Boating in Europe

Alsace – Lorraine

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Time has almost stood still in this sometimes rugged yet lovely corner of France.

You'll find a region of quiet, peaceful meadows, steep pine-wooded valleys, villages of half-timbered houses with colourful window boxes.

There is much evidence of German influence in the dialect, culture and architecture, and although the two provinces were once annexed to Germany, both are proudly French. They enjoy a special identity of their own displayed in distinctive costumes, dances and wines – including Riesling and Sylvaner.

Canal de la Marne au Rhin


	The canal is distinctive in having two summit levels, a number of tunnels and a wondrous piece of engineering - the inclined plane of St Louis d'Arzviller. From the west your cruise will take you through rolling plains of cereal fields, and then climbs steadily amongst thick forested pine-hills to the western summit at Mauvages and its tunnel.


1.		The beautiful streets of Saverne, Canal de le Marne au Rhin
2.		Sarralbe, Canal des Houillères de la Sarre
3.		The Connoisseur Magnifique cruising past the château at Saverne, Canal de le Marne au Rhin


	The descent to the Moselle Valley is followed by another gentle climb to the Lorraine plateau to join the Vosges and the eastern summit. Here you can descend 146 feet by the d'Arzviller inclined plane to the Zorn Valley, gently merging with the splendid Alsace plains to reach Strasbourg.