ALSACE:
Alsace: Reopening of the Arzviller boat lift
We are pleased to announce the reopening of the Arzviller boat lift as of Monday, August 3rd, 2015
For more information on the possibilities of a cruise in Alsace-Lorraine please call 00 33 3 85 53 76 70

Waltenheim-sur-Zorn 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.