Athos

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 10
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2011
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families

2012 value season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for up to 6: $29,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $33,000
Whole-Boat Charter for 10: $36,000
Individuals: $3,650 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,200

2012 value season dates

March 25 - 31	April 22 - 28	August 5 - 11	October 21 - 27
April 1 - 7	July 15 - 21	August 12 - 18	October 28 - Nov 3
April 8 - 14	July 22 - 28	August 19 - 25
April 15 - 21	July 29 - August 4	October 14 - 20

2012 regular season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for up to 6: $34,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $38,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 10: $42,400
Individuals: $4,350 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,400

2012 regular season dates

April 29 - May 5	June 3 - 9	July 8 - 14	September 16 - 22
May 6 - 12	June 10 - 16	August 26 - Sept 1	September 23 - 29
May 13 - 19	June 17 - 23	September 2 - 8	September 30 - Oct 6
May 20 - 26	June 24 - 30	September 9 - 15	October 7 - 13
May 27 - June 2	July 1 - 7

We most recently visited Athos in 2011.

In October of 2011, The Barge Lady' daughter, Caroline Sack Klein, was invited to cruise on the Athos. Captain Julian and his wife Dannielle purchased the Athos in 2006 after 15 seasons operating as barge crew. They renovated and upgraded the vessel with a nautical theme, which now boasts one of the biggest outdoor decks in barging. On the stunning Canal du Midi, Caroline and other guests took advantage of this spacious deck by parking ourselves in recliners with a glass of vino and a good book!

The 5 identical cabins are cozy with plush bedding and nautical decor. Caroline especially loved the detailing in the bathroom with lovely tiles and teak flooring. Another highlight of this journey was the incredibly talented Chef Ken. As a result of being spoiled by Ken’s divine and beautiful cuisine, Caroline can often be heard exclaiming, “Ken ruined me!” Too bad Caroline didn’t follow The Barge Lady’s cardinal rule – diet before departure (DBD)! See the menu tab for what she ate. Luckily Caroline had the desire for a couple leisurely bike rides along the tow path to avoid using the next belt notch!

The rest of the crew were welcoming and accommodating. Caroline managed to persuade the hostess to join her for a yoga session on the deck one morning. Needless to say we entertained the other passengers. She enjoyed the daily excursions and learning about the rich history of the region. Of course her favorite was Carcassonne, where the barge guide gave us an interesting tour and we explored a bit on our own. Athos provides a casual ambiance to relax and be pampered on the glorious Canal du Midi. We hope to return again soon!

Athos

Canal du Midi

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Salles D'Aude to Marseillan on the Canal du Midi

Sunday: Montpellier to Salleles D'Aude

Welcome Aboard!

4pm pick up at designated point in Montpellier. You will be met by ATHOS Captain and Manager. In the comfort of ATHOS' private air-conditioned Chrysler minivans, you will be chauffeured to the ATHOS. You will be treated to a full-crew Welcome Aboard, whilst toasting with Champagne and Mediterranean canapés. Once you are settled into your cabin, enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Salleles D'Aude to Argeliers

Medieval Walled Town of Carcassonne

Continental-style breakfast is served at your leisure, beginning at 8:30am. The morning visit is a drive to the famous Medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne, pictured at left. Your knowledgeable on-board guide will offer the historical guided visit -- making sure that you have time to browse those shops! While the Captain gets ATHOS underway for an afternoon's cruise to Argeliers, Chef will serve another 3-course gourmet meal. By early evening you have arrived in Argeliers. Dinner on board.

Tuesday: Argeliers to Capestang

Relaxing Cruise on the Canal du Midi

After breakfast, visit a tasting at the Oulibo - the local olive oil pressoir. After which a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve is in order. A long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation await your return to the ATHOS, see us floating at right. We arrive early evening in the charming village of Capestang. ATHOS will be moored with a clear view of the flood-lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk -- and dinner will be waiting on your return!


Wednesday: Capestang to Fonserannes

Traditional Methods of Winemaking - and Winetasting

After breakfast, come along on a visit to the 6th century establishment and archeological site at the Oppidum d'Enserune and amazing look-out and landscape of the Lac de Montady. To maintain your enthusiasm for local fare, we invite you to a wine-tasting at one of the few remaining traditional-method 19th century wineries On returning to ATHOS, a stylish al-fresco lunch awaits you. The afternoon promises spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear Plain. This evening's mooring is the breath-taking view-point at the Fonserannes. Dinner on board.

Thursday: Fonserannes to Villeneuve les Beziers

Narbonne - pastal-colored homes, cobblestoned streets, Roman ruins

After breakfast, take a trip to the market in Narbonne, pictured at left. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, or browse through the well-compiled Roman Museum, or, discover the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral. Captain Julian and his deck hand are busy getting ATHOS underway. This 17th century feat of engineering, the "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks), is sure to impress! ATHOS crew expertly tie her up in each lock, and wait for the gates to close safely behind her before the water levels empty out and allow her to pass from one lock into the next. But it's not over yet! Coming up next is the 18th century Canal Bridge which will carry the ATHOS over the Orb River. The evening's mooring will be at the small village of Villeneuve les Beziers. The paved tow path and the many locks leading to this village make it an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling alongside the ATHOS. Dinner onboard.

Friday: Villeneuve les Beziers to Agde to Marseillan

Noilly Prat Vermouth Distillery

After breakfast, we get underway to make it into the Greek-established village of Agde before lunch. Take the opportunity to explore the Old Town and the Romanesque Cathedral which overlooks the River Herault. Late morning, ATHOS leaves your mooring at Agde, and cruises towards Marseillan, our last mooring - pictured at right. A spectacular seafood lunch awaits you, as you enter the open-waters of the Etang de Thau. The Etang hosts Europe's largest mussel and oyster park. ATHOS comes to moor in the port at Marseillan, notice the Noilly Prat Vermouth distillery. End a perfect day with a fascinating tour of the Distillery -- and, of course, a taste of Noilly Prat vermouth! Chef's efforts are sure to make this evening worth remembering! Captain Julian will join your party for your final dinner onboard this evening.

Saturday: Return to Montpellier

A Sad Farewell

At 9:00am, our minivans will depart for the transfer back to Montpellier.  (All transfers to and from the cruise route are in addition to the cruise fare and must be booked separately.) We hope you enjoyed your cruise on Athos!

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Cruises on the hotel-barge Athos and barging the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Athos

Guest Book

"Our experience was wonderful.  The staff, cuisine, cabins and sightseeing trips were excellent!"
Butch Barr, cruised October 2011

"We were familiar with what to expect, as this was our third cruise with The Barge Lady, and this was as good as any we barge have experienced. 

The food was excellent and could not have been any better, whether in quality of food, presentation, interest or healthiness.  The staff was excellent - Captain Julian has a fine group.  Lydia is extremely competent as his Exec. Officer.  She was very helpful regarding the subject matter of our sightseeing visits with regard to our cultural or historical questions.  The opportunity to have an in-depth experience, whether at wineries or the historic sites, made the visits very worthwhile. 

The barge trip gave five couples the opportunity to experience the cuisine and culture of France in a delightful and protected setting, where every need was anticipated, and where they became even better friends."
Edward Lilly, cruised October 2011

"The crew and the cuisine were excellent.  We were very comfortable and had a great time.  We had a blast in the local market and at the lunch in Narbonne, and our favorite excursion was visiting Carcassonne.  This experience was just what we had hoped for." 
-Dick and Flo Hogan, cruised September 2011


"It was a wonderful cruise that went beyond our expectations.  We would definitely do it again.  The crew was so nice - like family.  Travis, the chef, is the STAR.  He consistently served five star meals!"
-Dean and Tina Athans, 2009

"This was a relaxing, beautiful way to experience a significant region of France filled with historical interest, magnificent landscape and charming villages. It was an unforgettable trip."
-Nick and Suzy Mace, 2007

"The cruise exceeded our expectations! The cruise and the entire crew were wonderful."
-2007 Guests

"Being a retired teacher, I would give the trip an A+! We were treated royally. The staff was wonderful, and the food outstanding. Every detail was taken care of with what seemed to be very little effort. We enjoyed getting off ATHOS to walk or ride bicycles. And...being with our own group of fun and compatible friends made the week even more enjoyable!"
-Michael and Claudia Greene, 2007

"The cruise exceeded our expectations in every way. The crew of the ATHOS was wonderful and added substantially to the enjoyment of the trip."
-Gene and Judy Rafanelli, 2007

"Wonderful, relaxing and an informative way to get the full flavor of the South of France. The food, wine and cheese were fantastic! Danielle's knowledge of the area was excellent."
-Mary Schmitz and Susan Bellehumeur, 2006

Athos Floor Plan

100 Feet long
-Five cabins of 93 to 108 square feet, choice of Queen or twin beds
-Cabins and bathrooms entirely rebuilt for the 2007 season
-In the cabins: teak flooring, Egyptian cotton linens, tiled baths and upscale toiletries