Xouaxange Cruise Port

History

Xouaxange first gained strategic prominence in the mid-19th century with the construction of the Marne-Rhine Canal, which officially opened in 1853. This engineering feat was designed to connect the Marne River at Vitry-le-François with the Rhine at Strasbourg, effectively linking the Paris Basin with the German border. The village became a critical point for lock-keeping and barge maintenance during the industrial era when salt and coal were the primary cargoes. The local Eglise Saint-Remy was rebuilt in 1774 on medieval foundations, and its bell tower remains a focal point that once signaled the approach of horse-drawn barges. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and both World Wars, this region of Lorraine was a contested borderland, shifting between French and German control. These transitions left a dual cultural identity in the architecture and local dialect that you can still observe today. According to the Moselle Historical Society, the transition from industrial waterway to luxury tourism began in the 1980s as the Freycinet-gauge barges were converted into floating hotels. Today, what you see is a village that has successfully preserved its 18th-century footprint because the canal bypasses modern industrial expansion, leaving the historic lock-keeper houses as permanent fixtures of the landscape.

The Verdict

Xouaxange represents the soul of French canal cruising—it is quiet, unhurried, and deeply connected to the rhythm of the water. In this port, the visitors who come away happiest are the ones who arrive with a plan for Sarrebourg and the flexibility to enjoy the silence of the Marne-Rhine Canal. This guide has been fact-checked by J. Richard and the Waterways Cruise editorial team. Excursions that guarantee a return to the ship can be tailored to your mobility, interests, and pace, so missing departure is never a concern.

The culinary identity of Xouaxange is rooted in the Lorraine plateau—a cuisine of substance designed for canal workers and farmers. The defining ingredient is the Mirabelle plum, a small, honey-sweet yellow fruit that appears in everything from tarts to the potent Mirabelle eau-de-vie (brandy). You should also look for 'Fusilli de Lorraine' or local pâtés. Unlike the lighter Mediterranean fare, the food here is rich with cream and lardons. To drink, the local preference is for dry white wines from the nearby Moselle AOC or a crisp Meteor beer, which has been brewed in the region since 1640. While tourists often expect 'escargots' everywhere, it is well established that locals are more likely to eat a simple 'Potée Lorraine' (a smoked meat and cabbage stew) at home. Visit the small village grocery for 'Miel de Sapin' (fir tree honey) from the nearby Vosges mountains—it has a unique, resinous flavor you won't find elsewhere.

Getting back to the ship

The latest safe departure time from Sarrebourg to guarantee return before an 18:00 (6:00 PM) all-aboard is 17:15 (5:15 PM). This provides a 30-minute buffer for any traffic or taxi delays. A taxi from Sarrebourg station to the Xouaxange mooring costs approximately €18.00 (~$21.00 USD) and takes 10–12 minutes. There is no reliable public transit return. If you are running late, contact your vessel’s emergency number immediately (found on your boarding card). Barge cruises are more flexible than ocean liners, but once they enter a lock cycle, they cannot stop. If you miss the ship at Xouaxange, you will likely have to take a taxi to the next mooring point at Gondrexange, which will cost roughly €35.00 (~$40.00 USD).

Cultural etiquette

In Xouaxange, the traditional French greeting is mandatory. When entering the bakery or auberge, always say 'Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame' before making any request; failure to do so is considered deeply rude. Locals greet each other with 'la bise' (two kisses, starting on the right), but a firm nod or handshake is the standard for visitors. Dining is a slow affair; when you are finished, place your knife and fork parallel at the 4 o'clock position on the plate to signal the server. Photography of private homes is generally tolerated, but always ask 'Puis-je?' before photographing a lock-keeper at work. Queueing at the bakery is strict; wait your turn patiently and do not hover near the counter. Tipping is included in the bill ('service compris'), but it is customary to leave an extra €1.00 or €2.00 for good service at lunch. A common mistake cruise passengers make is trying to pay with large €50 or €100 notes for a €1.20 baguette—small coins are essential here.

Practical tips

Xouaxange is a cash-focused environment. While the Auberge du Canal accepts major credit cards for amounts over €15.00, the bakery and small shops are strictly cash-only for small purchases. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill at a cafe is a polite gesture of goodwill. Five phrases that earn immediate respect: 'Bonjour' (Hello), 'Merci' (Thank you), 'S'il vous plaît' (Please), 'C'est délicieux' (It’s delicious), and 'Puis-je?' (May I?). Tourist scams are virtually non-existent in this rural village, but be aware of 'pickpockets of opportunity' in the crowded Sarrebourg Market. There is no formal dress code for the Saint-Remy Church, but shoulders should be covered as a mark of respect. The best time to visit the Chagall Chapel in Sarrebourg is 2:00 PM on a weekday, just after the local lunch break when most residents are still at the table. If you are walking the towpath, always stay to the right to allow cyclists to pass safely.