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The best cruises departing from Strasbourg

Strasbourg is not just the capital of Europe or the home of sauerkraut. Above all, it is an island, cradled by the Ill River and bordered by the Rhine, that majestic giant that whispers tales of castles and legends. For travelers seeking serenity, Strasbourg’s river port is the starting point for beautiful cruises and timeless adventures. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a curious explorer, boarding in Strasbourg means treating yourself to a floating balcony overlooking Europe through exceptional itineraries. And the good news? Thanks to Chalair’s connections, particularly our direct route between Brive and Strasbourg, the adventure begins right on the tarmac.
Published on March 26, 2026

The Romantic Rhine: Between Castles and Legends

This is the star route. As you travel north up the river, you’ll pass through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, aUNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • The Lorelei Rock: Get your camera ready for this legendary spot where the cliff overlooks the river.
  • Rüdesheim and Koblenz: Stopovers where cobblestone streets and Riesling tastings set the pace for your days.
  • Why do we love it? Because it feels like stepping into a fairy-tale setting, surrounded by steep vineyards and medieval fortresses.


Heading South: Toward Switzerland and the Peaks

Less well-known but just as spectacular, the route to Basel offers a different perspective. The cruise leaves the plains of Alsace and heads toward the mountains.

Some cruise lines even offer excursions aboard the famous Glacier Express. Just imagine: you leave your cozy cabin in the morning and find yourself in the heart of the Swiss Alps by afternoon. It’s the ultimate multimodal journey, combining the gentle flow of the river with the majesty of the mountains.


Themed Cruises: Christmas and Fine Dining

While Strasbourg is known as the “Christmas Capital,” its end-of-year cruises are true gems. Cruising down the Rhine in December means seeing the riverbanks light up and enjoying the Christmas markets in Colmar, Strasbourg, and Freiburg without ever having to repack your bags.


Spring is the perfect time to indulge in fine dining. The "Wine Route" cruises offer the chance to discover local grape varieties (Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris) directly at the vineyards during port stops, all while enjoying the comfort of an all-inclusive experience on board.

Practical tips for a successful start

The Port of Strasbourg (Quai des Belges or Rue du Havre) is very easy to get to. Here are a few pro tips:

  • Luggage: Opt for soft-sided bags. The cabins on the boats are designed for efficiency, but space is still limited.
  • Transportation: From Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport, the trip to the port takes less than 25 minutes by taxi or via the train shuttle to Strasbourg Central Station, followed by tram line D to the Port du Rhin stop.
  • Plan Ahead: For summer 2026 cruises, book now to take advantage of the best rates and balcony staterooms.

Why choose Chalair to travel to Strasbourg?

Traveling across France by car or train can be a long and tiring journey before embarking on a cruise. By choosing Chalair Aviation’s direct flights, you’ll save valuable time. Our summer route between Brive and Strasbourg is designed to connect travelers from southwestern France to eastern France in less than two hours, in the comfort of our ATR 72 aircraft.


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