France Barge and Bike Tour
From Strasbourg to Lagarde, embark on an authentic and luxurious barge cruise through the heart of Alsace and Moselle. Explore the colorful heritage of the Marne-Rhine Canal and learn about the monuments that reflect its history through guided tours along the way. Get off the boat and stretch your legs to explore the Hops Trail, Haut Barr, Lutzelbourg castles, Vosges Mountains, Chagall Trail, and more. Immerse yourself in richness and history – as well as delicious cuisine – as you pedal quiet rural roads through the rolling countryside of this captivating region in northeastern France!
Itinerary
Day 01
Board our floating home for the week and get oriented on a boat tour of Strasbourg.
Lodging
MS Madeleine
Meals
– Dinner
Set the stage for your week on the water with a chartered boat tour of the picturesque canals of Strasbourg. Greet your new travel companions and our exceptional crew. Raise a toast to your adventure at a delightful four-course feast on the boat before settling into your snug river view cabin. Lodging for the entire tour is onboard our vessel, the MS Madeleine.
Day 02
Visit Germany as you pedal from Strasbourg to Waltenheim-Sur-Zorn, and tour of one of the world's oldest breweries.
Lodging
MS Madeleine
Distance
Shorter option: 32.8 miles · +1,155 ft / -1,096 ft
Longer option: 43.3 miles · +1,857 ft / -1,798 ft
Cycle from Strasbourg to the petit village of Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. Pedal paths along the Rhine paths into Germany to the Weißtannenturm observation deck. After crossing the Europe Bridge – a standing symbol of the friendship between the two nations – we’ll return to France and trace the scenic Canal du Rhine through Strasbourg. Catch glimpses of the massive Cathédrale of Strasbourg between the wattle and daub homes emblematic of Alsace. We’ll ride past the Council of Europe on your way out of Strasbourg. After reboarding the Madeleine for lunch, the afternoon consists of a relaxing ride along the canal with shorter and longer options to a brewery tour at Meteor Brewing, one of the world’s oldest breweries. Savor a glass or two with your shipmates before returning to the boat for another delightful four course dinner.
Day 03
Visit wondrous châteaus and charming towns on your way to a tarte flambée!
Lodging
MS Madeleine
Distance
Shorter option: 13.6 miles · +445 ft / -357 ft
Longer option: 38.5 miles · +2,642 ft / -2,555 ft
Today we pedal through rolling farmlands of mustard, sunflower, and hops to reach the captivating village of Bouxwiller. This charming little village boasts windy paths between half-timbered shops with true Alsatian charm. Meet our home on the water for lunch in charming Saverne, a town of cobbled streets and home to the majestic Château des Rohan. After lunch, choose between a scenic forested loop climb into the Vosges mountains or taking the coach to our guided tour of Chateau Haut Barr and Chappe’s Tower, offering panoramic views as well as a rich history of the first ever Optical Telegraph. Dinner tonight is “onshore” at a local restaurant where we’ll get to experience Flammekueche, or tarte flambée – a thin crust “pizza” topped with crème fraîche, bacon and onions. The rich, salty flavors of this savory perfection play particularly well with the acidity and residual sugar in Alsatian Rieslings.
Day 04
Saverne, La Petite-Pierre, Vosges forests, and a castle in Lutzelbourg.
Lodging
MS Madeleine
Distance
Canal (walk or bike): 6.4 mi. · +442 ft / -315 ft (flat)
Longer option: 35.6 miles · +2,730 ft / -2,599 ft
This morning, indulge yourself in a leisurely half rest-day in Saverne – the “City of Roses.” Begin with a guided walking tour by the local Department of Tourism. After a delightful and scenic lunch on the barge we delve into the Vosges Mountains, known for dense forests, charming villages, and outdoor recreation. Whether on foot or by bike, choose your afternoon adventure: a forested ride to La Petite-Pierre, a charming Unesco World Heritage site nestled on a cliff; or a picturesque stroll along the canal into Lutzelbourg. Cap off your day with a rewarding hike up to the Chateau de Lutzelbourg, a medieval gem with centuries of history. This well-preserved medieval castle offers panoramic views, intricate architecture, and a captivating glimpse into the past. Don’t forget to work up an appetite along the way today – another delicious four-course dinner awaits you on the Madeleine!
Day 05
A crystal factory, a tour of Chagall Windows, and an Inclined Plane: Arts and engineering take center stage today!
Lodging
MS Madeleine
Distance
Shorter option: 19.1 miles · +1,081 ft / -942 ft
Longer option: 37.4 miles · +3,000 ft / -2,860 ft
Have a photo-worthy breakfast while cruising the canal in the morning. Immerse yourself in the artistry of glass blowing at Lehrer Crystal Factory. Then, choose between a challenging ride up to Dabo, offering panoramic views from its hilltop chapel, or opt to ride the boat up the Arzviller Inclined Plane. The Inclined Plane is a boat lift masterpiece in France, ascending vessels on rails, ingeniously overcoming water level differences on the canal. All riders can traverse and picnic at the scenic Vallée des Éclusiers, a series of artistic lock keepers’ homes made obsolete by the Inclined Plane. The barge will pass through the Vosges via the Niderviller tunnel while cyclists ride over the top. A guided tour of Sarrebourg’s stunning Chagall Windows awaits, a captivating blend of stained-glass art and history, accessible by bike or coach.
Day 06
Our biggest day on the bike takes us through the enchanting Brumat forests of the Vosges Mountains into Lagarde.
Lodging
MS Madeleine
Distance
Shorter option: 39.7 miles · +896 ft / -995 ft
Longer option: 52.3 miles · +1,900 ft / -1,999 ft
Fuel up with a serene breakfast cruise along the canal before embarking on the longest ride of the tour. Today, we journey down the opposite side of the Vosges Mountains into Lorraine, a region renowned for its pastoral beauty and historic charm. Cycling through the enchanting Brumat Forest, we stop for a picnic lunch in the elegant courtyards of the ornate Chateau de Luneville, also known as “Little Versailles.” Meet our barge in the quaint port town of Lagarde. As dusk settles, we will gather for a gala dinner aboard the boat, toasting and celebrating an unforgettable journey.
Day 07
Transfer from Lagarde back to Strasbourg after a final breakfast on the Madeleine.
Meals
– Breakfast
Our final day begins with a heartfelt breakfast on the boat, sharing fond farewells with the dedicated crew. A private coach transports us back to the Strasbourg Train Station, concluding a memorable journey. As we bid adieu to newfound friends, we carry cherished memories of our scenic rides and shared adventures through the “Grand Est” – “grandest!” – region of France.
