Fun family time in Grevenmacher

By Rute Vendeirinho

If you are looking for a place in the Grand Duchy where everyone can have some fun, Grevenmacher fits the bill every time. A small town by the Moselle river with animals, boats, wine, playgrounds and much more, you won't be disappointed.

Butterfly Garden

Why not begin your trip with a visit to the beautiful Butterfly Garden (Päiperleksgaart). Be prepared for the humidity inside, as it is heated to a temperature ideal for the hundreds of species living there. At the garden you can not only see all sorts of butterflies but also learn more about them. Right after the entrance, visitors will find a small incubator where they can observe their life-cycle. Later on, they will also find several reptile and bird species that cohabit in real life. Besides the indoor garden, this spot also offers a cafeteria, a shop and an outdoor picnic area.

Opening times: until October 31, everyday from 9.30am to 5pm.

Address: Route de Trèves, L-6793 Grevenmacher.  www.papillons.lu

Children's playground

Follow the signs to the harbour and recreational area. This large playground is a haven for little ones who like to climb. The playground is also situated in a pleasant green area where parents can relax.

Boat trip

Just next door is the MS "Princesse Marie-Astrid" boat, offering trips along the Moselle. The boat, which is the second MS “Princesse Marie-Astrid” to travel down the Moselle, is where the famous Schengen agreements, opening up Europe's borders, were signed in 1985 and 1990. Why not surprising your little ones with a boat trip? They can see the sights and explore the boat after which adults can sit down and enjoy a glass of crémant. Trips run every Sunday from March 31 until September 29 with a pick up from Grevenmacher at 12.15 to Schengen and a return at 7.50pm. Other themed visits are offered during the week. See the website for further details.

Outside of this season, the boat can be booked for special occasions.

Address: Entente Touristique de la Moselle. 10, route du Vin, L-6794 Grevenmacher. Tel: 00352 / 75 82 75, e-mail: info@marie-astrid.lu.

Office opening times: Monday to Friday, from 8am to 12am and from 1pm to 5pm (also, from May to September, it opens on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm)

Wining and dining

Visitors who work up an appetite during their trip to Grevenmacher have plenty of eateries to choose from in the town centre's pedestrian streets, with menus to suit all budgets.

And of course, a trip to the wine region would not be complete without a spot of crémant tasting. At the Bernard-Massard winery, even the little ones can have a learning experience, as the cave offers a tour about wine making. At the end of the visit, visitors receive a glass of grape juice or crémant depending on their preferences. Combined tickets for the winery and butterfly garden can be purchased in advance.

Address: Bernard-Massard S.A, 22, Route du vin, L-6794 Grevenmacher. Tel: 75 05 45- 228/281, E-mail : info@bernard-massard.lu www.bernard-massard.lu

Opening times: until next October 31, everyday from 9.30am to 6pm, except on Mondays. Between November and May, only by booking.