PANACHE, a 12 passenger deluxe barge, cruises in Alsace, France

PANACHE (formerly Marjorie II) is a classic Dutch barge furnished in a contemporary style creating a comfortable and charming ambiance. The well planned accommodation on this barge cruise offers six air-conditioned junior suites with ensuite oversized showers with massage jets and double sinks, and a choice of queen or twin beds. The salon and dining room feature comfortable sofas, books and music, and an open bar available 24/7. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated spa pool, a perfect place to watch the sun set after dinner.

Panache's highly professional crew of five is led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your barge trip in Alsace is fun and memorable. Their knowledge of the Alsace region, combined with fascinating private excursions and the 12 bikes provided, allows you to explore the countryside to your heart's desire.

Cruise Highlights


Plenty of natural light brightens up the comfortable salon and dining areas of Panache

Gourmet Cuisine Aboard
Regional Specialities
Medallions of Veal with Girolles and Truffle Sauce
Breast of Duck with a Passion Fruit Glace
Crepes Suzette with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
§
Wine Cellar
Riesling Grand Cru, Chassagne-Montrachet, Chablis Premier Cru Pouilly Fuisse, Gewurztraminer
§
Cheese Board
Munster, Brie de Meaux,
Fourme d'Ambert, Chaource


Highlights of a
Week on PANACHE
On the Canal de la Marne au Rhin
 

  • Visit Strasbourg's 12th Century Gothic Cathedral and the Beaux Arts Museum in the Palais Rohan
  • Tour the Grands Crus vineyards of Alsace and enjoy a private wine tasting of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling
  • Walk the picturesque streets of Saverne before enjoying a delicious gourmet lunch at a gastronomic restaurant
  • Ride the hill at the unique inclined boat elevator at Arzviller
  • Stroll the quaint shop-lined streets of Sarrebourg, then discover the secrets of crystal production at Vallerysthal Cristallerie in Troisfontaines founded in 1707
  • Take a walking tour of the city of Nancy with its Baroque palaces and home of the Art Nouveau movement

    Huge picture windows complement the contemporary decor aboard Panache

Itinerary


Cruising on PANACHE
Alsace Region, France
Strasbourg to Mittersheim

Sunday - Strasbourg
We meet you at the designated meeting point and transfer you to the hotel barge, where we have a 'Champagne Welcome' and you are introduced to your crew. Time for a walk or cycle ride before dinner on board.

Enjoy the beauty of Strasbourg, its Gothic cathedral and the Beaux Arts MuseumMonday - Strasbourg to Hochfelden
This morning after breakfast, enjoy a tour of the beautiful city of Strasbourg, visiting the Beaux Arts Museum in the Palais Rohan and the 12th century Gothic pink sandstone Strasbourg Cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and the highest spire in France, leaving enough time to explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half timbered houses, boutique shops and cafes. After lunch we cruise through the Brumath Forest to the little port of Hochfelden, home to the Meteor Brewery, an Alsatian family brewery since 1640. Dinner on board.

Tuesday - Hochfelden to Saverne
We cruise to the enchanting village of Saverne where history traces back over 22 centuries to the times of the Gauls, mooring at the foot of the Chateau de Rohan, the former residence of the bishops of Strasbourg, rebuilt by Cardinal de Rohan in 1779. After lunch we enjoy a scenic drive into the rolling Vosges hills and Route des Grands Crus, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced, followed by a private wine tasting of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Dinner on board.

Walk through the enchanting village of Saverne where history traces back over 22 centuries to the times of the GaulsWednesday - Saverne to Lutzelbourg
After breakfast, your guide will lead you through the narrow picturesque streets of Saverne and then we visit the hilltop 11th century Chateau du Haut Barr, considered to be amongst one of the most majestic castles of Alsace with its 12th century Roman chapel and Gothic choir. A gourmet lunch shall be served in the gastronomic restaurant of the Chateau overlooking the Valley of the Zorn. Afternoon cruise through the valley and forest to Lutzelbourg. Dinner aboard.

Thursday - Lutzelbourg to Niderviller
This morning we ascend the Arzviller boat elevator. This unique barge elevator allows a vessel to glide effortlessly up the mountainside in minutes, thus avoiding 17 traditional locks and an additional day's navigation. One of the highlights of this cruise, whilst passing the two Arzvillier tunnels, a candlelit brunch will be served on deck. After mooring in the gorgeous village of Niderviller, we visit the mountain top village of La Petite Pierre with its medieval castle fortified by the personal engineer of Louis X1V, Marechal Vauban. Later we visit the Chappelle des Cordeliers with its breathtaking 40 foot high, 13,000 piece, stained glass depiction of the tree of life by Chagall, followed by a stroll around the quaint shop-lined streets of Sarrebourg. After a short drive we discover the secrets of crystal production at Vallerysthal Cristallerie in Troisfontaines founded in 1707. Dinner on board.

Not to be missed visit to Nancy to learn about and see the works of the Art Nouveau movement and the grand square of the Baroque Place StanislasFriday - Niderviller to Mittersheim
A short cruise to the village of Gondrexange where your guide accompanies you to Nancy, ancient capital of Lorraine. Our tour begins at the Baroque Place Stanislas with its ornate gold and wrought iron gates. This square is considered one of the grandest in all of France. The Art Nouveau movement originated in Nancy and a tour of the Musee de l’Ecole, to discover its fine collection, concludes our excursion. Return to Panache and cruise past several lakes through the game filled natural park and forests of the Lorraine to Mittersheim. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday - Transfer to Strasbourg
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Floor Plan

6 junior suites on Panache can be made up with queen or twin beds 
Panache has 6 twin/double junior suites, all with ensuite tile baths.

What an ideal vacation - a deluxe barge cruise with the best of the Alsace sights!