Licence-free boat cruise in Alsace

From Waltenheim sur Zorn

You can follow the no less famous Alsatian wine route aboard your houseboat or go exploring the landscapes of the Vosges mountains. What with the region’s gastronomic delights and the Alsatian sense of hospitality, you can gear yourself up for an unforgettable holiday if you opt for a waterway cruise in Alsace.

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One-way only Suitable for people with reduced mobility

Navigate canals steeped in history between Alsace and Lorraine

Pick up your chosen houseboat in the picturesque town of Waltenheim sur Zorn for an unusual and original holiday. Set off in your desired direction, between the plains of Alsace and the Vosges massif, as you take to the Marne-Rhine or Rhone-Rhine Canal aboard your licence-free boat. This is a land of exchange and communication, a region steeped in treasures, so prepare to explore every corner of this living heritage aboard your houseboat. Take the time to moor up along the way and wander the village markets or eat at one of the many Winstubs – traditional Alsatian restaurants. The region’s gastronomy will be an important part of your Alsatian waterway cruise. Tarte flambée and sauerkraut, pies with blueberries or mirabelle plums, Lorraine pâté… life aboard your licence-free boat will be a real foray into Alsatian gastronomy.

Unexpected pleasures to experience during your waterway cruise in Alsace

Treat yourself to a weekend’s immersion in a land dotted with half-timbered buildings and admire Hansel and Gretel’s house, located just a few metres away from Les Canalous’ base in Waltenheim sur Zorn. If you have the opportunity, extend your enjoyment by going through a few more locks to explore the regional capital, Strasbourg, or experience the unique inclined plane of Saint-Louis-Arzviller. Travelling through the locks will be great fun for all members of your crew and visiting this veritable elevator for boats will be one of the unforgettable moments of your cruise. Strasbourg’s historical heritage will be a source of astonishment and wonder for you all. In between, there’ll be ample ideas for off-road cycling trips, as well as breaks to take advantage of the region’s numerous lakes and rivers. Treat yourself to a swim or laze by the beach in the Alsatian sun. This is all part of the magic of a waterway cruise in Alsace – a chance to simply get away from it all !

discover the region with our photos

Alsatian cuisine on the water

Even on your rental houseboat, you’ll be able to take advantage of an Alsatian highlight as you get close to Alsace’s famous wine route. Pinot noir, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, .... navigate your way to the vineyards that have made the region famous and treat yourself to winery and cellar visits as you stop off along your route. If you can, take a foray into the traditional markets, seeking out some local products to bring back on board. You can also enjoy eating in Alsace’s traditional Winstub restaurants. Sauerkraut, baeckeofe, flammenkueche, ... savour all the traditional recipes, served in a unique atmosphere.

Willer mill – the Sarre’s exceptional heritage

Although it has undergone many changes and transformations over the centuries, Willer mill remains a unique example of waterway heritage. Built on the Sarre at the beginning of the 18th century, it invites you to discover the region’s traditional know-how. Your whole crew will love watching the wooden waterwheel turn with the force of the water. The wheel, with its 108 blades and 5-metre diameter, is a unique spectacle in motion. Admire all this know-how as you watch the mill and miller at work and extend your enchantment even further by sampling the bread or flammenkueche on offer at the heart of Willer mill.

Gondrexange Lake – a fishing paradise

Aboard your licence-free rental boat, on both the Marne-Rhine Canal and Canal de la Sarre, you’ll be able to navigate your way to Moselle, a land of lakes. Here, you can delight in a whole series of pools and lagoons, with every stopping point giving your youngest boaters the opportunity to enjoy a swim, as well as all kinds of other water activities. You can moor up on the banks of Gondrexange lake, which was developed in the 14th century and used, in particular, as a fishing reserve for the Region’s abbeys. It’s now a key meeting place for fishermen and women, so why not leave your licence-free rental boat for a few hours and really make the most of it?

Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane

The Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane is sure to be one of the essential stages of your waterway cruise in Alsace Lorraine. The building, inaugurated in 1969, has allowed no less than 17 locks to be replaced on the route between Strasbourg and Paris, cutting down a barge’s journey by a whole day. You’ll be able to take advantage of this lift to overcome a height difference of over 44 metres in less than 4 minutes. The sheer scale of the structure contrasts with the calm and tranquillity that reigns here and, aboard your rental houseboat, you’ll enjoy a unique experience as the trolley transports you up a 41 % slope.

suggested itineraries Tested and approved

Set off from Waltenheim-sur-Zorn and navigate as your desires see fit, or follow our itinerary ideas:

Week-end
Round trip	48km - 15 locks	10h	Waltenheim sur Zorn > Strasbourg > Waltenheim sur Zorn
Round trip	44km - 12 locks	12h	Waltenheim sur Zorn > Saverne > Waltenheim sur Zorn
One way	66km - 26 locks	16h	Waltenheim sur Zorn > Languimberg

Mini-week
Round trip	94km - 51 locks	28h	Waltenheim sur Zorn > Saverne > Lutzelbourg > Arzviller > Niderviller > Waltenheim sur Zorn

One week
Round trip	107km - 59 locks	25h	Waltenheim sur Zorn > Strasbourg > Waltenheim sur Zorn > Saverne > Waltenheim sur Zorn

Two weeks
Round trip	256km - 105 locks	60h	Waltenheim sur Zorn > Saverne > Arzviller > Sarreguemines > Waltenheim sur Zorn
Round trip	256km - 95 locks	56h	Waltenheim sur Zorn > Saverne > Arzviller > Dombasle > Nancy > Waltenheim sur Zorn