Picture yourself aboard Athos, a barge with a story of her own. She started out hauling sand, grain and wine, and in 1982 she was transformed into a luxury hotel barge. Her love affair with wine never ended, and today you’ll drift with her along the Canal du Midi, through France’s Languedoc-Roussillon region. If you’ve ever dreamed of a Canal du Midi barge cruise, Athos is the perfect choice.
Step into the saloon and you’ll feel at home straight away. Settle into the comfortable sofa with a good book, or raise an aperitif with your fellow guests before sitting down to another gourmet meal at the elegant dining table. The whole barge is air-conditioned, and you’ll have a bright stateroom of your own, one of five, each with a modern en suite shower room and all the comforts you’d expect. Whether you prefer twin beds or a queen-size double, your cabin can be arranged to suit.
Up on the sundeck, you can linger over a long, lazy lunch beneath the large adjustable canopy, which keeps you pleasantly shaded. Sink into a hardwood deckchair and watch the Midi countryside slip slowly by, or, if you’re feeling energetic, hop on a bicycle and follow the towpath ahead to the next lock or two.
Along the way, you’ll find some unexpected highlights: cycle to a fantastic hidden-away beach bar, stand on a 2000-year-old Roman road, enjoy lunch at a unique local restaurant in Narbonne market, or rediscover Vermouth at the incredible Noilly Prat distillery!
Athos is one of the most traditional hotel barges on the Canal du Midi, and her welcoming atmosphere will make your gentle journey through the Languedoc landscape a memory you’ll treasure.
Call us or email us to chat further about Athos. We have been on board many times and know her well!
READ OUR BLOG ABOUT OUR RECENT CRUISE ON ATHOS!
Features At-A-Glance
10 PASSENGERS
5 TWIN/DOUBLE CABINS WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS 93 - 102 sq. feet
5 CREW
103 FEET (31.4 METRES) LONG
10 BICYCLES
AIR CONDITIONING/CENTRAL HEATING
CD PLAYER
LIBRARY
GAMES
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.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
2027 Prices
Value Season
Regular Season
Stateroom per person
Value Season: €5,550
High Season: €6,390
Single Supplement
Value Season: €2,100
High Season: €2,400
Charter Max. 6 pax.
Value Season: €46,200
High Season: €53,400
Charter Max. 8 pax.
Value Season: €49,100
High Season: €56,700
Charter Max. 10 pax.
Value Season: €52,000
High Season: €60,000
Note all our prices are in euros. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.
Please ask us if you live in the USA and would like prices in US dollars!
Departure Dates 2027
Value Season
March 28: April 04, 11
Regular Season
April 18, 25; May 02, 09, 16, 23, 30; June 06, 13, 20, 27; July 04
Value Season
July 11, 18, 25; August 01, 08, 15
Regular Season
August 22, 29; September 05, 12, 19, 26; October 03, 10
Value Season
October 17, 24
Price is all-inclusive - inclusions are:
- Local transfers between Beziers and Athos
- Luxury 6 night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef
- Open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
- Premium wines served throughout the cruise
- Excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary
- The services of 5 crew and use of barge facilities
- Up-to-date comfortable bicycles provided for cycling along the towpath
