France
French Canal Voyage by Barge: Discover Alsace-Lorraine
Program No. 21158RJ
Immerse yourself in culture as you sail the Marne-Rhine Canal on a modern river barge, discovering grand châteaux, picturesque vineyards, cathedrals and world-class cuisine.
Participant Reviews
Based on 42 Reviews
SHOWING
The program is well planned and there are many opportunities for learning about the history and culture of Alsace and Lorraine.
— Review left May 17, 2025
This was an outstanding experience in a myriad of ways. The barge voyage was unique and delightful. Our group was very friendly and fun and a true joy to be with. Amy (Amandine) was a first-rate guide: a true rock star. Highly recommended!
— Review left May 2, 2025
This trip was a perfect introduction to Strasbourg and an in depth study of the Rhine-Marne canal from the water level up. The hotel in Strasbourg was perfectly located and time allowed for a bit of independent exploration. The barge journey was truncated because the canal had collapsed east of Saverne a few days before our arrival. The Road Scholar staff more than made up for the locations we missed by a trip to Marlenheim, where we were greeted by Alsatian costumed locals at the musée in town (including the mayor) and escorted on a tour. Also wonderful were the Chagall stained glass in Sarrebourg, the astronomical clock in the Cathédrale Notre Dame in Strasbourg, and the Plan Incliné. Somehow we were blessed with perfect weather, which allowed delightful walks along the canal and photographs of the spring flowers.
— Review left April 23, 2025
Best trip. Highly recommended.
— Review left October 27, 2024
This trip was Excellent. We spent a few days in Strasbourg learning about the Alsace and Lorraine regions and how they were juggled back and forth between the French and the Germans. I enjoyed visiting St. Thomas Lutheran church on my own and learning how Albert Schweitzer was associated with it. Free time is very valuable and the ability to use it to walk around this very walkable old town area was appreciated. Several of the travelers initiated "cocktail" time at the hotel in Strasbourg when they shared sausage, cheese, crackers that they had purcahsed in Paris before their arrival. It was an excellent way to meet our fellow travelers. The barge portion was outstanding! We had a chef who lovingly prepared classic French dishes for our group of about 16 people. Morning walks on the path adjacent to the canal were enjoyed by all who walked, even in the rain. Most of the excursion selections were unfamiliar to me so very enjoyable to learn about. Experiencing the movement through the locks and especially the 'inclined plane' was fascinating. This was a very relaxed trip and should be enjoyed by all who take it.
— Review left October 25, 2024
We've wanted to take a barge trip on the canals of France for some time and this one was just perfect!
— Review left October 24, 2024
guide- Juliette- was EXCELLENT. she was calm cool and collected at all times, handled the more challenging situations (and trip attendants!) with poise and good spirit. She is very knowledgeable, patient, fun.
I'm usually the only vegetarian on these trips and she made a point to let me know every restaurant was aware and there were always great non-meat option.
The first hotel was very nice, great location & buffet breakfast. very comfortable and spacious room and lovely staff.
however: HARD recommendation on hotels: make them accessible. My mother is 80 and getting into and out of a shower with a bath is challenging, having at least some rooms with hand rails for a group of elderly visitors should be mandatory. OR a walk in shower with no ledge to have to walk over.
the barge staff was also lovely- no complaints. the chef was the most amazing surprise of the whole trip- he is an artist! And also always had an amazing vegetarian option.
the barge staff were all lovely , kind, and helpful. it was very clean. The room was a tight fit but both my mother and I expected this and it worked out fine.
I will likely not do a barge trip again as I felt a little claustrophobic, but this has nothing to do with RoadScholar- I just like more space and like to walk around in a town more. My mother found it quite pleasant.
The stain glass by Marc Chagall was so stunning- my favorite part of the whole trip.
The weather was not on our side, but again nothing Road Scholar can do about this.
Illness: I know the CDC considers covid to be a regular respiratory viral illness, but RoadScholar caters to an older population some of which may have higher risk factors that would make covid more concerning. I wish it would be made very clear that if someone does test positive, everyone should be notified so people can choose to wear masks if they desire, or perhaps only in small space environments like a bus. And encourage those with covid to keep a mask on when talking w others
— Review left October 4, 2024
Barging Through Alsace-Lorraine was a great program: fantastic guide Alexandra, super cuisine, superb crew on Madeleine barge, very interesting and informative field trips, nice pace, super and congenial travel companions. My wife and I highly recommend it!
— Review left October 2, 2024
Not to be missed! Relaxing, refreshing, rather unhurried tour of a rather small but very beautiful area.
— Review left July 5, 2024
I learned so much, in comfortable accommodations, and with pleasant companions! Our Group Leader was gracious, organized, and prepared. Each local expert was knowledgeable and friendly. The barge staff was attentive and professional. Both Alsace-Mosel and Lorraine have richly complex histories, and their cultures were beautifully revealed as we floated gently through the Marne canal. Merci pour cette magnifique visite éducative !
— Review left June 28, 2024
This is a wonderful trip and I highly recommend this trip to anyone that would like to do something totally different. The barge crew was amazing, kind and very helpful. The food was amazing and Alexandra, our teacher, was very knowledgeable. Rooms are small but you aren't there to spend time in your room. The deck and lounge provide plenty of room for sitting and talking to fellow travelers. Dining room is the perfect size. The people I traveled with where welcoming and we shared many interest. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left June 27, 2024
If you are looking for a trip to a part of the world that is thriving, choose Saverne/Lorraine in Eastern France
— Review left June 2, 2024
This is a very relaxing, but intellectually simulating trip. The accommodations and meals were excellent to outstanding. Our Guide Juliette was culturally and historically knowledgeable about Alsace and Lorraine.
— Review left May 26, 2024
This is the perfect trip for experienced travelers in their 70"s and 80"s who love the countryside and love being on the water!
— Review left May 24, 2024
This was a wonderful trip in every way. The barge is lovely and very comfortable. The crew is extraordinary as are the food and wine. The area is lovely (even in the generally bad weather we had) and the excursions delightful and informative. Alexandra was a wonderful group leader. She is fun, knowledgeable, passionate about the area and its history and a joy to travel with. The group of people could not have been better — we quickly became good friends. I loved Strasbourg. The trip is a perfect blend of learning, sightseeing and relaxing. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
— Review left May 17, 2024
What an exciting and refreshing program! Loved the area and the variety of historical presentations and interesting experiences. The barge experience was delightful..... Everyone involved added to our enjoyment. It was an A+ trip!
— Review left April 17, 2024
We had a lovely trip with Alexandra, an excellent guide and host! This is a pleasant, leisurely trip in a small area of France less visited by tourists. If your fairly well traveled, this is a nice change of pace. Strasbourg is a charming starting (and ending) point. After a coach ride to reach the barge, the barge takes you back to Strasbourg over the remainder of the trip via the Marne-Rhine canal, stopping at various points of interest along the way. Each day on the barge brings you a first class lunch and dinner, presented by the on board chef. During the day, you can stay on board, watching the passing countryside or periodically get out at one lock and walk (or ride a bike) down the canal to another lock. If you’re tired of traveling to Paris (or other major European cities) and noticing you’re among vast number of other tourists, this might be what you’re looking for!
— Review left November 19, 2023
This was a great trip. It was very unique to travel on a barge and have the option to get off and walk along the path beside the canal and get back onboard several locks later. The food was OUTSTANDING! 5-Star cuisine at every meal!
— Review left November 10, 2023
Pleasant way to travel. Nice mix of activity and quiet time. Great food!
— Review left September 29, 2023
This was a wonderful trip. Meny, our guide is simply outstanding and has unique, fun way of imparting information. The barge crew was fantastic and the quality of the food exceeded all expectations and turned out to be a real highlight of the trip. Highly recommended.
— Review left September 23, 2023
Everyone should take a barge trip at least once in their life...and this is the one! Beautiful scenery, fascinating sights, knowledgeable guide/instructors, charming boat crew, good balance of exploring and relaxation, and your own French chef preparing one excellent meal after another.
— Review left September 19, 2023
The barge trip was extremely delightful and relaxing. The food the chef served was outstanding and the barge crew was always ready to serve.
— Review left May 17, 2023
The reservations for this program sell out quite early, which should tell you that the word is out among Road Scholar participants. Don't miss this journey.
— Review left May 16, 2023
This is truly an educational trip that will open your eyes to what the people of this region have gone through over the ages. But please don’t enroll if you are frail, impaired in any way, including hard of hearing and want everything repeated multiple times. If all you want to do is stay in bed in your barge cabin or hotel room, stay home. You need to read the materials provided to you by Road Scholar so that you aren’t constantly asking questions about basic information that just takes up the time of the tour leader and the rest of the group. You should approach this program as a class with lectures and as an immersion in new experiences, not as a vacation to just sleep and stroll at your leisure. If you currently rely on your spouse or partner as your hearing aid, please have your hearing tested and buy a real hearing aid before you enroll in any Road Scholar program.
— Review left May 16, 2023
Outstanding guide(Alexandra), amazing food and wine, beautiful scenery, lots of history, but the best part was being able to cycle (bicycles provided) along the canal towpath ,so peaceful and calm, flowering fruit trees adorning the sides, and watching the barge come through the locks up close. Spring was a wonderful time to go.
— Review left April 29, 2023
This was a wonderful trip! Our guide, Alexandra, was so personable and full of knowledge about the area of Alsace. The barge was comfortable and the scenery was beautiful as we floated through the French countryside. It was fun to get off from time to time and walk or ride bikes to the next lock or two. The food on board was amazing, thanks to our chef, Clemente. The entire barge staff is to be commended for their friendliness and attention to every detail. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left November 1, 2022
Alsace-Lorraine has a complicated history, making this region a very interesting place to visit. Canal barge tours provide small groups, a relaxing pace and the chance to see treasures off the beaten path. On this tour, the Marc Chagall stained glass window was a true gem.
— Review left October 31, 2022
An excellent way to learn about an important part of Europe that may not be the top choice of every tourist. Visit old Strasbourg on it's island, and take a relaxing canal cruise over and through the mountains, including a dramatic ride on an inclined plane.
— Review left October 17, 2022
Excellent group leader, born in Alsace with a deep love of the country and its people which she communicated well. Accomodations excellent on board the Madelaine. Ship's crew outstanding as well. Content A+. We would do it again!
— Review left October 17, 2022
This was a wonderful trip. The barge was delightful and so was the staff. High recommendations for the staff. Our meal server was the best.
I was honored to have food by a great chef.
Dominique was a great tour guide and the purser, stateroom attendant, crew and captain should receive accolades.
— Review left October 16, 2022
The French Canal barge trip was a wonderful experience. You can get exercise by biking or walking as the barge meanders through the canal which enhances the experience. Or you can sit liesurely and enjoy the sights as you gently move through the area. The educational presentations, tours and free time allow you to learn about the areas you visit. I highly recommend it to others.
— Review left October 15, 2022
We loved the barge, which was large and comfortable. The crew was small but close-knit. And the food!!!! This should be advertised as a food tour.
— Review left September 30, 2022
The French Canal Voyage by Barge: Discover Alsace-Lorraine was a lovely trip. Traveling on the Madeleine was relaxing and allowed for intimate glimpses of rural France. The crew were welcoming, helpful and friendly.The food and drink were plentiful and delicious. The activity level was moderate, but many of us took advantage of opportunities to walk the canal path in the mornings.
— Review left June 1, 2022
This was a truly delightful program! Libby, the program leader was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and the CroisiEurope crew on the barge were attentive to our every need. The food and drink on the barge were amazing! “Foodies” will enjoy this program. This was a somewhat slower paced program, but those who wanted some exercise were able to get off the barge and walk along the path between locks. That was a nice component of the trip. This area of France has a fascinating history that was well explored.
— Review left October 20, 2021
This program was the perfect introduction to Alsace-Lorraine and one I would recommend to any Francophile. Strasbourg may not be as big or famous as Paris, but it has a great deal to offer that should not be missed. And the Alsace-Lorraine countryside is unique in its bicultural lore and traditions. It's almost like getting two countries in one, since Germany is literally just on the other side of the Rhine River.
— Review left October 18, 2021
My husband and I finally made our first Road Scholar trip. We embarked on the barge trip for Alsace-Lorraine. I can not fully express how wonderful the trip was. The guide, crew, barge and sites were all wonderful! We felt safe, pampered and well cared for the whole time; even in these uncertain times of Covid.
— Review left October 2, 2021
Strasbourg is an amazing city and the trip down the canal by barge was beyond expectations! If this isn't on your bucket list, add it!
— Review left September 17, 2021
We very much enjoyed this trip. We found it very relaxing, we got to see a new corner of the world (a beautiful one at that), and met a number of interesting individuals --fellow travels, guides, and barge crew. The singular highlight of the trip was the visit to the Chagall Window in Sarrebourg, a small city off of the canal. It was breathtaking. A nearby museum also had a Chagall tapestry, woven by a Yvette Cauquil-Prince--well worth a visit in its own right.
— Review left November 18, 2019
Spent time in Strasbourg and then got a taste of the Alsace Lorraine countryside at a relaxed pace. A fun trip.
— Review left October 15, 2019
Alsace-Lorraine on a canal barge--what a lovely holiday. The time in Strasbourg was fascinating, our group included friendly and interesting people. The barge time was a treat--more relaxing but still educational. The "Madeleine" is new, bright, and incredibly well planned to get everything we need into a small space. The crew was both welcoming, fun, and still professional. The only "heads-up" is that travel connections to Strasbourg can be challenging.
— Review left July 8, 2019
This was perhaps my favorite of 17 Road Scholar experiences. Our “Barge” was the Madeleine, a small luxury water craft, with superbly comfortable twin beds in each (small) cabin, an attentive crew who could serve in any fine hotel, and a chef who outdid himself with every meal. You will enjoy two-hour lunches and dinners each day, with your choice of regional wines. The Alsace region is beautiful, and its amazing history is presented in well-paced lectures and excursions throughout the week. If you are blessed with Hélène Thomas as your guide, and a group as interesting and harmonious as ours, you will have a truly wonderful experience.
— Review left July 4, 2019
Our barge trip on the Marne-Rhine Canal in Alsace-Lorraine was terrific. We saw beautiful countryside, as well as special sites in the towns we visited, and we enjoyed being able to walk along the canal. We had an outstanding guide from Road Scholar. The MS Madeleine is a beautiful boat with a great crew and lavish, gourmet meals, WAY beyond our expectations!
— Review left June 24, 2019