This French canals cruise through Alsace and Lorraine invites you to slow down and savor one of Europe’s most charming regions from the comfort of an intimate small-group barge. With a maximum of just 20 guests, you’ll enjoy a relaxed pace, personalized service, and ever-changing views as your floating hotel glides through the scenic Marne-Rhine Canal.
Each day reveals a new side of eastern France. You’ll cruise past storybook villages, explore medieval castles, and discover the cultural treasures of Strasbourg. Along the way, enjoy regional specialties, local wines, and warm hospitality that make this part of France so memorable.
Throughout your French canals cruise, thoughtful excursions bring the region to life. Marvel at Marc Chagall’s stained-glass masterpiece, experience the engineering wonder of the Arzviller Inclined Plane, visit France’s oldest brewery, and enjoy authentic Alsatian cuisine in inviting local settings.
With comfortable accommodations, enriching experiences, and the camaraderie of fellow travelers, this journey offers a beautifully paced look at France’s waterways and traditions.
Highlights of the French Canals Cruise:
- Small-group experience limited to 20 guests.
- Privately chartered cruise through Alsace and Lorraine.
- Explore Strasbourg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by land and water.
- Experience the Arzviller Inclined Plane engineering marvel.
- Visit Château de Haut-Barr, known as the Eye of Alsace.
- Enjoy exclusive visits to Villa Meteor brewery and Kochersberg.
- Savor regional cuisine and wines throughout the journey.
Day 1-2: WELCOME TO FRANKFURT!
Travel overnight to Frankfurt. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Frankfurt, the largest financial center in continental Europe. Check in for a Welcome Dinner and leisurely evening at the Frankfurt Marriott. D
DAY 3: WELCOME ABOARD IN LAGARDE
Bid farewell to Frankfurt and journey toward the rolling hills of Eastern France. Along the way, explore historic hidden gems before arriving in Lagarde, a tranquil canal-side haven. Here, your luxury floating home awaits: the 5-star MS Jeanine. With only 10 cabins, you’ll enjoy a level of intimacy rarely found on the water. After a warm greeting from the crew, settle into your cozy cabin and join your fellow travelers for a festive welcome cocktail. As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board as the anticipation for the voyage ahead begins to build. B, D
DAY 4: CRUISING TO XOUAXANGE
Today is dedicated to the pure relaxation of life on the canals. As the MS Jeanine glides toward Xouaxange, spend your morning on the sun deck with a coffee in hand, watching the French countryside drift by like a living painting. This is the perfect time to borrow a bicycle from the ship to ride along the towpath, or simply share stories with new friends in the lounge. Let the “slow travel” rhythm of the Marne-Rhine Canal soothe you while navigating through the lush greenery of the Lorraine region. B, L, D
DAY 5: XOUAXANGE/LUTZELBOURG & THE ARZVILLER INCLINED PLANE
Begin today in Sarrebourg for a walk along Chagall’s Way. Prepare to be breathless as you enter the Cordeliers Chapel to gaze upon “Peace,” a monumental stained-glass masterpiece by Marc Chagall. Back on board, enjoy a unique candlelight lunch as the ship traverses the mysterious canal tunnels. The afternoon brings a true highlight: the Saint-Louis-Arzviller Inclined Plane. Experience the thrill of engineering as your barge is lifted 147 feet in minutes, bypassing 17 locks! Top off the day with a visit to the Lehrer Crystal Glassworks to watch master blowers at work before docking in the storybook village of Lutzelbourg. B, L, D
DAY 6: LUTZELBOURG/SAVERNE
Stretch your legs this morning with a walk up to the ruins of Château de Lutzelbourg, offering a bird’s-eye view of the winding path below. You will then cruise toward Saverne, a city dripping in gingerbread-house charm. Ascend to the Château de Haut-Barr, known as the “Eye of Alsace,” where on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Strasbourg Cathedral. After a guided tour of Saverne’s grand architecture and rose-lined streets, head into town for an authentic Tarte Flambée dinner—a thin, crispy Alsatian specialty served in a warm, local atmosphere. B, L, D
DAY 7: SAVERNE/WALTENHEIM & KOCHERSBERG
Enjoy a peaceful morning cruise to Hochefelden, the gateway to the lush Kochersberg region. This afternoon is a deep dive into Alsatian tradition. Visit the Maison du Kochersberg to uncover the secrets of rural life, followed by a trip to the historic Villa Meteor. As the oldest brewery in France, Meteor offers a masterclass in hospitality; you’ll learn the art of brewing before enjoying a tasting of their finest ales. Return to the MS Jeanine in Waltenheim-sur-Zorn, a village nestled among the hops and cornfields, for another evening of refined French cuisine. B, L, D
DAY 8: WALTENHEIM/STRASBOURG
Your final morning of cruising brings you into the heart of Strasbourg, the “Capital of Europe.” In the afternoon, trade your barge for a scenic local boat tour through Petite France, the city’s oldest and most picturesque quarter, where medieval towers and half-timbered houses line the canals. Tonight, pull out your best attire for the Gala Evening. Join your friendly Tour Directors for a magnificent farewell celebration featuring the Chef’s finest creations and a final toast to the incredible friendships made along the waterways. B, L, D
DAY 9: FAREWELL IN STRASBOURG
Quality Accommodations
Night 2: Marriott, Frankfurt, Germany
Nights 3-8: MS Jeanine
Night 9: Marriott, Frankfurt, Germany
Dates:
Oct. 19-28, 2026
Price Per Person:
Double: $6,299
Single: $10,999
$500 per person deposit required
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
Pre/Post Hotel: Call for pricing
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL (call for other cities)
Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions, meals, crew, and drivers
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Departure Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our pre and post hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking can be offered during the tour with a pre or post night, please let us know ahead of time if you desire this service.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.
Average Temps
High of 65°F, low of 50°F
Currency
Euro
Time Zone
GMT+2
Hotel Amenities
Hotels during the land portion of the tour are equipped with a safe, Wi-Fi, hair dryer, and air conditioning. The properties may also feature a fitness center, spa, on-site restaurant, lounge, or have laundry services available.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Evening dinners aboard the ship will be a more elegant occasion, so we welcome you to dress in a business casual manner. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour. Toward the end of the cruise, a Captain’s Dinner will be held. For this dinner, we suggest (for the women) dress pants or skirt along with a blouse or sweater, or possibly a dress, and (for the men) dress pants along with a collared long-sleeved shirt or sweater, and possibly a blazer of some sort (blazer not required).
An outlet converter that adapts to European outlets is needed. You can find these at many stores, including Amazon and Walmart.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
