Accommodations & Amenities

Accommodations
  • 98 ft long, with 7” ceiling height throughout
  • 5 Cabins
  • Mireval, Montsegur, St Amans, and St Sauver cabin, 93 sq ft, 7”ceiling height
  • Narcissou-Fontfroide cabin, 102 sq ft, 7”ceiling height
  • Choice of one queen or two twin beds
  • Limited storage space in cabins
  • Combined salon and dining area
  • Deck with canopy
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
Amenities
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Bicycles
Bicycles
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Safe
Safe
Hot Tub on Deck
Hot Tub on Deck
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets

Itineraries

Travel from Marseillan to Argeliers on the Canal du Midi
*Your cruise could operate in the opposite direction. Please consult with us before making any arrival or departure plans.

Bicycling Opportunities:
Adequate 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to Marseillan
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Athos at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the holiday port of Marseillan. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Monday
Vermouth VIPmonday image
Vermouth VIP
Travel: Marseillan to Portiragnes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner onboard

This morning, explore the lively port of Marseillan by bicycle or on foot. A tour of the Noilly Prat distillery reveals the many secrets of making French vermouth, followed by a private spirits tasting in their chic VIP lounge. This afternoon, your first cruise glides through the open waters of the Etang de Thau, and then into the Petite Camargue, which is a haven for fish, fowl, and other wildlife. Upon mooring, the white sands of the Mediterranean beaches are but a short bike ride away. Back onboard, Chef is crafting tonight's gourmet dinner.

Tuesday
Sip, Shop, and Stroll in Pezenastuesday image
Sip, Shop, and Stroll in Pezenas
Travel: Portiragnes to Fonserannes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, your Tour Guide escorts you to Pezenas, a town of art and history. 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, experience a cruise high point as Athos first moves onto an 18th century canal bridge over the Orb River, and then negotiates a 17th century staircase of locks to her mooring. Enjoy a glorious evening view over Beziers and dinner onboard.

Wednesday
Market Day and Roman Ruins in Narbonnewednesday image
Market Day and Roman Ruins in Narbonne
Travel: Fonserannes to Regismont Les Haut
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, lunch ashore

The morning begins with a visit to Narbonne, a regional capital established in 118 B.C.E. as a Roman colony. A study of European history and local modernity thriving side by side, Roman ruins are reverentially presented in public spaces, while the lively Narbonne market reflects the region’s gastronomic bounty. After lunch ashore, return to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Socialize on deck with a glass of wine, or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. Cocktails and canapes precede tonight's gourmet dinner.

Thursday
Touring and Tastingthursday image
Touring and Tasting
Travel: Regismont Les Haut to Capestang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner ashore

Today's epicurean explorations begin at "L'Oulibo", the local olive pressoir. Enjoy a private tasting of small batch olive oil before browsing the onsite gourmet boutique. A short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve precedes a tasting at a family-owned winery. Return to the Athos for a lazy afternoon cruise. Enjoy a snooze in your cabin, relax in the salon with a good book, or discover the flora and fauna along the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. Chef presents tonight's delicious dinner onboard.

Friday
Captivating Carcassonnefriday image
Captivating Carcassonne
Travel: Capestang to Argeliers
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, your Tour Guide presents Carcassonne, a fortified Medieval fortress with a walled city. Explore the ancient castle and preserved ramparts to admire the mighty 53 Roman towers. Stroll the cobblestone boulevards into local cafes and specialty boutiques. Back onboard, this afternoon's cruise is the perfect time to laze on deck, or explore the tree-shaded towpath on bicycle or on foot. In the meantime, Chef is preparing a special Captain’s Dinner, a celebration of your insider’s week on the Canal du Midi.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Argeliers
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Travel from Argeliers to Marseillan on the Canal du Midi
*Your cruise could operate in the opposite direction. Please consult with us before making any arrival or departure plans.

Bicycling Opportunities:
Adequate 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)

CREATE A CUSTOM FAMILY THEMED ITINERARY REPLACING UP TO 4 OF YOUR DAILY EXCURSIONS WITH IDEAS FROM THE LIST BELOW

Due to their nature, some activities carry a supplement fee. All activities are subject to availability and have minimum age requirements. Please contact your Cruise Coordinator to create your bespoke family cruise.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES CAN BE INCLUDED IN YOUR CRUISE FARE WITHOUT SUPPLEMENT AND CAN USUALLY BE ARRANGED ONBOARD DIRECTLY WITH THE CAPTAIN:

Aqualand Park – Cap d’Agde (3 years+) · Prehistoric Caves at Limoussis · Parc des Dinosaurs & Museum, Meze · Tennis & Badminton · Portiragnes Beach

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES CARRY A SUPPLEMENT PAYABLE DIRECTLY TO THE PROVIDER WHOSE INDIVIDUAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY:

Horse Riding at La Fount del Bosc · Kayaking on the River Orb
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Beziers to Argeliers
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met at the designated meeting point in Beziers by Athos crew. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the charming village of Argeliers. A traditional welcome with champagne -- and mocktails! -- awaits you. After the crew introduction, settle in before your first family dinner onboard.

Monday
Captivating Carcassonnemonday image
Captivating Carcassonne
Travel: Argeliers to La Croisade
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to Carcassonne, a fortified Medieval fortress with a walled city. Explore the ancient castle and preserved ramparts to admire the mighty 53 Roman towers. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Stay busy with bicycle rides along the towpath and visiting your Captain in the wheelhouse. Your Tour Guide can even take you to a swimming hole at the Cesse River under the 17th century Canal Bridge. Upon mooring, cocktails and dinner culminate the day.

Tuesday
Giddy Up!tuesday image
Giddy Up!
Travel: La Croisade to Capestang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

A morning outing to the local equestrian center, la Fount del Bosc, begins the fun today. Visit with sheep, goats, and chickens, and then cowboys and cowgirls of all sizes can go on a pony ride*! Enjoy a relaxed trail-ride "en famille". Before returning to the barge, your Tour Guide accompanies you to the river at Bize Minervois for a refreshing swim. Back onboard, afternoon activities include leisurely walks along the towpath or playing a game of boules right beside the canal. Chef presents another family dinner.

Wednesday
Water You Think About Kayaking?wednesday image
Water You Think About Kayaking?
Travel: Capestang to Fonserannes
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, optional picnic lunch ashore

This morning, Your Tour Guide takes enthusiastic swimmers and energetic paddlers into the Cevennes mountains for a kayaking adventure* on the River Orb! Explore the mostly shallow riverbend via kayak, and work up an appetite to enjoy the special picnic lunch that Chef has prepared for your group. For those more keen on relaxing than kayaking, feel free to lounge onboard during a leisurely cruise. Back on the Athos, an afternoon cruise precedes another dinner.

Thursday
Market Day and Lunch Ashorethursday image
Market Day and Lunch Ashore
Travel: Fonserannes to Portiragnes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

The morning begins with a visit to Narbonne, a regional capital established in 118 B.C.E. as a Roman colony. Roman ruins are presented in public spaces, while the lively Narbonne market reflects the region’s rustic bounty. Enjoy lunch ashore at one of the most popular market stalls, the brasserie Chez Bebelle. Return to Athos in time for a cruise that passes through a nine-lock staircase and then over the Orb River, presenting the perfect time explore the towpath with a bicycle ride or brisk stroll. Chef serves dinner onboard.

Friday
Fun and Sunfriday image
Fun and Sun
Travel: Portiragnes to Marseillan
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner ashore

A morning cruise presents the opportunity for an optional bicycle ride back to the beach for a swim in the waves of the Mediterranean. An afternoon cruise through the open waters of the Etang de Thau to tonight's final mooring, where active guests can bicycle along the seaside promenade and discover the charming port town. Chef's efforts are sure to make tonight’s Captain Dinner worth remembering.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Marseillan
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

*Please note: There is a small additional fee for kayaking and horseback riding. This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • Seasonal Green Salad with Garlic Roasted Peppers and Pine Nuts
  • Moules Marinières in White Wine Sauce with Herb Crusted Roasted Potato Wedges
  • Cheeses: Comté and Roquefort
  • White Chocolate Mousse with Berry Coulis
  • A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
Dinner
  • Foie Gras Sauteed in Armangac on Brioche Toasts with Caramelized Pears and Melted Camembert
  • Rack of Lamb in a Mustard and Rosemary Sauce with Polenta Cake, Mediterranean Vegetables, and Black Olive Tapenade
  • Cheeses: Pave de Chirac and Laguiole
  • Flourless Chocolate Cake with Creme Anglaise
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
Wine
  • Hugues de Beauvignac
  • AOC Picpoul de Pinet
  • Chateau des Nouvelles, Fitou Fitou
  • Chateau Mire L’Etang Rosé
  • Champagne Alexandre Bonnet
  • Domaine de la Barroubio AOC Muscat St Jean de Minervois

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for up to 10 guests$52,500$59,500
Private Cruise for up to 8 guests$49,500$56,100
Private Cruise for up to 6 guests$46,500$52,700
Double Cabin (Per Person, Double Occupancy)$5,690$6,590
Single-Occupancy Supplement$2,100$2,400

2024 Dates

Italic Dates = Value Season
Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season

Month
Days
March31-6
April7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
May5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-1
June2-8 9-15,16-22, 23-29, 30-6
July 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-3
August4-10, 11-17, 18-24, 25-31
September1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-5
October6-12, 13-19, 20-26

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from a local meeting point
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance
  • Transport to and from the cruise region
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for up to 10 guests$52,500$59,500
Private Cruise for up to 8 guests$49,500$56,100
Private Cruise for up to 6 guests$46,500$52,700
Double Cabin (Per Person, Double Occupancy)$5,690$6,590
Single-Occupancy Supplement$2,100$2,401

2025 Dates

Italic Dates = Value Season
Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season

Month
Days
March30-5
April6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
May4-10, 11-17, 18-24, 25-31
June1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-5
July6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-2
August3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30, 31-6
September7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
October5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-1

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from a local meeting point
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance
  • Transport to and from the cruise region
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Athos Route

Are you ready to discover the cultural treasures
of the Canal du Midi?

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