We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Smart, elegant and subtle decor make Madeleine one of CroisiEurope’s most distinctive up-to-the-minute hotel barges. She has eleven double cabins, each bookable on an individual basis, and each well-designed cabin has an outside view, air conditioning, TV, radio and a safe and a private shower-room. One of the cabins is on the main deck, avoiding stairs, and is especially equipped for a disabled passenger.
Hotel barge Madeleine cruises a seven-day, six-night route along the Canal Marne au Rhin between the historic city of Strasbourg and Arzviller. This much loved itinerary, with its romantic picture-book scenery and spectacular architectural highlights make this one of the most popular routes in France.
Key Features
- Smart class (3*)
- Strasbourg to Lagarde, Canal Marne au Rhin, Alsace
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
- 22 guests / 11 twin-bedded suites (1 for disabled on top deck)
- Air conditioning and heating throughout
- Full board, on-board dining
- Sun deck with Jacuzzi
The Classic Cruise — Madeleine
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Between Strasbourg and Lagarde, Canal Marne au Rhin, Alsace |
Pick-up | Boarding in Strasbourg at 6pm |
Dining | All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners on board. 1 dinner in local restaurant |
Cruise Highlights
- Explore the stunning cities of Strasbourg, Savern and Sarrebourg
- Discover delicious Alsatian wines and beers
- Dine at a local Alsatian restaurant
- Explore pretty villages and towns with free time to shop for keepsakes
- Stroll and bike along the towpaths and country lanes
- Enquire about charter biking tours
Day 1 — Friday
Arrival in Strasbourg
Guests are welcome to board at 6pm. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner followed by a panoramic boat tour of Strasbourg.
Day 2 — Saturday
Cruise to Waltenheim | Excursions to Kochersberg and Villa Meteor | Dine in local restaurant
We’ll spend the morning cruising. In the afternoon, join us for an excursion to the lush region of Kochersberg and a visit to the Maison du Kochersberg museum and the Villa Meteor. In the evening, we’ll enjoy tarte flambée, a local specialty, at a restaurant in Waltenheim.
Day 3 — Sunday
Cruise to Waltenheim | Excursion to Château du Haut-Barr
This morning will be spent cruising towards Saverne. Enjoy this bucolic journey passing the towns of Schwindratzheim, nestled on a hillside, and Hochfelden, a typical local village. During the morning, feel free to stroll or bike on the paved trails alongside the canal. In the afternoon, join us on a tour of the Château du Haut-Barr, nicknamed the ‘Eye of Alsace’ where you will discover a splendid view over the Alsatian plains.
Day 4 — Monday
Cruise to Lutzelbourg | Excursion to Saverne
We’ll set out on a guided tour of Saverne. Virtually unknown by the usual tourist routes, the city offers a wide range of places to discover. We’ll return on board and cruise towards Lutzelbourg. The canal winds through the Vosges Mountains before joining the Lorraine region. Late in the afternoon, we suggest you to set off on foot to marvel at Lutzelbourg Castle.
Day 5 — Tuesday
Cruise to Arzviller and Xouaxange | Excursion to Lehrer glassworks
We’ll set off for an excursion to the Arzviller inclined plane. Along the way, we will stop at the crystal glassworks near the inclined plane. We’ll learn about this time-tested tradition, and watch crystal blowing and cutting demonstrations. The boat will cruise through the Arzviller inclined plane – an incredible experience. A fabulous structure, this transverse system boat ‘elevator’ is one-of-a-kind in Europe. The inclined plane replaces 17 successive locks over 2.5 miles that once needed a full day to navigate.
Day 6 — Wednesday
Cruise to Lagarde | Excursion to Sarrebourg
This morning will be spent cruising towards Lagarde, passing through the Réchicourt lock, one of the largest in France, before continuing our journey through the lakes. In the afternoon, join us on a visit to Sarrebourg that will take us on the Chagall trail. Tonight is our gala evening and dinner.
Day 7 — Thursday
Departure from Lagarde
Enjoy one last breakfast on board before disembarking at 09:00 for transfer to Strasbourg by coach.
Please note: This itinerary is subject to change and runs in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
This canal, also known as the Voie Vert (Green Way)
crosses the plain of Alsace and the Vosges. It links Strasbourg and Saverne, the gateway to Alsace, at the foot of the Vosges Mountains and continues through the forests to Lutzelbourg in the Moselle.
Accommodations and Facilities
Dimensions: 128ft x 17ft
11 cabins, each 110 sq ft including bathroom. 1 x cabin on main deck.
Twin beds only
Individually heated and air conditioned
Shower, toilet, towels and hair-dryer provided
Wi-Fi
TV and radio
220v Electricity
Telephone (for internal calls)
Professional English and French speaking crew of 5
Dining room, bar and saloon
Sun deck with loungers, parasols, Jacuzzi and BBQ
6 bikes
Air-conditioned coach for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
One of the highlights of the cruise is the outstanding cuisine prepared by superb French chefs. Guests can indulge in three/four course lunches and dinners, offering a variety of French and regional dishes that complement the region in which they are travelling. Guests also enjoy a selection of wines with their meals, as well as at the bar.
CroisiEurope’s ‘all inclusive’ service provides:
– breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner
– all drinks served at meals: water, wine, beer, fruit juice, coffee
– all drinks ordered at the bar
However, champagne and the grands crus from the special wine list, or drinks on the special bar card, are not included and will be charged extra.
CroisiEurope’s chef will cook with local products from the areas visited. In the summer months when the weather is fine, guests often relax with delicious barbecues served on deck.
Balance of flavours, refinement, local touches, creativity … these mark the style throughout the CroisiEurope barge fleet.
Hotel barge Madeleine cruises in the Alsace region
Strasbourg Cathl. ©Jn Martz | Lalique ©Corning Mus. Glass | Arzviller ©J Marssy | Wine ©iStock | Barge ©Nilaya | Others wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
What’s included
6 nights / 7 days accommodation
One transfer
All meals and wines on board
Daily excursions, tour guide and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the meeting point
Travel, medical and cancellation insurances
Personal expenses
Crew gratuities (5 – 10% suggested)
2024
Charter and cabin bookings
Variable departure days
Rates and dates
Per Cabin bookings
Including one transfer from Strasbourg
Twin Cabins only:
May 1
August 18 and 29
October 2
From 1,888 GBP per person
Single supplements apply
Christmas Markets
Enquire for dates
Charter for up to 22 guests
Enquire for dates
2025
Charter and cabin bookings
Rates and dates
All dates and prices on request
Booking
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise