The 10 passenger Athos was built in 1964 as a commercial sand, grain and wine barge and was converted into a luxury hotel barge in 1982. Her association with wine continues today as she gracefully meanders through the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. She is air conditioned throughout, has bikes available for passenger use a spacious sundeck to enjoy the passing scenery. Her five en-suite staterooms can be in either twin or queen-size double bed configuration and offer all modern comforts. The spacious, traditionally decorated saloon, dining area and bar are perfect places to relax.
An English-speaking crew of five efficiently attends to your comfort and entertainment and ensures an unforgettable experience. Your captain has piloted Athos on the Canal du Midi for more than 20 years and his experience shows though his leadership of the master chef, tour guide and housekeeper.
Below you can find some of the highlights of the cruises we are currently offering on Athos, along with some examples of the cuisine and fine wines the master chef will present you with on board.
Cruise Highlights
Cuisine Aboard
Visit the mediaeval city of Carcassonne
Wine tasting at Domaine de Guery
Visit Pezenas, an architectural gem
Passage through Fonserannes locks
Visit Roman Narbonne
Cross the 18th century Orb canal bridge
Extensive towpaths perfect for walking and cycling
Regional Specialities
Magret de canard with an orange and ginger reduction, creamy celeriac puree and julienned vegetables of carrots, leeks and florets of broccoli.
Wine Cellar
Borie du Maurel Esprit d’Automne AOC Minervois, Domaine Gaujal AOC Picpoul de Pinet, Château Etang de Colombes, Rosé Classique
Cheese Board
Ecu de Combebelle, Roquefort, Etorki
Sunday, Day 1 Montpellier to Salleles D’Aude
You will be met by Athos Captain at 4pm at Montpellier TGV station (or Pullman Antigone Hotel is you are staying there the night before your cruise) and transferred by private air-conditioned Chrysler minivan to Athos. A full-crew Welcome Aboard follows, with Champagne and Mediterranean canapés. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared by our highly acclaimed onboard Chef.
Monday, Day 2 Salleles d'Aude to Argeliers
The proposed morning visit is a drive to the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable on-board guide will offer the historical & guided visit making sure that you have time to browse those shops! An afternoon cruise takes us to Argeliers. By early evening you have arrived in Argeliers and there should be enough time for a brisk stroll into the village before Chef starts serving up her next delight!
Tuesday, Day 3 Argeliers to Capestang
This morning's suggested visit is a tasting at the Oulibo - the local olive oil press. After an olive tasting, a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse brings you into the hilltop village of Minerve, scene of the Cathar siege of the 13th century. A long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation await your return to the Athos which cruises to the charming village of Capestang where we moor with a clear view of the flood-lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 Capestang to Fonserannes
After breakfast, take a moment for a stroll into the village square to visit the market. Athos gets underway in time to stop for a pre-lunch wine tasting at one of the few remaining traditional-method 19th century wineries, Domaine de Guery. The cruise route today promises spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain. When you arrive at the overnight mooring at top of the Fonserannes locks, there is time to visit to the old market town of Pezenas, the first seat of the Languedoc court. The architecture is especially attractive. Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 Fonserannes to Portiragnes
This morning we visit Narbonne. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, browse through the well-compiled Roman Museum, discover the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral, or simply relax in one of the many cafés. Later, the cruise takes in the 17th century feat of engineering, the "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks) and the 18th century canal bridge which carries Athos over the Orb River to Portiragnes. It is an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 Villeneuve les Beziers to Agde to Marseillan
This morning we cruise through the “Petit Camargue”, a joy for bird watchers with its pink flamingos, African rollers and bee eaters that frequent the surrounding estuaries. Later we enter the open-waters of the Etang de Thau, Europe's largest mussel and oyster park, and moor in the port at Marseillan, near to the Noillly Prat Vermouth distillery. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 Marseillan to Montpellier
Wave goodbye to the crew and depart by private minivan to the appointed destination in Montpellier by 10am.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
