Focus on boat lifts!
Have you ever heard of boat lifts?
Today, we take you on a journey of discovery of these architectural structures that can be found along some canals and rivers in France, Europe and the world!
What are boat lifts used for?
Real technological feats, these mechanical devices allow ships to overcome significant differences in water levels, thus replacing many locks. These structures are also much faster and require less water consumption than a lock.
The different boat lifts
Several technological systems exist and there are four different types of lifts:
Vertical boat lifts
through which the boat is moved up or down. You can find them on our cruises along the Oder in Niederfinow in Germany or along the Elbe in Scharnebeck.
Another spectacular example in Europe is the Strépy-Thieu boat lift. Located on the Canal du Centre in Belgium, it is one of the tallest boat lifts in the world, raising vessels by 73 metres in just a few minutes.
Guests travelling aboard the Raymonde barge in Belgium may experience this remarkable feat of engineering firsthand. Passing through the Strépy-Thieu boat lift is often a highlight of the journey, offering a unique perspective over the surrounding canal landscape.
Inclined planes
which move the boat diagonally along a slope. You can experience it in Arzwiller, during our cruise from the Marne to the Rhine Canal on board our Madeleine barge.
Rotating boat lifts
where the boat is moved up or down by pivoting around a metal axis. One of the most impressive in Europe is the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland.
Caisson lifts
where the volume of water will lower or raise the boat, similar to a lock but overcoming a much greater level of difference in elevation.
There are around 16 boat lifts in Europe, including six in France.
Some vessels in our fleet, thanks to their adapted dimensions, cross between 3 and 16 European boat lifts each year, offering passengers the chance to witness these fascinating engineering achievements up close.
From the historic lifts of Belgium to the innovative systems in Germany and Scotland, these structures are not only practical but also spectacular landmarks along Europe's waterways.
If you would like to experience one of these installations one day, we have selected for you the different itineraries that allow you to cross these boat lifts!
The different boat lifts you can cross with CroisiEurope
The inclined plane of Saint-Louis-Arzviller on the Marne-Rhine Canal, in France
Stop in STRASBOURG - WALTENHEIM - SAVERNE - LUTZELBOURG - XOUAXANGE - LAGARDE - Strasbourg(1)
From Strasbourg to Lagarde, embark on an authentic and traditional cruise in the heart of Alsace and Moselle. You will cruise on the Marne-Rhine Canal where you will discover a colorful heritage and monuments that reflect its history through exciting tours. Explore the Hops Trail, the Haut Barr and Lutzelbourg castles or the Chagall trail and be astonished by the richness of this captivating cruise.
See cruise details
Stop in Strasbourg(1) - LAGARDE - XOUAXANGE - LUTZELBOURG - SAVERNE - WALTENHEIM - STRASBOURG
From Lagarde to Strasbourg, embark on an authentic and traditional cruise in the heart of Alsace and Moselle. You will cruise on the Marne-Rhine Canal where you will discover a colorful heritage and monuments that reflect its history through exciting tours. Explore the Hops Trail, the Haut Barr and Lutzelbourg castles or the Chagall trail and be astonished by the richness of this captivating cruise.
See cruise detailsThe Niederfinow boat lift along the Oder, in Germany
Stop in STRALSUND - Island of Rügen - GREIFSWALD - WOLGAST - Island of Usedom- SZCZECIN - LUNOW - LICHTERFELDER - HENNINGSDORF - BERLIN
From Stralsund to Berlin, sail along the Baltic Sea, the Oder and the Havel on a cruise combining modernity and tradition, originality and simplicity. Visit the remains of Chorin Abbey, the finest example of brick architecture in Northern Germany. Discover spectacular coastlines with fine sandy beaches and limestone cliffs on the islands of Usedom and Rügen, but also cities with unique architecture such as Stralsund, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
See cruise detailsThe Strepy-Thieu boat lift along the Canal du Centre, in Belgium
Stop in HALLE - STREPY-THIEU - MONS - PÉRONNES-LEZ-ANTOING - OUDENAARDE - ASPER - GHENT
Belgium has a dense network of waterways crossing Flanders and Wallonia from east to west and north to south. Join us for a gentle cruise focusing on the good things in life. With the abundance of cultural riches concentrated on the canal banks, you'll discover the characteristic cities, exciting sites, and unique flavors only Belgium can offer. Indulge in local specialties such as chocolate, beer, wine, and other delicacies. Discover Ghent, Bruges, Oudenaarde, Mons, and Brussels. Enjoy a visit to the Château de Beloeil—nicknamed the Belgian Versailles—and the award-winning Chant d’Éole vineyard and wine cellar.
See cruise details
Stop in GHENT - ASPER - OUDENAARDE - PERONNES-LEZ-ANTOING - MONS - STREPY-THIEU - HALLE
Belgium has a dense network of waterways crossing Flanders and Wallonia from east to west and north to south. Join us for a gentle cruise focusing on the good things in life. With the abundance of cultural riches concentrated on the canal banks, you'll discover the characteristic cities, exciting sites, and unique flavors only Belgium can offer. Indulge in local specialties such as chocolate, beer, wine, and other delicacies. Discover Ghent, Bruges, Oudenaarde, Mons, and Brussels. Enjoy a visit to the Château de Beloeil—nicknamed the Belgian Versailles—and the award-winning Chant d’Éole vineyard and wine cellar.
See cruise details