Overview
Panache is a hotel barge that has been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings in the spacious public areas and very comfortable cabin accommodation. In the saloon the panoramic windows let in plenty of natural light, and the tempting cocktail bar and comfortable leather sofas are enhanced by polished hardwood flooring.
In the Summer and Autumn, Panache cruises the beautiful and varied waterways of Alsace & Lorraine, a region of France offering a unique mix of French and German cultures, history and local gastronomy.
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge Panache
Deluxe | 12 Passengers | 6 Crew
- 128 Feet Long
- 6 Twin/Double Junior Suites (150sq ft incl. en suite)
- Air-Conditioned / Centrally Heated
- Spa Pool
- TV / DVD in Cabins
Day 1 Strasbourg Kraft
Guests are met in Strasbourg* and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Panache for a champagne welcome and the first opportunity to meet your crew. Perhaps there is time for a walk or cycle ride before dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Panache in a Junior Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 2 Kraft Strasbourg
Your day starts with a morning cruise, past the Gran Ried wetlands and on to your mooring at the historic city of Strasbourg. Later, enjoy a tour of the beautiful ‘capital city of Europe’ including, of course, a visit to the 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and soaring spire. You will visit Place Gutenberg and explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops and cafés. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Panache in a Junior Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 3 Strasbourg Waltenheim-sur-Zorn
After breakfast, your cruise takes you past the impressive European Parliament building on the outskirts of Strasbourg and on through the Brumath Forest to our picturesque mooring at Waltenheim-sur-Zorn.
This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive into the rolling Vosges hills on the Route des Vins d’Alsace, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced, and a private tasting of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling wines at the long-established family-owned winemaker, Domaine Lissner. Dinner ashore this evening at a traditional Alsatian restaurant.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Panache in a Junior Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 4 Waltenheim-sur-Zorn Saverne
This morning, Panache cruises further along the canal, with good walking and cycling opportunities, to the enchanting town of Saverne where history traces back over 2,000 years to the Gallo-Roman Times, mooring at the foot of the Château de Rohan, also known as the ‘Versailles of Alsace’. You will have a walking tour of the town and drive up to Château Haut-Barr to enjoy the wonderful views. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Panache in a Junior Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 5 Saverne Lutzelbourg
This morning, perhaps after a visit to Saverne’s market, enjoy a cruise to our mooring in the picture postcard village of Lutzelbourg, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the ruins of the medieval castle.
In the afternoon, visit the mountaintop town of La Petite Pierre, then tour the outstanding René Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware. Nearby Wingen-sur-Moder is also the World War Two battleground where American infantry fought with distinction. Before dinner on board, time for aperitifs and perhaps some traditional Alsatian ‘Flammekueche’ prepared by your chef.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Panache in a Junior Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 6 Lutzelbourg Niderviller
For early risers, there is an optional visit to a local bakery to watch skilled patissiers preparing their delicious creations, before you cruise through beautiful Alsatian countryside, stopping to see artisan glassblowers en route. Then ascend the unique Arzviller boat elevator that carries Panache 450 feet up the mountainside in minutes and enjoy a candlelit cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels to our final mooring at Niderviller.
After lunch on board, set off on a tour of Sarrebourg, including visits to the 13th century chapel containing Marc Chagall’s remarkable stained-glass window and the impressive museum of Roman and Medieval artefacts. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Panache in a Junior Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 7 Niderviller Strasbourg
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Strasbourg.
