Revel in the
beauty of Strasbourg, from its pink sandstone cathedral to the storybook
looks of La Petite France, and partake in a scenic drive along the
Route des Grand Vins, culminating in a private tasting of some of the
most fragrant wines that France has on offer.
Feast on a delectable Duck a l’Alsacienne as you cruise by
candlelight through the Arzviller tunnels, before a 450 foot ascent or
descent on the mountainside Arzviller Boat Elevator.
Where
French and German culture collide, this is a region for the adventurer
in you. There can be no better view than from Panache’s hot tub as the leaves of the forested hillsides turn from green to
gold to red to yellow.
The Hotel Barge Panache is a 12-passenger barge offering 6-night cruises in Alsace-Lorraine from July through October.
Route: Between Niderviller and Krafft – Click for itinerary
Accommodations: up to 12 passengers
Charters and Cabin cruises
Itineraries: All itineraries, Alsace Standard Classic, Alsace Family Cruise
Learn more: Online brochure
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 cabins, 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.
Their knowledge of the region, combined with fascinating
chauffeur-driven private excursions and the 12 bikes provided, will
allow you to explore the areas you cruise through in as much detail as you desire.
View Panache’s online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
