Barge Cruise: Athos
Cruise In The South Of France On The Canal du Midi Aboard The First Class Hotel-Barge ATHOS
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
Built in 1964 as a commercial sand, grain and wine freight barge, the ATHOS was converted into a luxury holiday vessel in 1982, and remodeled especially for the Canal du Midi. She has 5 cabins (10 passenger capacity) and each can be configured into a queen or two twin sized bed accommodation. For maximum privacy, each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom. The main salon has a large dining area with a lounge and bar. The large and spacious sun deck has sun loungers and a dining table for ten people. A canopy over part of the deck offers maximum enjoyment of this beautiful exterior space.
The Athos has been owned and operated by Julian and Dannielle Farrant since 2006. Led by Captain Julian, there is a crew of 5: a pilot, a tour guide/manager, two hostesses and a full time chef. The entire operation is managed by Dannielle, the Captain's wife, who was the Athos' tour guide for many years. The experienced Athos crew has a well-earned reputation for hosting their guests with charm and competence. Combined with the scenic and historical Canal du Midi, the Athos is a perfect choice for vacationers who want to enjoy the the sunny Mediterranean climate, gourmet French cuisine and superb wines, while enjoying the company of family, or new friends. We visit the Athos as well as its owners every time we come to France and have always enjoyed being on board with them. They provide a top quality cruise that is always fun for all -- in fact, we chartered the barge many years ago with our friends, who still talk about the great time they had on board! We most recently visited the barge again in May 2019 and enjoyed catching up with the delightful owners again.
(Photo from the Athos
archives which includes Julian and Dannielle, taken in the early days that
established Athos' well earned reputation.)Nestled in the shade of giant plain trees and surrounded by endless vineyards, Athos cruises through low 16th century bridges, past rustic stable houses, and into the slow-moving southern French villages. This historical setting makes for spectacular landscapes and scenery. The unrivaled, smooth and relaxing pace is enjoyed by all aboard this beautiful luxury hotel barge.
Come along and experience La Belle Vie aboard the hotel-barge ATHOS!
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:
Narbonne: Once the capital of the Roman province, it is now a famous market town dominated by the Cathedral of St. Just, the fourth tallest in France. Next to this is the former Archbishop's Palace housing a museum of antiquities. The Mediterranean sea is close by for swimming and other sports, when available.
Minerve: This nearly-deserted village, located on a promontory, surrounded by deeply carved gorges, sustained a long siege by Simon de Montfort in 1210 A.D. The village was ultimately destroyed and 200 Carthare heretics were burned in front of the church. Despite this turmoil, the village was revived and today its inhabitants continue to cultivate their grapes for the production of one of the most popular wines in southern France.
Features
Athos Deck Plan
| ATHOS 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Mar 28 thru Apr 24 Oct 10 thru Oct 30 |
REGULAR Apr 25 thru Oct 9 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,750 |
$5,290 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,550 |
$1,800 |
| Charter for 6 |
$38,500 |
$43,800 |
| Charter for 8 |
$41,200 |
$46,900 |
| Charter for 10 |
$43,900 |
$50,000 |
| ATHOS 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Mar 27 thru Apr 30 Oct 9 thru Oct 29 |
REGULAR May 1 thru Oct 8 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,950 |
$5,790 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,850 |
$2,100 |
| Charter for 6 |
$40,400 |
$45,600 |
| Charter for 8 |
$43,200 |
$48,800 |
| Charter for 10 |
$46,000 |
$52,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Beziers to the barge and return, as agreed with the barge owner
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday, including one lunch on shore
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Suggested gratuity of 200 Euros per passenger to be given to the captain for distribution to the crew
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Transportation from Paris to Beziers and return
|
Athos 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Mar 28 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Value |
| Apr 4 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Value |
| Apr 11 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Value |
| Apr 18 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Value |
| Apr 25 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| May 2 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| May 9 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| May 16 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| May 23 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| May 30 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Jun 6 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Jun 13 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Jul 18 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Jul 25 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Aug 1 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Aug 8 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Aug 15 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Aug 22 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Aug 29 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Oct 3 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Oct 10 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Value |
| Oct 17 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Value |
| Oct 24 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Value |
|
Athos 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Mar 27 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Value |
| Apr 3 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Value |
| Apr 10 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Value |
| Apr 17 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Value |
| Apr 24 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Value |
| May 1 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| May 8 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| May 15 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| May 22 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| May 29 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Jul 10 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Jul 24 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Jul 31 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Aug 7 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Aug 14 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Aug 21 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Aug 28 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Regular |
| Oct 9 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Value |
| Oct 16 | Marseillan-Argeliers | Value |
| Oct 23 | Argeliers-Marseillan | Value |
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Canal du Midi
Argeliers to Marseillan 2023
Canal du Midi
Argeliers to Marseillan 2023
The Canal du Midi
Carcassonne
Minerve
Cathedral St. Just
The Étang de Thau
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 - Argeliers to La Croisade
Enjoy breakfast in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of the hotel barge, before 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 (perhaps including the famous duck confit stew, cassoulet) and an afternoon's cruise to La Croisade, with plenty of opportunity to walk or bicycle along the towpath. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - La Croisade to Capestang
After breakfast, 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, while we cruise to Capestang, or you can enjoy a wine tasting at a local château, such as Château Cabezac. Return to the hotel barge for dinner on board and admire the view of the floodlit Collégiale St. Étienne.
Wednesday - Capestang to Fonserannes
After breakfast, we enjoy 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 Fonserannes. From our mooring tonight you will have a glorious view of the town of Beziers and the Cathedral St. Nazaire. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Fonserannes to Portiragnes
This morning we 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 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 begin our negotiation of a 17th century feat of engineering, the Fonserannes Staircase Locks. Then we traverse the 18th century aqueduct over the River Orb. The paved towpath and the many locks leading to our mooring, make it an ideal afternoon for walking or bicycling alongside the barge. Dinner on board.
Friday - Portiragnes to Marseillan
This morning, we get underway earlier than usual, cruising through the area known as the "Petit Camargue". Bird watchers should look out for the local species such as pink flamingoes, African Rollers and Bee Eaters. After crossing through the exceptional "round lock" at Agde, a spectacular and appropriate seafood lunch awaits you, as you enter the open waters of the Étang de Thau, which boasts Europe's largest mussel and oyster beds. As we moor in the port at Marseillan, you will notice the enclosure of the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery. End a perfect day with a fascinating tour of the distillery and if you choose, a tasting of Noilly Prat, before the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Marseillan
After breakfast, guests are transfered by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Beziers.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
Dining Aboard The Athos:
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
- Freshly baked croissants, pastries and breads
- Cereals
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh fruit juices
- Coffee and a selection of teas
LUNCH
- Salad of fresh rocket greens with garlic roasted peppers and pine nuts garnished with parmesan shavings
- Moules marinieres with white wine sauce and parsley, served with herb-crusted roast wedges
- Assorted cheese board that may include Chevre Frais, Tomme de Pyrenees, Bleu
des Causses, garnished
with muscat grapes and almonds - White chocolate mousse with passion fruit coulis
DINNER
- Foie gras sautéed in Armangac served on brioche toasts with caramelized pears and melted Camembert
- Rack of lamb in a Dijon mustard and rosemary crust with its wine and herb
jus, served on polenta cakes,
grilled Mediterranean vegetables, tomato and black olive salsa - Assorted cheese board may incude Roquefort, Crottin de Chavignol, Laguiole
- Molten chocolate cake with crème anglaise and fresh raspberries
SAMPLE WINE LIST Domaine Pierre Cros Les Costes AOC Minervois, Les Costières de Pomerols AOC Coteaux de Languedoc; Picpoul de Pinet; Château Mire l'Etang AOC La Clape Rosé
Passenger Comments:
Well run Barge...impeccably clean and finished to high yacht standards. The crew was marvelous and worked well together. The morning tours were well thought out and timed to give us sufficient free time to relax. Cruising on the canal was relaxing, but never boring. Nice balance of tours with an excellent guide, Matthieu, who exuded his love of medieval history at every stop. Great overall feel for the area from lessor known towns to the world famous.
M.F. FL USA
High points were eating on deck and waving at the other boats we passed, petanque on the towpath, conversations with crew members, the food, surprise birthday/anniversary party, lazy afternoons, and the captain's dinner. The food was incredible. The chef even created wonderful substitutions for my husband's vegan diet. The wine list was extensive and the stewards presented details of each selection. The excursion guide was really fun to be with. Extensive knowledge about the area and wide network of contacts that added greatly to the experiences. Relaxed and creative touring. C.E. & D.D., CA, USA
Three generations of our family, ages six to 76, had a five-star experience on the Athos. The captain and crew could not have been more accommodating, the guided excursions more interesting, the food more delicious, the days on the barge more enjoyable. We came home with new memories we will always treasure. The high points were the meals, birthday & anniversary celebrations, interaction with the crew, Matt's knowledge during the tours, floating in the lagoon.
B.&.L.P. MA, USA
Julian and the Athos Crew really do make you feel special. I would do the same trip again with the same crew. I loved every minute of my trip. Our tour guide (Matthew) was fantastic! He is a very knowledgeable guide and I enjoyed hearing about the history of each place we visited.
D.A. CA USA
It was very delightful! The crew made every day special with good humor, gourmet meals, and attention to every detail. Matthew was a fantastically knowledgeable tour guide. Both young women were efficient and personable The meals and wines were super.. including the information on all the wines as well as the chef's explanation of each course at both lunch and dinner. This added to our appreciation.The Canal du Midi was somewhat different than our prior experience with a canal in that passage thru locks was not a daily experience.
M.G., WI, USA
Fantastic -- the boat was well designed and decorated. The crew was marvelous. Julian was a wonderful host and the staff were very professional, outgoing and fun. Food was innovative and very good. Local wines and cheeses were both educational and delightful with food pairings. Best surprise (and tour highlight) was Matthieu, the guide. His historical and geographical knowledge brought the morning excursions to life and will last a lifetime. He was also very engaging and entertaining, which made the whole experience a delight.
S & A W. WY, USA
LINKS to Athos Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023