Athos~Cruising on

The Canal du Midi

Passengers: 10
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter of 10: $31,150 Value Season / $37,500 Regular Season
Whole Boat Charter of 8: $29,050 Value Season / $34,050 Regular Season
Whole Boat Charter of 6: $25,555 Value Season / $30,415 Regular Season
Individuals: $3,850 Regular Season
Individuals: $3,260 Value Season
2009 Value Season dates are: Mar 29 - Apr 25, June 28 - Aug 29 and Oct 19- Nov 7

We visited Athos in both 2007 and 2008.

In April, 2007, we were thrilled to be among the first to see the newly-renovated Athos. Each of the five brand new cabins have a wealth of lovely detailing - such as teak flooring, Egyptian cotton linens, lovely tiled baths and individually controlled air-conditioning units. The beds can be configured as one Queen or two Twins. L'Occitaine toiletries from Provence and French chocolates by each bedside complete this comfortable ambiance.

In June, 2008, Kelly Weiss visited Athos. She was welcomed by attractive Captain Julian. Athos looked wonderful and Kelly took many pictures.

Athos was purchased in 2006 by longtime crew Dannielle and Julian, a personable couple who have the intelligence and dedication to improve this classic vessel. Dannielle says: "We have already been operating Athos for sixteen years. There is nothing like the commitment of permanent, expert crew and we intend to show guests the best time possible."

An exceptionally large deck allows guests to enjoy the canal in supreme comfort while cozy cabins beguile with sweet Provencal charm. Delicious food, great fun, and a "house party" ambiance makes Athos a great choice for families and groups seeking an informal cruise. Dannielle takes great pride in the wines served on board (95% were recently listed in Wine Spectator's top list of Languedoc wines) and will also organize "theme" cruises: golf, tennis, wine tasting and family.

Athos

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Salles D'Aude to Marseillan on the Canal du Midi

Sunday
SALLELES D'AUDE
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, you will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared by our highly acclaimed onboard Chef.

Monday
SALLELES D'AUDE - ARGELIERS
Continental-style breakfast is served, at your leisure, beginning at 8:30am. The proposed morning visit is a drive to the famous Medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable on-board guide, Dannielle, 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 - CAPESTANG
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. 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 - FONSERANNES
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, Dannielle would like to 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 - VILLENEUVE LES BEZIERS
After breakfast, take a trip to the market in Narbonne. 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 - AGDE - MARSEILLAN
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 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 Noillly 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
MARSEILLAN
After breakfast the minivans will depart to the appointed destination in Montpellier.

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

"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 cotten linens, tiled baths and upscale toiletries