Saverne sits where the Vosges Mountains meet the Alsatian plain, its glowing pink-sandstone château mirrored in the Marne-Rhine Canal. Step off the barge and you're already at the palace gates.
Saverne is a straightforward canal stop — you tie up directly at the marina, steps from the town centre.
💡 Pro move: Saverne is very quiet on Sundays — most shops and some restaurants close. Outdoor sights (Rose Garden, Haut-Barr) remain accessible.
Saverne has no ocean pier — canal cruisers dock directly at the Port de Plaisance marina quayside.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| CroisiEurope (MS Madeleine & barges) | Port de Plaisance, Quai du Canal📍 | Docked |
| Le Boat & self-hire canal craft | Port de Plaisance, Quai du Canal📍 | Docked |
Saverne rewards those who explore on foot — and the brave who hike up to a medieval eyrie.
The "Alsatian Versailles" — a massive 18th-century pink sandstone palace whose formal gardens spill down to the canal. Inside, the museum holds Alsatian archaeology, decorative arts, and an exhibition on European pioneer Louise Weiss.
Book Saverne history tours →Perched 470 m above town on three sandstone outcrops, the "Eye of Alsace" delivers sweeping views of the Rhine plain. Cross the Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge) — a footbridge suspended between sheer rock faces. Free entry.
Book Haut-Barr excursions →France's second-oldest rose garden, with 8,500 rose bushes representing 800 varieties, set at the foot of the Vosges foothills. Best visited May through September when the blooms peak.
Book garden tours →Saverne's pedestrianised main street is lined with colourful half-timbered Alsatian houses. The 1605 Maison Katz is the showpiece — its façade is carved with human figures, fruit, and intricate geometric patterns. Free to view from outside.
Book Saverne walking tours →Settle into a local Winstub (Alsatian tavern) for flammekueche fresh from a wood-fired oven, choucroute garnie, and a glass of local Riesling or Licorne beer brewed right in Saverne.
Book Alsace food tours →A peaceful 14th-century Gothic cloister tucked near the town centre, featuring well-preserved biblical frescoes. Opening hours vary; check locally.
Book Saverne historical tours →Saverne is compact and flat in the centre — most highlights are reachable on foot within 15 minutes of the dock.
From the Port de Plaisance, cross to the Château des Rohan gardens, stroll along Quai du Château, then turn north up Grand Rue to the ornately carved Maison Katz. Finish at the Récollets Cloister nearby.
Head west along the shaded Marne-Rhine Canal towpath from the marina to La Roseraie. The path is paved, traffic-free, and lined with plane trees — a lovely walk even if the roses aren't in full bloom.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Saverne, Alsace, France (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 42°F / 6°C | 33°F / 1°C | 16 | 8:18 AM | 5:02 PM |
| Feb | 46°F / 8°C | 34°F / 1°C | 12 | 7:38 AM | 5:51 PM |
| Mar | 53°F / 12°C | 37°F / 3°C | 12 | 6:43 AM | 6:35 PM |
| Apr | 59°F / 15°C | 42°F / 6°C | 12 | 6:39 AM | 8:22 PM |
| May | 66°F / 19°C | 50°F / 10°C | 12 | 5:49 AM | 9:05 PM |
| Jun | 76°F / 24°C | 58°F / 14°C | 12 | 5:27 AM | 9:35 PM |
| Jul | 79°F / 26°C | 61°F / 16°C | 11 | 5:44 AM | 9:28 PM |
| Aug | 77°F / 25°C | 61°F / 16°C | 12 | 6:23 AM | 8:45 PM |
| Sep | 71°F / 22°C | 54°F / 12°C | 9 | 7:07 AM | 7:42 PM |
| Oct | 61°F / 16°C | 48°F / 9°C | 12 | 7:51 AM | 6:40 PM |
| Nov | 50°F / 10°C | 40°F / 4°C | 14 | 7:39 AM | 4:50 PM |
| Dec | 45°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 15 | 8:17 AM | 4:34 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Saverne, Alsace, France. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.