Alsace, its magnificent scenery & The Eco zero emissions electric powered boats
An amazing region with a great choice of waterways, full of history, lots of Gothic towns & villages to discover and magnificent scenery - a true haven for nature lovers
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Alsace, its magnificent scenery & The Eco zero emissions electric powered boats
Boating Holidays in France Alsace – the Grand Est region of France is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts with excellent walking and cycling routes and breathtaking mountain backdrops. This is an excellent wine producing area with many vineyards worth visiting.
The Sixto Green Eco Electric Boat
In the Estivale Range is 100% electric and the first boat available for holiday hire in France & Europe. These boats are available from the Saverne base in Alsace. They use lithium-ion powered batteries meaning zero emissions, minimal pollution and are very environmentally friendly. Their engine is silent so that you can enjoy the sound of the flowing water lapping the hull, the wind in the trees and the song of the many birds along the way. A perfect way to enjoy your boating holiday and minimise your carbon footprint.
VNF (Voies Navigables de France), the country’s river authority have installed fast charging points every 11km. They are located in town marinas and rural mooring areas to give you the choice of where to stop. A full charge only takes 2 hours and can last 6 to 8 hours of cruising or a day to a day and a half. The easy to use touch screen operated self service stations have instructions in English and the Sixto Green boats are given priority in the moorings that are reserved for electric boats. Most of the recharging station also provide water so that you can fill your tank during the charge.
You have two departure bases to choose from
Saverne
A bustling little town packed with interesting things to see and do. Its strategic position at the base of the Lower Rhine valley made it a perfect location for trading dating back to the Roman empire who fortified the town against Barbarian invasions.
Cruise East to Strasbourg, Capital of the Alsace region. Discover the old town with cobbled streets lined with timber houses whose skyline is dominated by the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral – the tallest church in France with magnificent stained glass windows dating back to the 12th century.
Heading West and use the Arzviller boat lift. This lift raises boats 45 meters in 20 minutes and can replace 17 locks, saving you whole day’s travelling. Continue through the Niderviller tunnels leading to the green pastures of Lorraine, travelling through lakes and forests.
At Gondrexange, the Canal des Houillères de la Sarre leads you through the beautiful Lorraine Regional Park that borders Germany. Cruising further west will take you to the city of Nancy where we recommend a visit of Place Stanislas. This UNESCO World Heritage site is considered one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe and a perfect example of classical french architecture.
Harskirchen
The Alsatian character of the small town of Harskirchen, sitting on the Canal de la Sarre, is typical of the region and a great place to visit before you start your cruise.
Heading north towards the town of Sarreguemines, famous for its pottery and Saarbrucken will weave you in and out of the German border.
Southbound will take you past Mittersheim and the many ponds created in the middle ages by monks for fish farming that are now used to supply water for the Canal des Houillères de la Sarre where you will find beaches offering swimming areas and watersports, you can also fish or cycle on the towpath.
Travelling west to Nancy on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin then north on the Moselle river. This route will take you through the city of Metz with it eclectic mix of old and award winning contemporary architecture, fantastic shopping streets, lively town centre and delicious eateries.
A cruise through the canals and inland waterways of France
Holiday Highlights


The Routes

Holiday Information
PRICES
Prices for 2023 based on 1 week boat hire | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price period | 18 Mar – 28 Apr 23 Sep – 05 Nov |
29 Apr – 02 Jun 09 Sep – 22 Sep |
03 Jun – 23 Jun 26 Aug – 08 Sep |
24 Jun – 07 Jul 19 Aug – 25 Aug |
08 Jul – 18 Aug |
Travelling by air* |
POA | POA | POA | POA | POA |
Travelling by car* |
£544pp (Saverne) £691pp (Harskirchen) |
£695pp (Saverne) £891pp (Harskirchen) |
£733pp (Saverne) £941pp (Harskirchen) |
£794pp (Saverne) £1022pp (Harskirchen) |
£847pp (Saverne) £1088pp (Harskirchen) |
Travelling by train* |
£923pp (Saverne) £1000pp (Harskirchen) |
£1075pp (Saverne) £1201pp (Harskirchen) |
£1112pp (Saverne) £1251pp (Harskirchen) |
£1173pp (Saverne) £1331pp (Harskirchen) |
£1226pp (Saverne) £1401pp (Harskirchen) |
*Travelling by car |
Prices are based on Dover to Calais ferry crossings in a standard size car measuring 1.85 x 5m. Eurotunnel & other ferry routes also available. | ||||
*Travelling by train |
Prices are based on Standard Class Eurostar service from London to Paris with a connecting fast train service including private transfers on arrival and departure. | ||||
All prices are a guide. Prices can increase or decrease depending on availability. The prices are based on 2 people and 1 week boat hire – Sedan Primo from Saverne & Estivale Duo from Harskirchen. Other boats and travel options are available please discuss your requirements with our team. We can arrange hotel accommodation before you start or at the end of your boat holiday. Please ask our team for details. Prices can change quickly – you will be quoted the current price at the time of booking. Please visit our special offers page for up to date seasonal discounts. |
BOAT CHOICES
Boat Choices - Depending on the size of your group and your preferred boat specification it may be necessary to start from from a specific base.
From Saverne
Duration | Cruise From Saverne | KM | Locks | Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 Day Weekend | A | Saverne – Niderviller – Saverne | 44 | 24 | 12 |
Short Break | A | Saverne – Strasbourg – Saverne | 92 | 40 | 22 |
B | Saverne – Réchicourt – Saverne | 92 | 28 | 20 | |
One Way | C | Saverne – Harskirchen | 73 | 30 | 18 |
1 Week | A | Saverne – Mittersheim – Saverne | 122 | 52 | 32 |
10 Days | A | Saverne – Nancy – Saverne | 208 | 66 | 47 |
2 Week | A | Saverne – Sarreguemines – Saverne | 208 | 78 | 54 |
B | Saverne – Nancy – Toul – Saverne | 281 | 103 | 70 |
Cruise from Harskirchen
Duration | Cruise from Harskirchen | KM | Locks | Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 Day Weekend | A | Harskirchen – Sarreguemines – Harskirchen | 64 | 20 | 14 |
B | Harskirchen – Pont d’Albeschaux – Harskirchen | 46 | 32 | 14 | |
Short Break One Way | A | Harskirchen – Saverne | 73 | 30 | 18 |
Short Break | A | Harskirchen – Réchicourt – Harskirchen | 86 | 40 | 22 |
B | Harskirchen – Saarbrücken – Harskirchen | 108 | 32 | 21 | |
1 Week | A | Harskirchen – Lützelbourg – Harskirchen | 124 | 44 | 30 |
2 Weeks | A | Harskirchen – Nancy – Toul – Harskirchen | 273 | 117 | 69 |
B | Harskirchen – Strasbourg – Harskirchen | 238 | 92 | 58 |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
- Sailing consumables: this is packaged to include engine fuel and oil, gas for the hot water and stove. On-board equipment monitors usage. This is paid locally and ranges from €5.50 to €12.80 per day depending on boat size.
- Deposit: You will be asked to pay a deposit of €1000 per boat (1500€ for boats over 10m) and €150 to cover the cleaning (200€ for boats over 10m). This deposit covers the insurance, loss of hire and cleaning if required. The deposit is refundable on the return of the boat at the end of your cruise if it is bought back in clean and undamaged to the agreed return location.
- SIXTO GREEN: Sailing consumables includes gas consumed on board (heating, hotplates, oven etc.), the charging of the batteries during
your cruise and maintenance, plus a financial contribution to VNF, the organization responsible for management of the charging terminals. - Cleaning service: full interior & exterior and interior or exterior.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Comprehensive waterways guide
- Bicycle hire
- Barbecue
- Garage parking
- One way transfers
- Fishing equipment (an obligatory fishing licence costs €25. Please allow 2 or 3 weeks for the application process)
- WiFi
- Deck mattresses
- 12/220v Converter
- Early pick-up & late return
An all inclusive package is available for cruises of one week and longer. It includes:
- Comprehensive waterways guide
- 2 bicycles
- Cleaning package
- Fuel & gas
- Towels & kitchen linen
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To find out more or plan your trip, call us today
+ 44 (0) 1737 452000
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