The Magic of the Mosel: Cycling from Cochem to Metz
Guided from EUR € 2169
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Magnifique III
Countries: France and Germany
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Discovering the world-renowned wine-growing regions between Germany and France
Cycle along the Mosel River as the landscapes of France, Luxembourg, and Germany unfold before you. Traverse picturesque villages, ancient castles, and sun-drenched vineyard-clad hills on this bike and boat adventure. This tour is unique in that it offers one night in a hotel giving you extra time to explore Metz. Pedal through peaceful panoramas along the winding Mosel River, savoring the irresistible flavors of the valley.
Alternatives to this tour is the Classic Version or Metz to Cochem Premier.
Highlights
- Delight in Cochem, surrounded by lush vineyards
- Trier in all its hillside magnificence
- The wine-growing center of Bernkastel-Kues
- Metz & St. Etienne Cathedral, epitomizing grand Gothic architecture
- Beilstein - showcasing one of the Mosel River Valley's most pristine villages
- Discover the enchanting commune of Remich
Learn More
Learn more about guided tours.
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Tour Photos
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Daily program
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Disclaimer: The 2026 itinerary is subject to change and may be updated without prior notice.
Day 1: Metz
Make yourself at home in Metz! Check-in at the hotel.Enjoy a leisurely walk through the lovely city of Metz, famed for its grand Gothic architecture and picturesque promenades. The star of the show is undoubtedly St. Etienne Cathedral (or Metz Cathedral), whose towering spires cast their grand Gothic shadows over the city. Nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’, St. Etienne glows wonderfully in the soft sunshine, offering an awe-inspiring vista. Within the incredible interior, sunlight filters through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows in mesmerizing hues.
Day 2: Metz – Schengen
Your tour leader will welcome you at the hotel at 11am before heading out for a guided tour of Metz. After lunch, you will pick up your bags and journey to Schengen by bus to board the boat. The little town of Schengen rests at the 3-country border in Luxembourg and is the namesake of the visa which eliminated border control between many European countries.
You’ll be welcomed aboard and provided with an introduction to the crew, a bicycle fitting, and a short test ride to ensure you’re comfortable.Day 3: Schengen - Remich (26 or 31 miles/41 or 49 km)
With breakfast served on board, you’ll start your first day of cycling from Luxembourg as you cross the border and ride towards the charming commune of Remich for your overnight stay. Just before you arrive, you’ll explore nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its bedazzling mosaic floor, comprising over three million tiles and displaying fascinating gladiator scenes.Day 4: Remich - Saarburg (24 or 29 miles/40 or 48 km)
Riding from Remich, your guide will show you where the Mosel River actually forms the Germany/Luxembourg border. Passing into Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Mosel’. Refreshed and revitalized, you’ll take a moment to assess the day’s cycling options: the shorter but slightly more challenging option (featuring hills), or the longer but easier option (along the river). Both will lead you into sublime Saarburg.Arriving in Saarburg is a little like journeying back in time - this old city, with its beautiful architecture, wonderful waterway, and quaint character, sits unassumingly in the serene Saar Valley. You’ll find the river banks hooded with dense forest, adding to the magical charm of an area once commanded by a grand castle peering over the treeline. Fill your mind with wonder as you gaze upon the waterfall at the center of the city, which nestles a quaint mill at its base.
Day 5: Saarburg - Trier (19 miles/32 km)
Your excellent adventure takes you on to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Trier is a history lover’s haven, boasting myriad impressive monuments from the Roman Golden Age. Founded around 15 BC by the imperious Caesar Augustus, ‘Augusta Trevorum’, as Trier was known at the time, became a prosperous trading town and proudly stood as one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. These days, you can still see several remarkable Roman relics, including the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), one of the four gates formerly used to guard this city, and the largest Roman gate north of the Alps. No wonder it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site! As you relax in the evening following your day’s ride, you’ll have plenty of time to find an establishment fit for feasting like an emperor.Day 6: Cruise Trier - Schweich | Cycle Schweich - Neumagen - Bernkastel (16 or 32 miles/27 or 53 km)
From the charming town of Schweich you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Mosel’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Mosel region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. If you haven’t heard of the wonderful white wine that put the Mosel Valley on the map, you’ll certainly get your fill of its flavorsome history on this leg, passing by Piesport, renowned for its popular ‘Piesporter Goldtrӧpfchen’. As you make an exciting hairpin turn, you’ll take in views of Trittenheim, where vineyards stretch in the shadows of majestic mountains, nestling the noble Laurantiuskapelle, known for its gothic choir.Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bike to Bernkastel-Kues. Here, you’ll discover a postcard-perfect town with plenty of charm and a reputation for having the best wine regions in the Mid-Mosel area. In your downtime, it’s worth taking a walk to Market Square, where timber-framed houses make for a quaint, historic atmosphere.
Day 7: Bernkastel - Traben-Trarbach - Zell (27 miles/45 km)
Your brilliant bike tour continues on to a major center of the Mosel wine region - Traben-Trarbach. Lying in the so-called ‘Valley of the Dawn’, Traben-Trarbach is certain to awaken your senses as arresting art nouveau architecture, Jugendstil buildings, and woodland views vie for your attention. You’ll journey on to Zell for tonight’s stay, a town known to be wonderful for wine tastings, especially of the famous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly.Day 8: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem (24 miles/39 km)
On your penultimate day, you’ll pedal to breathtaking Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historic villages to grace the Mosel River, where you’ll find the magnificent remains of Metternich Castle sitting splendidly atop a steep hill. You’ll have time to explore these atmospheric ruins and capture photos to treasure against the romantic backdrop of the Mosel Valley.The excitement of your tour culminates in characterful Cochem, where your ride reaches its fabulous finale. This Mosel town sits majestically amongst the mountains, where wooded hills hide historical medieval fortresses, one of which features an intriguing museum you may wish to visit. Your group will explore the remarkable Reichsburg Castle (also called the ‘Imperial Castle’) as part of the program, allowing you an awe-inspiring experience within walls steeped in history and lore.
Day 9: Cochem
Disembarkation will be concluded by 9:30 am.On the days that two cycling distances are offered, the tour leader, after conferring with the group, will choose to guide either the shorter or longer route. Not all the highlights will be visited during the shorter route.
You can also choose to ride self-guided utilizing maps available on board. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour start date.
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Disclaimer: The 2026 itinerary is subject to change and may be updated without prior notice.
Day 1: Cochem
Arrive and get comfortable in Cochem, a characterful Mosel town sitting majestically amongst the mountains, where wooded hills hide historical medieval fortresses. As part of the program, your group will explore the remarkable Reichsburg Castle (also called the ‘Imperial Castle’), allowing you an awe-inspiring experience within walls steeped in history and lore.Embarkation begins at 2 pm, where the crew will greet you with a drink and provide an introduction to your terrific tour.
Day 2: Cochem - Zell (24 miles/39 km)
After breakfast, you’ll pedal to breathtaking Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historic villages to grace the Mosel River, where you’ll find the magnificent remains of Metternich Castle sitting splendidly atop a steep hill. You’ll have time to explore these atmospheric ruins and capture photos to treasure against the romantic backdrop of the Mosel Valley.Biking through Bremmer Calmont, you’ll pass the steepest vineyard in all of Europe, growing on an impressive 60 degree incline! You’ll journey on to Zell for tonight’s stay, a town known to be wonderful for wine tastings, especially of the famous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly.
Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel-Kues (27 miles/45 km)
Your brilliant bike tour continues on to a major center of the Mosel wine region - Traben-Trarbach. Lying in the so-called ‘Valley of the Dawn’, Traben-Trarbach is certain to awaken your senses as arresting art nouveau architecture, Jugendstil buildings, and woodland views vie for your attention.You’ll cycle on through the wine city of Kröv, where Kröver wine originated, through to beautiful Bernkastel-Kues, where you’ll spend the night. Here, you’ll discover a postcard-perfect town with plenty of charm and a reputation for having the best wine regions in the Mid-Mosel area. The barge in Kues will be waiting for your arrival after you’ve taken a tour through town, which includes a visit to Market Square, known for its charming timber-framed houses.
Day 4: Cycle Bernkastel - Neumagen - Schweich (18 or 34 miles/28 or 54 km) | Cruise Schweich - Trier
Today you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Mosel’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Mosel region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. If you haven’t heard of the wonderful white wine that put the Mosel Valley on the map, you’ll certainly get your fill of its flavorsome history on this leg, passing by Piesport, renowned for its popular ‘Piesporter Goldtrӧpfchen’. Just before, as you make an exciting hairpin turn, you’ll take in views of Trittenheim, where vineyards stretch in the shadows of majestic mountains, nestling the noble Laurantiuskapelle, known for its gothic choir.Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bicycle to Schweich to reconvene with the boat in this serene town. By barge, you’ll journey to Trier, Germany’s oldest city.
Day 5: Trier - Saarburg (18 miles/28 km)
Beginning the morning in Trier, your tour guide will take you on a leisurely walk around town to discover its remarkable Roman history. Trier is a history lover’s haven, boasting myriad impressive monuments from the Roman Golden Age. Founded around 15 BC by the imperious Caesar Augustus, ‘Augusta Trevorum’, as Trier was known at the time, became a prosperous trading town and proudly stood as one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. These days, you can still see several remarkable Roman relics, including the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), one of the four gates formerly used to guard this city, and the largest Roman gate north of the Alps. No wonder it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site!Back on your bicycle, you’ll set off towards Saarburg, a city seemingly frozen in time. This old city, with its beautiful architecture, wonderful waterway, and quaint character, sits unassumingly in the serene Saar Valley. You’ll find the river banks hooded with dense forest, adding to the magical charm of an area once commanded by a grand castle peering over the treeline. Fill your mind with wonder as you gaze upon the waterfall at the center of the city, which nestles a quaint mill at its base. As there’s no dinner on board tonight, take a stroll around Saarburg and enjoy a special dish in a local establishment.
Day 6: Saarburg - Remich (27 or 32 miles/45 or 53 km)
From sublime Saarburg, you’ll make a choice whether to ride the easier but longer route (following the river), or the shorter but more challenging route (including hills). Both rides will lead you to Remich over the Germany/Luxembourg border, which is actually marked here by the Mosel River! Now in Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Mosel’.Riding towards the charming commune of Remich for your overnight stay, you’ll pay a visit to nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its bedazzling mosaic floor, comprising over three million tiles and displaying fascinating gladiator scenes.
Day 7: Cruise Remich - Schengen | Cycle Schengen - Schengen (36 miles/50 km) | Cruise Thionville - Metz
Float whilst you feast as your boat cruises to Schengen during breakfast. From here, at the border point of three countries, you’ll pedal once more through glowing green hills past the castle at Sierck-les-Bains, once occupied by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine, which perches commandingly on the river’s bright banks.Around noon, your tour will glide into Thionville, famed for its medieval ramparts and breathtaking St. Maximin Basilica. In the afternoon you will cycle back to Schengen where you will board the boat and enjoy dinner.
Day 8: Schengen - Metz
Following breakfast, by 9:30 am., you will say goodbye to the crew on board and take the bus back to Metz, checking into the hotel. In the afternoon, join a guided tour of Metz.This lovely city, famed for its grand Gothic architecture and painterly promenades, boasts plenty of exciting eateries and inviting boutiques. The star of the show, however, is certainly St. Etienne Cathedral (Metz Cathedral), which casts glorious Gothic shadows over the city. St. Etienne has been nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’ thanks to the mesmerizing displays of dappled light that filter through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows. It’s a sensational sight to top off your unforgettable bike tour.
Day 9: Departure from Metz
Enjoy a final morning in Metz following breakfast, check out by 9:30 am.On the days that two cycling distances are offered, the tour leader, after conferring with the group, will choose to guide either the shorter or longer route. Not all the highlights will be visited during the shorter route.
You can also choose to ride self-guided utilizing maps available on board. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour start date.
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Accommodation
Boats
- Salon with restaurant, lounge and bar area with large panoramic windows
- Sundeck with lounge/deck chairs
- Whirlpool/Jacuzzi and deck chairs
- 2 screens (a camera and a navigation system) to see the real time position of the barge
- Large doors open to the partially roofed sundeck
The Magnifique III, a deluxe class barge launched in 2018 after much success of her sister ships, Princesse Royal and the Magnifique II. On the upper deck is a tastefully furnished salon with restaurant, bar, and lounge with large panoramic windows. Read more
Overview
Hotels
Metz: Groupe La Citadelle
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Bikes
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Standard touring bike
Azor
Unisex city bike with a low entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, and specially designed for this tour.The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7-speed nexus drive, a Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy-to-use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tire. This all results in a lightweight, stable, and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
Electrically assisted bike
Granville E-Bike
The e-bike is a Granville E-Urban with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Bosch motor (500WH) offers 4 support levels. The e-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame. If there is no Granville e-bike available a comparable brand/model will be provided
Bikes available on this tour (not included in tour price, must be reserved at time of booking):
Magnifique I and Magnifique III
- 7-speed touring bike by Azor with step-through frame.
- Electrically assisted Azor Steps with Nexus 7-gears. 400 WH motor with 4 levels of support.
Princess Royale
- 7-speed touring bike by Batavus Dinsdag with step-through frame.
- Electrically assisted Velo de Vile with Nexus 7-gears and 5 levels of support.
*More about electrically-assisted bikes
Included with all bike rentals:
- Helmets
- Gel saddles
- Bike lock
- Pannier bag
- Water bottle
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
Aug 26, 2025Aug 26, 2025 (one cabin left) Cochem to Metz, € 2469 Book Aug 26, 2025Aug 26, 2025 (one cabin left) Cochem to Metz, € 3199 Book Sep 1, 2025Sep 1, 2025 (fully booked) Metz to Cochem, € 2469 Sep 1, 2025Sep 1, 2025 (fully booked) Metz to Cochem, € 3199 Sep 9, 2025Sep 9, 2025 (fully booked) Cochem to Metz, € 2469 Sep 9, 2025Sep 9, 2025 (fully booked) Cochem to Metz, € 3199 Sep 15, 2025Sep 15, 2025 (on request) Metz to Cochem, € 2469 Book Sep 15, 2025Sep 15, 2025 (on request) Metz to Cochem, € 3199 Book Sep 23, 2025Sep 23, 2025 (one cabin left) Cochem to Metz, € 2469 Book Sep 23, 2025Sep 23, 2025 (one cabin left) Cochem to Metz, € 3199 Book Oct 7, 2025Oct 7, 2025 (fully booked) Cochem to Metz, € 2469 Oct 7, 2025Oct 7, 2025 (fully booked) Cochem to Metz, € 3199 Oct 13, 2025Oct 13, 2025 (one cabin left) Metz to Cochem, € 2169 Book Oct 13, 2025Oct 13, 2025 (one cabin left) Metz to Cochem, € 2899 Book Oct 21, 2025Oct 21, 2025 (16 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 2169 Book Oct 21, 2025Oct 21, 2025 (16 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 2899 Book Aug 31, 2026Aug 31, 2026 (12 cabins left) Metz to Cochem, € 2759 Book Aug 31, 2026Aug 31, 2026 (12 cabins left) Metz to Cochem, € 3439 Book Sep 8, 2026Sep 8, 2026 (3 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 2759 Book Sep 8, 2026Sep 8, 2026 (3 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 3439 Book Sep 14, 2026Sep 14, 2026 (fully booked) Metz to Cochem, € 2759 Sep 14, 2026Sep 14, 2026 (fully booked) Metz to Cochem, € 3439 Sep 22, 2026Sep 22, 2026 (2 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 2759 Book Sep 22, 2026Sep 22, 2026 (2 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 3439 Book Sep 28, 2026Sep 28, 2026 (one cabin left) Metz to Cochem, € 2759 Book Sep 28, 2026Sep 28, 2026 (one cabin left) Metz to Cochem, € 3439 Book Oct 6, 2026Oct 6, 2026 (4 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 2509 Book Oct 6, 2026Oct 6, 2026 (4 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 3109 Book Oct 12, 2026Oct 12, 2026 (13 cabins left) Metz to Cochem, € 2509 Book Oct 12, 2026Oct 12, 2026 (13 cabins left) Metz to Cochem, € 3109 Book Oct 20, 2026Oct 20, 2026 (20 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 2409 Book Oct 20, 2026Oct 20, 2026 (20 cabins left) Cochem to Metz, € 2979 Book Pricing details and extra options
Cochem to Metz, Magnifique III
- Season D 2025 Aug 26, Sep 9, 23; Oct 7 from € 24692025 departures: Aug 26, Sep 9, 23; Oct 7
2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 9 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 2469 Suite - upper deck € 3149 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 3199 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 184 You may bring your own bike with a small surcharge. Please contact us for more information. - Season E 2025 Oct 21 from € 21692025 departures: Oct 21
2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 2169 Suite - upper deck € 2849 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 2899 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 184 You may bring your own bike with a small surcharge. Please contact us for more information.
Metz to Cochem, Magnifique III
- Season D 2025 Sep 1, 15 from € 24692025 departures: Sep 1, 15 (On request)
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 2469 Suite - upper deck € 3149 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 3199 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 184 You may bring your own bike with a small surcharge. Please contact us for more information. - Season E 2025 Oct 13 from € 21692025 departures: Oct 13
2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 2169 Suite - upper deck € 2849 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 2899 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 184 You may bring your own bike with a small surcharge. Please contact us for more information.
Cochem to Metz, Magnifique III
- Season D 2026 Sep 8, 22 from € 27592026 departures: Sep 8, 22
2026 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 2759 Suite - upper deck € 3459 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 3439 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 152 You may bring your own bike with a small surcharge. Please contact us for more information. - Season E 2026 Oct 6 from € 25092026 departures: Oct 6
2026 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 2509 Suite - upper deck € 3209 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 3109 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 152 You may bring your own bike with a small surcharge. Please contact us for more information. - Season F 2026 Oct 20 from € 24092026 departures: Oct 20
2026 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 2409 Suite - upper deck € 3109 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 2979 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 152 You may bring your own bike with a small surcharge. Please contact us for more information.
Metz to Cochem, Magnifique III
- Season D 2026 Aug 31, Sep 14, 28 from € 27592026 departures: Aug 31, Sep 14, 28
2026 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 14 Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 2759 Suite - upper deck € 3459 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 3439 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 152 You may bring your own bike with a small surcharge. Please contact us for more information. - Season E 2026 Oct 12 from € 25092026 departures: Oct 12
2026 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Twin cabin - lower deck € 2509 Suite - upper deck € 3209 Single occupancy Price Single cabin - lower deck € 3109 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 152 You may bring your own bike with a small surcharge. Please contact us for more information.
Included services
- 8 nights of accommodation in the selected boat/cabin
- 1 night accommodation with breakfast in hotel in Metz
- Full board: 7 x breakfasts, 6 x packed lunches, 6 x three-course dinners
- Standard touring bike
- Coffee and tea
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Daily tour briefings
- Minimum 1 tour guide (for groups of over 22 guests, a second guide will be added)
- Map for cycling (one set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Fees for ferries
- Entrance to Reichsburg Cochem
- Wine tasting
- WiFi (note: the signal may not be fast or reliable)
- Carbon offset payment to non-profit Justdiggit
- Bus transfer from hotel to ship or from ship to hotel
- Guided city walk through Metz
- 1 x Lunch package made on board (only on Cochem to Metz)
Please note special diets may be accommodated upon request, although surcharges may apply.
Surface and terrain
This guided tour is considered recreational. The terrain is mostly flat, featuring about 95% paved surfaces. The majority of the route takes place on dedicated bike paths with a few quiet roads and country lanes.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Luxembourg (LUX), Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), or Paris (CDG)
Nearest train station: Metz or CochemTour end
Nearest airport: Luxembourg (LUX), Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), or Paris (CDG)
Nearest train station: Metz or CochemFrom the local train station, it will be a short walk or taxi ride to the barge
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