H2olidays

France Passion Plaisance

Alsace-Lorraine

Ardennes
You will appreciate the great variety of landscapes. You will see the meandering Meuse river flowing along the high cliffs of one of the oldest mountains in Europe. You will also see the famous Ardennes woods and canals running through the natural and sparsely populated wild countryside. During the stops, you will enjoy sightseeing, sports or local food such as the Ardennes ham, the Rethel white pudding, game dishes or sweet tarts.

Alsace
The landscapes crossed, between forests and ponds, are magnificent. You will sail along numerous monuments, such as castles and windermills.
On the one hand, following the course of the Marne to the Rhin canal, you will discover the mosellan treasures such as the St Louis shiplift in Arzwiller, Dabo Rock or “La Pépinière des Braves“ in Phalsbourg. Once you've arrived in Alsace, you can use the Arzwiller-Lutzelbourg shiplift and its tunnels, the only one in Europe! The ferry carries canalboats and barges from the upstream canal to the downstream canal, on a 41°  and 128 meter-long ramp.
The canal will lead you to Strasbourg offering varied ladscapes mixing green valleys, hopfields and archeological sites. Strasbourg, the European and Alscatian capital is on eof France's main cities. You'll discover interesting monuments monuments, great restaurants and lots of culture. The old center is undoubtably the most beautiful and picturesque place in town. Surrounded by the Ill river, it has incredible monuments, such as the Cathedral Notre Dame, a marvellous example of Gothic architecture, The Kammerzell house, a travel throught time, La Petite France, the district on the water's edge and the covered bridges. A place to enjoy a life on the water. 

Hochfelden  
Hochfelden is a small town nestled in the Zom Valley, between the Vosges Mountains to the west, the plains of Alsace to the east, the hills of Hanau to the north and the heights of Kochesberg to the south. Counting 3000 inhabitants, the village is located about 8km from Saverne and 36km from Strasbourg. The community forest, Fallberg Forest, possesses 308ha of vegetation near Dossenheim.

This region is located at the limits of Alsace and Lorraine and was occupied long before our era. The Celtic and Ligurian tribes who once lived here, have left behind them many legends. Following that part of its history the region was then taken over by the Romans in 58 BC who implemented a period of peace which lasted nearly five centuries, only ending with the fall of the Roman empire. After it collapsed there were many successive invasions, the Alamanni, the Vandals and the Huns all devastated the country at one point or another. During the ninth century Alsace and Lorraine became dependent on the various German dynasties. However the region began to improve during the thirteenth and fourteenth century with significant economic development, sadly this growth was stopped by the Franco-Burgundian Wars and the Thirty Year War. Finally in 1648 the Treaty of Munster gave Alsace and Lorraine to the French crown.

Later the operation of the Lorraine coalfields brought a richness to the region, while the plains of Alsace excelled in agriculture and viticulture. However, this region was once again heavily marked by the wars of 1870-71, 1914-18, 1939-45, so much so that in less than a century this region experienced three times Germany’s authority.

Since 1949, Strasbourg has been the seat of the Council of Europe. This city is famous for its beer brewing, and it has been a tradition in this city since 870, and it was the first known brewery in the world.

Hence in this is a region full of history set amidst beautiful scenery you are sure to enjoy your cruise while discovering many new and interesting things about what makes this part of France so unique.

To see : In downtown Hochfelden you can admire the St. Wendelin Chapel (13th century), the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Protestant CHurch which is built in red brick. You can also visit the Regional Museum of Zon, which has been installed in the former synagogue. Many documents and everyday objects tell the story of the country of Zorn, as well as the history of pottery in the region, and of course, the history of the local breweries!

To taste : Alsatian cuisine is highly original. Fine goose or pork fat is used to flavour many of the dishes. The Lorraine cuisine on the other hand, is justifiably proud of its sausages and pastries. Some of the specialities that you may enjoy are: Sauerkraut, the quich Lorraie, Coq au Riesling, trout and carp, game during the hunting season (deer, wild boar, hare etc.), blueberry pie, cherry and plum tarts, Baecheofe (a dish of marinated meat in a bowl with white wine), the Flammenkueche (a tarte flambé with onion, bacon and cheese). Riesling, Pinot Nio and Gewürztraminer wines are trypical of Alsace, however it is important to drink them chilled, even the red wine.

To know : Meteor Brewery is the last independent brewery in Alsace.

Most Important : The inclined plane of Arzviller and the old city of Strasbourg are both well worth a visit.

Navigation on the Canal du Rhone à Rhin :
If you sail southerly on the Rhone-Rhin canal it will carry you all the way to the city of Strasbourg (32km from Hochfelden), the capital of Alsace and Europe, a place famous for its remarkable architectural heritage which makes it a World Heritage City of UNESCO.

This canal, formerly known as Napoleon canal, started being used in 1833 after undergoing work to link Alsace with the Côte d’or and the Doubs. The work began in 1882 as part of an industrial project to increase the transport of heavy goods such as wood, coal, sand and petroleum products. Today this canal is mainly used for river tourism as the canal du Rhone au Rhin offers the perfect opportunity to navigate the waters of Strasbourg and explore the surrounding countryside.

Navigation on the Canal Marne au Rhin :
Sailing west along the canal Marne au Rhin, you will find yourself in a land with an unique character as you come across the historic town of Saverne (&-km from Hochfelden). The inclined plane, Arzviller (ship lift), is the only one of its type in Europe and it replace 17 locks in total! With its classic form (including the West Tunnel, and the Réchicourt Lock), this canal offers a total escape from the busyness of the city. Reputed to be a weaving canal, you will be enchanted by the magnificent landscapes you find as you cross the Vosges.

From Hochfelden :

One week
Hochfelden - Saverne - Arzviller - Gondrexange - Hochfelden : 112 km - 46 locks - 35 hours
Hochfelden - Strasbourg - Plobsheim - Hochfelden : 84 km- 32 locks - 25 hours

Two weeks
Hochfelden - Saverne - Arzviller - Sarreguemines - Hochfelden : 246km - 102 locks - 70 hours
Hochfelden - Saverne - Arzviller - Dombasle - Nancy - Hochfelden : 236km - 86 locks - 68 hours