Athos – Canal du Midi
Argeliers to Marseillan
Maximum Capacity: 10 Guests
Available August through October
Not only is the Canal du Midi a scenic waterway, but it also holds an amazing story about French History and the construction of the Canal du Midi. The construction of the Canal du Midi has certainly influenced the flavours of the Languedoc these past 300 years.
Less well known than neighbouring Provence, but equally charming, Languedoc is a renowned winemaking region that produces more than a third of the grapes in France. Wine production was traditionally rooted in producing volume, but saw dramatic changes in quality in the early 1990’s. Winemakers from Bordeaux, Burgundy and even Australia came to the Languedoc seeking more affordable vineyards for experimenting with their trade. To some extent, this movement influenced long-established Languedoc growers and producers to make changes. Many amongst them are now recognised for producing top quality vintages.
But Languedoc is not all AOC wines, open air markets and foie gras. It’s home to some of Europe’s oldest and most breathtaking castles. The Medieval fortified Cité of Carcassonne is a must-see for travellers in the region. The hilltop town of Minerve is beautifully scenic and historically fascinating. Whether you’re inspired by good wine, sunflower fields, charming villages or Medieval fortresses, Languedoc will not disappoint.
Day 1: SUNDAY
BÉZIERS, FRANCE/ARGELIERS/EMBARK ‘ATHOS’
You are met at the rail station in Béziers at 4:00 p.m. and transferred to embark the charming ‘Athos,’ converted from an authentic wine barge, moored in the port of Argeliers. Enjoy a Champagne reception and Mediterranean canapés. Relax on board overlooking an original18th-century stone bridge, while enjoying a four-course dinner prepared by your highly-skilled chef.
Of Special Note:
– Cruise route is subject to change based on local conditions and may operate in reverse.
– Included Beverages: All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on board the vessel.
Accommodation: ‘Athos’
DAY 2 MONDAY
ARGELIERS/ LA CROISADE
This morning, visit Carcassonne, a fortified medieval fortress with a walled city. Unique in Europe, Carcassonne is an extraordinary architectural monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient castle and preserved ramparts. Stroll the cobblestone boulevards into local cafes and specialty boutiques. Later in the day, after continuing your cruise along the historic canal, moor in the small village of La Croisade for the night. Take a stroll into the village before dinner on board this evening. Accommodation: ‘Athos’
DAY 3, TUESDAY
LA CROISADE / CAPESTANG
Go ashore to visit the L’Oulibo cooperative for a tasting of organic olives and olive oils. Visit the hilltop village of Minerve, site of a medieval Cathar fortress surrounded by deep limestone gorges. The Minervois region of southern France takes its name from this ancient Roman city which was dedicated to the goddess of wisdom. It is known for its exquisitely beautiful countryside and its “petits châteaux” wines. The wines produced here have been appreciated throughout history and were traditionally served at the tables of the kings of France. Relax after lunch on board or you can enjoy a wine tasting at a local château, such as Château Cabezac.‘ Athos’ moors in the historic village of Capestang in view of the floodlit14th-centuryCollegiale St. Etienne cathedral. Capestang was the second residence of the Bishops of Narbonne and you have time to take a stroll into the village before dinner on board this evening.
Accommodation: ‘Athos’
DAY 4, WEDNESDAY
CAPESTANG / FONSERANNES
Enjoy a morning visit to a lively and colorful indoor market in Narbonne. The city was once an ancient Roman Mediterranean capital where early Visigoth monarchs held court. Narbonne became a commercial center when an artificial port was created by diverting an arm of the River Aude. Unfortunately, a severe storm in the 14th century returned the Aude to its original bed and Narbonne declined as its man-made bay silted up. The 17th-century construction of the Canal du Midi and the advent of railway travel in the 19th century helped the city to grow again, and Narbonne now vies with Béziers as a center of the wine trade in southern France. This afternoon cruise to Fonserannes and your mooring, with a glorious view of the town of Béziers and the Cathedral St. Nazaire.
Accommodation: ‘Athos’
DAY 5, THURSDAY
FONSERANNES /PORTIRAGNES
Visit the historic market town of Pézenas and view the uniquely striking architecture of the local mansions once owned by nobles of the Languedoc court. The legendary French playwright Molière, once lived here and is said to have written many plays during his stay. The city’s historic center has become a well–established bohemian haven of craft shops, lively cafes, and specialty boutiques. Sip, shop, and stroll your way through this town brimming with authentic French life. This afternoon, negotiate the great seven-lock staircase at Fonserannes, experiencing this marvel of 17th-century engineering first hand. The locks are almost 1,000 feet long and carry boats across a vertical distance of 70 feet. Then ”Athos” traverses the 18th-century aqueduct over the River Orb. The paved towpath and the many locks leading to this evening’s mooring make it an ideal afternoon for walking or bicycling alongside the barge. Cruise to Portiragnes, where the Canal du Midi is closest to the Mediterranean. Enjoy dinner onboard this evening.
Accommodation: ‘Athos’
DAY 6, FRIDAY
PORTIRAGNES/MARSEILLAN
Today, cruise through the estuaries of the “Petit Camargue,” a bird watcher’s paradise. Moor in the fishing village of Marseillan, which became a lively commercial port with expansion of the wine trade in the 19th century. Noilly Prat, the world’s best-selling French vermouth, has been produced here since 1813 and you tour the fascinating Noilly Prat vermouth distillery. Tonight, enjoy a special Captain’s farewell dinner, a celebration of your week on the Canal du Midi.
Accommodation:’ Athos’
DAY 7, SATURDAY
MARSEILLAN/DISEMBARK ‘ATHOS’ /BÉZIERS
After breakfast on board, bid ‘Athos’ adieu and disembark in Marseillan where you are transferred back to Béziers’ rail station arriving by 11:00 a.m.
| Athos - 2025 | ||
| US Pricing | ||
| Value | Regular | |
| Stateroom Per Person | $ 6,050 | $ 6,990 |
| Single Supplement | $ 2,200 | $ 2,500 |
| Up to 6 passengers | $ 50,000 | $ 56,700 |
| Up to 8 passengers | $ 53,000 | $ 60,100 |
| Up to 10 passengers | $ 56,000 | $ 63,500 |
| *Value Season is Mar 30 - April 19, October 19-26 |
Price includes:
- A six-night stay (Sunday to Saturday) beginning with a champagne reception
- Our expert Captain who looks after all aspects of navigation
- Athos hostesses prepare and serve a continental breakfast each morning and look after passengers’ needs
- Chef prepares superb lunches and dinners for you each day
- A fully stocked complimentary bar of wines and spirits available to passengers at any reasonable time
- The Athos Tour Guide takes you on daily excursions and tours to places of historical interest in an air-conditioned mini-bus
- Transfers to and from the Athos at the beginning and end of your cruise – typically from the local Beziers train station
- Use of Athos bicycles and jacuzzi.
