Discover Alsace-Lorraine’s enchanting cobbled villages, scenic vineyards, and gourmet cuisine while cruising France’s historical waterways on La Nouvelle Etoile.
La Nouvelle Etoile is owned and operated by the charismatic Captain Jan Meijer. Sophisticated and worldly, Jan’s lifelong passion lies in introducing barge guests to the many countries through which he cruises during the season. Jan was born into a successful Dutch shipping family; deluxe accommodations, elegant design, and glamorous style are requisites on his dapper barge.
In fact, La Nouvelle Etoile boasts a long list of premium innovations, such as an elevator, exercise room, and laundry facilities. The spacious deck is the perfect place to linger a with glass of wine. When not relaxing in the hot tub, guests can explore their cruise region by walking or bicycling along the towpaths.
In addition to the expected sights in the vibrant cities of Strasbourg and Nancy, Captain Jan offers compelling regional excursions, including a visit to a village where fine crystal is still blown by hand, a winetasting in the local vineyards, and a stop at a restored church with beautiful windows by Marc Chagall.
Gourmands thrill to La Nouvelle Etoile’s extraordinary culinary experience, which features seasonal ingredients and regional specialties, served at a table replete with elegant Wedgewood china, Christofle silver, and the finest crystal. Wines are selected from both local vineyards and New World producers, reflecting La Nouvelle Etoile’s international roamings.
Indeed, La Nouvelle Etoile is very unique in that Jan begins the cruising season in Holland during Tulip Time, and then makes the journey to France via the canals of Belgium. Captain Jan spends most of the season in France, traversing many cruising regions, and then completes in the season cruising to Germany and Luxembourg on the petite Mosel River.