Skip to main content
Contact Us: Within Australia Rest of the world
Back

Athos

Class: First Class
Location: Canal Du Midi
Guests: 10
Athos is perfect for: Couples, Families, Groups of friends, Good Cycling/Walking, Historic interest, Markets, Charming Villages, Golf.

The Athos cruises on the beautiful Canal du Midi and is the largest vessel on the canal, offering 5 cabins for a maximum of 10 guests.

Fully air conditioned to provide comfort in the hot Mediterranean Summer, the interior is decorated with varnished wood detailing and lovely floral fabrics. A large salon and bar provides an attractive relaxation area, or you can enjoy watching the world float by from the gorgeous deck, with large comfortable chairs and umbrellas.Sitting out on deck enjoying your rosé and olives in the sunshine is the quintessential southern France experience!

A fabulous crew catering ot your every need, including your exceptional private chef, who provides cuisine for which the Athos has become renowned, and excellent local wines.

As well as for couples or friends travelling together, this is a fantastic French canal boat for a family charter or group of friends, with captivating excursions to the stunning walled city of Carcassonne, the weekly market at Roman Narbonne, the perched village of Minerve and a cruise through the “Petit Camargue” with its pink flamingoes.

Features At-A-Glance

10 PASSENGERS

5 TWIN/DOUBLE CABINS WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS 93 - 102 sq. feet

4 CREW

103 FEET (31.4 METRES) LONG

10 BICYCLES

AIR CONDITIONING/CENTRAL HEATING

CD PLAYER

LIBRARY

GAMES

1 AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS

Sunday, Day 1 Marseillan

Guests are met in Beziers and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Athos. A champagne welcome with canapés awaits you and you meet the Captain and crew. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be invited to your first 4-course dinner on board, prepared by the highly skilled chef.

Monday, Day 2 Marseillan to Portiragnes

Enjoy breakfast in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of the barge, before we take a guided walk through the quaint fishing village of Marseillan. There is also a fascinating tour of the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery and if you choose a tasting of Noilly Prat. Return to the hotel barge for a seafood lunch, before we cruise across the open waters of the Etang de Thau - Europe's largest mussel and oyster park - and make our way onto the Canal du Midi. This area of conservation land, known as the “Petit Camargue”, is home to bird species such as pink flamingos, African Rollers and Bee Eaters. After mooring in Portiragnes, if you wish, it is a short bicycle ride to the sandy Mediterranean beach. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Portiragnes to Fonserannes

This morning we drive to the old market town of Pezenas, which was the first seat of the Languedoc court. The architecture is particular to the town because of the “Hotels Particuliers” or mansions belonging to the noble families who followed the Court. It is filled with artisans’ shops, including painters, hat makers, and costume designers. Once again, your guide makes sure that there is time to browse, as well as learning about the history. After lunch we traverse the 18th century aqueduct over the River Orb to begin our negotiation of a 17th century feat of engineering, the Fonserannes Staircase Locks. We arrive early evening above the staircase where you have a glorious view of the town of Beziers and the Cathedral St.Nazaire. The crew invite you for a quick game of Pétanque and a glass of Pastis before dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Fonserannes to Regismont-le-Haut

After breakfast, we take a trip to the weekly morning market in Narbonne. Even for non-shoppers, Narbonne offers much entertainment. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, browse through the Roman Museum, discover the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral, or simply relax at one of the many cafés. After lunch in the atmospheric market, we return to Athos and cruise to Regismont-le-Haut, where we will moor with a beautiful view of the Enserune plains. There is time for a stroll along the towpath before dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Regismont-le-Haut to Capestang

This morning, we enjoy a tasting at “L'Oulibo”, the local olive oil press. After tasting those organic and wholesome olives accompanied by a glass of rosé, we take a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve. Your guide will regale you with the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th century. Relax after lunch on board whilst we cruise to Capestang, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local château, such as Château Cabezac. Return to Athos for dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Capestang to Argeliers

Today we drive to the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable guide will provide a full tour of this historical place and ensure that you also have time to browse the shops. Return to the barge for a gourmet lunch on board (perhaps including the famous duck confit stew, cassoulet) and an afternoon's cruise to our final mooring at Argeliers. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Argeliers

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Beziers.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

2023 Prices

Value Season
High Season

Stateroom per person

Value Season: €4,450
High Season: €5,150

Single Supplement

Value Season: €1,700
High Season: €1,900

Charter Max. 6 pax.

Value Season: €37,200
High Season: €42,400

Charter Max. 8 pax.

Value Season: €39,600
High Season: €45,200

Charter Max. 10 pax.

Value Season: €42,000
High Season: €48,000

Note all our prices are in euros. Please ask us if you live in the USA and would like prices in US dollars. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.

Departure Dates 2023

Value Season

April 02, 09, 16, 23

High Season

April 30; May 07, 14, 21, 28; June 04, 11, 18, 25; July 02, 09, 16, 23, 30; August 06, 13, 20, 27; September 03, 10, 17, 24; October 01

Value Season

October 08, 15, 22

Price is all-inclusive - inclusions are:

  • Local transfers between Beziers and the hotel barge (approximate transfer duration is 30mins)
  • A luxury 6 night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef
  • An open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
  • All wines served throughout the cruise
  • Excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary
  • The services of 4 crew and use of barge facilities
  • Which include bicycles

Please send me information about ‘Athos’

Your French Barging
Adventure Starts Here

View Cruises
View Tours