Glorious Canal du Midi Cruises

Category: First Class

This barge is perfect for: Couples, Families, Groups of friends, Good Cycling/Walking, Historic interest, Markets, Charming Villages, Golf.

Ask us about specific departure dates for these special interest cruises: Golf Cruises.

Athos features at a glance

10 PASSENGERS

5 TWIN/DOUBLE CABINS WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS

4 CREW

31.4 METRES LONG

10 BICYCLES

AIR CONDITIONING/CENTRAL HEATING

CD PLAYER, LIBRARY, GAMES

1 AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS

The Athos cruises on the beautiful Canal du Midi and is the largest vessel on the canal, offering 5 cabins for a maximum of 10 guests.

Fully air conditioned to provide comfort in the hot Mediterranean Summer, the interior is decorated with varnished wood detailing and lovely floral fabrics. A large salon and bar provides an attractive relaxation area, or you can enjoy watching the world float by from the gorgeous deck, with large comfortable chairs and umbrellas.Sitting out on deck enjoying your rosé and olives in the sunshine is the quintessential southern France experience!

Delightful Captain Julian is the highly experienced leader of a fabulous crew including your exceptional private chef, who provides cuisine for which the Athos has become renowned, and excellent local wines.

As well as for couples or friends travelling together, this is a fantastic French canal boat for a family charter or group of friends, with captivating excursions to the stunning walled city of Carcassonne, the weekly market at Roman Narbonne, the perched village of Minerve and a cruise through the “Petit Camargue” with its pink flamingoes.

Athos itinerary

Sunday – Salleles D’Aude
You will be met by Athos Captain at 4pm at the designated hotel in Montpellier and transferred by private air-conditioned Chrysler minivan to Athos. A full-crew Welcome Aboard follows, 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 to Argeliers
The proposed morning visit is a drive to the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable on-board guide will offer the historical & guided visit making sure that you have time to browse those shops! An afternoon cruise takes us to Argeliers. By early evening you have arrived in Argeliers and there should be enough time for a brisk stroll into the village before Chef starts serving up her next delight!

Tuesday – Argeliers to Capestang
This morning’s suggested visit is a tasting at the Oulibo – the local olive oil press. After an olive tasting, a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse brings you into the hilltop village of Minerve, scene of the Cathar siege of the 13th century. A long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation await your return to the Athos which cruises to the charming village of Capestang where we moor with a clear view of the flood-lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday – Capestang to Fonserannes
After breakfast, take a moment for a stroll into the village square to visit the market. Athos gets underway in time to stop for a pre-lunch wine tasting at one of the few remaining traditional-method 19th century wineries, Domaine de Guery. The cruise route today promises spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain. When you arrive at the overnight mooring at top of the Fonserannes locks, there is time to visit to the old market town of Pezenas, the first seat of the Languedoc court. The architecture is especially attractive. Dinner aboard.

Thursday – Fonserannes to Portiragnes
This morning we visit Narbonne. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, browse through the well-compiled Roman Museum, discover the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral, or simply relax in one of the many cafés. Later, the cruise takes in the 17^th century feat of engineering, the “Neuf Ecluses” (or staircase locks) and the 18^th century canal bridge which carries Athos over the Orb River to Portiragnes. It is an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling. Dinner aboard.

Friday – Villeneuve les Beziers to Agde to Marseillan
This morning we cruise through the “Petit Camargue”, a joy for bird watchers with its pink flamingos, African rollers and bee eaters that frequent the surrounding estuaries. Later we enter the open-waters of the Etang de Thau, Europe’s largest mussel and oyster park, and moor in the port at Marseillan, near to the Noillly Prat Vermouth distillery. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday – Marseillan to Montpellier
Wave goodbye to the crew and depart by private minivan to the appointed destination in Montpellier by 10am.

On alternative weeks the itinerary will operate in the reverse direction.

Athos photo gallery

Athos map

Salleles d’Aude to Marseillan or vice-versa

Cartography ©Euromapping/European Waterways Ltd

Athos prices

Note all our prices are in euros. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.

Price is all-inclusive – accommodation for 6 nights, food, high-quality local wines, mixed drinks and other beverages, excursions and entries are included.

Value Season: March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, October 14, 21, 28.

Regular Season: April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7.

Athos floorplan

Athos bookings/enquiries

If you would like to contact us please use one of the methods below.

Email: info@toujoursfrance.com.au
Phone: (03) 9889 1885
Outside Australia: +61 3 9889 1885

Address:
Toujours France
1 Radnor Street
Camberwell VIC 3124
Australia

Ph: +61 03 9889 1885
Mobile: 0413 055 360

Or fill out our online form.