Alsace, Lorraine, Moselle, Ardennes
The Rhine-Marne Canal
The Rhine-Marne Canal flows from east to west and connects the rivers Rhine and Marne on a length of 200 miles.
From its mouth at Strasbourg it leads in direction of the province of Champagne. Those who know the region of Alsace value its smooth and calm canals as well as its diverse cuisine.
The city of Strasbourg itself can be reached by boat. This romantic city is a must for all those who are interested in the region's cultural history and its fine cuisine. All this can be experienced near the German border. Cross the beautiful planes near Strasbourg in direction of Saverne. There is a gorgeous castle not too far away from the canal that invites you. The waterway will lead you further in direction of Lutzelbourg with its ruins. You will pass hills covered with pine trees on your way.
In Alsace-Lorraine several house boat providers have their bases. If you start from the base at Toul you will reach the lake of Gondrexange in the east. At this point the canal crosses the Saar-Kohle canal and this crossing is followed by a stretch of about 20 miles that is completely free from any locks. On this passage you will reach Hesse.
The boat tunnels of Niderviller with their length of about 300 and 1500 miles are an impressive experience.
To the west of Hesse the canal winds round hills and meadows up to Nancy. There is an industrial area in front of the city but the gorgeous city center will compensate for its untypical sight. There is the magnificent Stanislas place and the golden gate of Nancy that make this city a real attraction.
Moselle
The part of the River Moselle that lies in France has a length of about 100 miles. It stretches from Neures-Maison near Nancy to the border of Luxembourg and Germany at Apach. There are only 16 locks between Neures-Maison and the German border.
The Saar-Kohle Canal
Navigation on this canal starts from Toul. Despite its not so romantic name, the Canal des Houilleres de la Sarre offers an impressive travel experience. You will pass lakes and the gorgeous woods of Fénétrange in the northern direction up to the German border. This conservation area offers protection to deer and wild boars that you can spot from your boat. It is also worth visiting the towns of Rittersheim and Sarralbe with their Lorrainian atmosphere. Sarreguemines near the Saar mouth is worth a visit too.
The Canal des Ardennes and the Canal lateral a l'Aisne
It is possible to embark from Pont-a-Bar on a one way trip to Epernay in a week. The link between the Canal lateral a L'Aisne and the Canal de L'Est is the Canal des Ardennes. This canal has 44 locks on a stretch of about 50 miles. The Canal lateral a l'Aisne connects the Canal des Ardennes with the canalized River Aisne on a stretch of about 30 miles.
The Canal de L'Est
This trip starts from Pont-a-Bar. The Canal de L'Est is divided into two parts. Its northern section is partly the canalized River Meuse.
Via Charleville-Mezieres you will be led through the impressive Meuse valley that comes after Givet which is the border town on the French and Belgian frontier. The southern section of the Canal de L'Est flows into the Saone. Between Sedan and Verdun you will experience a fantastic landscape. Verdun is also attractive because of its many churches and citadels.
Our houseboat holiday partners:
Nicols: Saverne, Harskirchen
Locaboat: Lutzelbourg, Pont-à-Bar
Le Boat: Boofzheim, Hesse
France Passion Plaisance: Hochfelden, Niderviller, Languimberg, Pont-à-Bar
Größere Kartenansicht
Please note the current developments and travel advice on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
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