Embark on a 7-day cruise aboard the Athos. Explore southern France from Argeliers to Marseillan along the Canal du Midi. Highlights include guided tours of Carcassonne and Minerve, tastings at olive oil and wine producers, and market visits in Narbonne and Pezenas. Cruise through historic locks and tunnels, walk or cycle along the towpath, and observe native birdlife in the Petite Camargue. Onboard, enjoy chef-prepared meals and comfortable accommodations. Excursions feature Roman ruins, Gothic cathedrals, and local food experiences. End with a tour of the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery before disembarking in Marseillan.
Highlights
Visit Carcassonne's medieval walls and explore the fortress at leisure
Explore Minerve’s hilltop ruins and hear the story of Cathar resistance
Tour Narbonne’s Roman roads, Gothic cathedral, and bustling food market
Admire Capestang’s collegiate church and walk through its quiet lanes
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Guests are welcomed in Beziers and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Athos, where a warm reception with champagne and Mediterranean canapes awaits. After settling into your cabin, enjoy your first four-course dinner on board, expertly prepared by the onboard chef.
Begin the day with breakfast in a comfortable chair on the hotel barge’s upper deck, followed by a guided excursion to the renowned double-walled medieval city of Carcassonne. Your expert guide will lead a comprehensive tour and allow time for independent exploration. Return to the barge for a gourmet lunch—perhaps featuring the regional specialty, cassoulet—then continue with an afternoon cruise to La Croisade. There’s ample opportunity to walk or cycle along the towpath. Dinner is served on board.
After breakfast, enjoy a tasting at L’Oulibo, a cooperative olive oil press. After tasting those organic and wholesome olives accompanied by a glass of rosé, 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 you cruise to Capestang, or you can enjoy a wine tasting at a local chateau, such as Chateau Cabezac. Return to the hotel barge for dinner on board and admire the floodlit Collegiale St. Etienne.
After breakfast, 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, tour the Archbishop’s Palace, or simply relax at one of the many cafes. After lunch in the atmospheric market, return to Athos and cruise to Fonserannes via the famed Malpas Tunnel. From your mooring tonight you can have a glorious view of the town of Beziers and the Cathedral St. Nazaire. Dinner on board.
This morning, drive to the old market town of Pezenas, which was the first seat of the Languedoc court. The architecture is unique within this region because of the ‘Hotels Particuliers’ or mansions belonging to the noble families who followed the Court. It is filled with artisanal 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 on board, begin your negotiation of a 17th century feat of engineering, the Fonserannes Staircase Locks. Then, traverse the 19th century aqueduct over the River Orb. The paved towpath and the many locks leading to your mooring make it an ideal afternoon for walking or bicycling alongside the barge. Dinner on board.
This morning, cruise through the Petite Camargue, passing pink flamingos, bee-eaters and Europe’s largest mussel and oyster beds, as well as the unique ’round lock’ at Agde. After lunch in Marseillan, end a perfect day with a fascinating tour of the Noilly Prat distillery and, if you choose, a tasting before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,050
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Maindeck
Averaging to 93 - 102 sr. ft. including en-suite. Five Twin/Double staterooms with private bathroom with shower. Located on the maindeck
Notes
- All children under the age of 18 years accepted onboard qualify for a discount of $300 per child per week
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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