We are thrilled to announce the return of our new Christmas market cruises in the Alsace and Lorraine region of France, where the old-world traditions of Europe’s colourful Christmas markets can be found in full swing during the holiday seasons. Available on the 12-passenger luxury hotel barge Panache, the six-night, all-inclusive cruises immerse guests in the annual holiday celebrations that have captivated visitors worldwide for centuries.
Christmas market cruises capture the true spirit of the holiday season, introducing travellers to Alsace and Lorraine at their most festive. The cruises will take our guests back to the most magical time of their childhood, when the spirit of Christmas was truly everywhere.
Bright Lights, Good Cheers
Sitting at the border of Germany, with architecture and culture blending German and French influence, Alsace & Lorraine lights up the evening sky during the holidays with Christmas traditions going back more than five centuries. Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and affectionately known as “the capital of Christmas” welcomes more than two million visitors every year at this time. They are witnesses to streets illuminated by shimmering multicoloured lights and vendors selling holiday decorations as part of the city’s iconic Christkindelsmärik. Guests who join our Christmas market cruises will explore its renowned Christmas markets, the oldest in France and featuring more than 300 wooden chalets, spread throughout different squares in the city. Guests can wander through Place Gutenberg and la Petite France (little France) with its cobbled streets, boutique shops and quaint little cafes, after which they’ll be treated to a gastronomic dinner at a traditional Alsatian restaurant.
Known for its half-timbered houses, flower-laden windowsills and winding, cobblestone streets, Colmar seems to rise straight out of a child’s fairytale during the holidays, with white Christmas trees decorating every corner. European Waterways guests will visit the famous six Christmas markets that ring the town centre. Guests will visit a chocolate atelier to watch seasonal candy being made, and try their hand at the craft themselves. Also on the itinerary is a visit to the Christmas market of Riquewhir, located in the beautiful Vins d’Alsace wine region.
In the city of Lutzelbourg in the Lorraine region, guests will visit the Meisenthal Glass Bauble factory, the original birthplace of the iconic Christmas decoration, to watch the glass blowers in action. They can also stop by the Musée Lalique to see the remarkable glassware collection of French jeweller René Jules Lalique, whose extensive creations of glass art was a major influence on the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. See the full itinerary here.
Cruise with us on Luxury Hotel Barge Panache
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas markets and head back to your room aboard hotel barge Panache. This spacious barge allows up to 12 guests and is a quiet retreat from the busy Alsace Christmas Markets. On board you can enjoy unique views of the Alsatian cities we visit from the calm canals where we moor.
For more information on our Christmas Market Cruises, and the rest of our collection of luxury hotel barge cruises, why not order a free copy of our brochure or speak to a member of our team directly using our handy Contact Form.
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