Have yourself a

Have yourself a merrylittle cruise-masIs there anywhere more christmassythan Alsace? asks Janine Marsh asshe embarks upon a cruise along theRhine Canal stopping off at some of themost beautiful villages and Christmasmarkets of France.A great way to experience the yuletidemarkets, the dazzlingly decorated townsand villages of the Alsace region - includingStrasbourg, the “acknowledged capitalof Christmas’, without having to drive andforego a glass of mulled wine, or navigate anunknown place in freezing fog, find parkingspaces, or paying top dollar prices for hotelsor worrying about trying to get a restaurantbooking – is to see it by boat with family-runCroisiEurope – a leader in the cruise business.CroisiEurope offer several Alsace Christmasmarket tours, and I took a four-day bargetour (maximum 22 people), which startedand ended in Colmar, taking in one of thelargest Christmas markets in the region,as well as smaller and truly captivatingChristmas markets in beautifully decoratedvillages. Onboard, the chef-prepared mealsare gastronomic and paired with fabulouswines – *all meals and drinks are included(including at the bar). The barge is decoratedin style and the minute you board, thefestive spirit grips you. It’s warm and cosywith really welcoming and friendly, Englishspeakingstaff. As Christmas experiences go– discovering Christmas in Alsace this way ispretty unbeatable.Cruising gently through stunning sceneryduring the mornings (no night time sailing),lazing in the steaming hot tub on deck,spotting storks nests, herons and swans,indulging in amazing food and beingtransported on excursions in the afternoonswith an English speaking guide was so relaxing.Plus there are some fun onboard experiencesincluding a delicious gingerbread tasting, andlearning to make a napkin Christmas tree (yesI did go home with this new skill and surprisedmy family at the Christmas meal!).KaysersbergIn the heart of the vineyards, medievalKaysersberg is fairy tale pretty, and it’s easyto see how it won the renowned TV contest“Favourite Village of the French” in 2017.Wander the cobbled streets, ogle the halftimberedhouses and admire the 13 th centurycastle. All the houses are festooned withChristmas decorations, and the guide toldme that in the villages of Alsace, this is sucha huge tradition and such an important partof their lives, that “if you don’t decorate forChristmas, your neighbours will come andknock on your door to make sure you’re ok!”30 | The Good Life FranceSwans in the winter wonderland of AlsaceThe Good Life France | 31