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The 10-passenger Athos was built in 1964 as a commercial sand, grain and wine barge and was converted into a luxury hotel barge in 1982. Her five cabins offer all modern comforts and spaciousness and her saloon, dining area, bar and sun deck are perfect for relaxation.

An English-speaking crew of 5 efficiently attends to your comfort and entertainment and ensures an unforgettable experience.

Cruise Highlights: 

• Visit the village of Marseillan

• Visit Pezenas, an architectural gem

• Passage through Fonserannes locks

• Visit the town of Pezennas with its old market

• Visit Roman Narbonne

• Wine tasting at Domaine de Tastavy

• Visit the hilltop village of Minerve

• Visit the mediaeval city of Carcassonne

Itinerary - Marseillan to Salleles d'Aude, France:

Sunday
We meet you at 4pm at designated point in Montpellier in the comfort of ATHOS' private air-conditioned Chrysler minivans, you will be chauffeured to where the ATHOS awaits you at her moorings in Marseillan.  Crew Welcome aboard, whilst toasting with Champagne and Mediterranean canapés.   Once you are settled into your cabin, we enjoy our first dinner on board.

Monday – Marseillan to Portiragnes. 
After breakfast, we enjoy a tour of Noilly Prat Vermouth distillery followed by a quick browse through the village of Marseillan.  As the boat begins its cruise across the Etang, you find that a spectacular seafood lunch awaits you.  The Etang hosts Europe's largest mussel and oyster park.  Athos makes her way on to the Canal du Midi.  After a relaxing cruise through the “Petit Camargue” (look out for those pink flamingos!), you eventually pass through the round lock of Agde and onto the tree-lined Canal du Midi.   Bird watchers use binoculars to spot some of the unique wildlife in this area.  Dinner on board.

Tuesday – Portiragnes to Fonserannes. 
After breakfast, a visit to the old market town of Pezenas.  Pezenas was the first seat of the Languedoc court.  The architecture of the town is unique to the area because of the “Hotels Particuliers” or Mansions belonging to the Noble families who followed the Court.  It is filled with Artisans’ Shops, including Painters, Milliners, and Costume Designers.  Return to Athos during lunch we cruise gently through the locks.  An engineering feat to look out for is the 17thC "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks).  We wait for the gates to close safely behind her before the sluices open to letter the heavy fall of water fill the lock and bring Athos up to the next level.  This evening’s moorings will be at the top of the Fonserannes where you can see out to the Cathedral of Beziers. Cocktails on deck before dinner on board.

Wednesday – Fonserannes- Capestang
Following breakfast we visit the bustling centre of Narbonne.  Even for non-shoppers, Narbonne offers much entertainment and is steeped in Roman history!  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 the St. Juste Cathedral, or, simply take a moment to blend into the scene:  sit and relax in one of the many cafés.  During lunch we cruise the Canal du Midi and the row of plain trees provides just enough shade for a siesta on one of the sun lounges.  Athos takes a mooring just outside Domaine de Tastavy and we enjoy a pre-dinner wine tasting.  After Jean-Charles’ informative visit of his family’s 19thC winery, Athos carries on for another hour of cruising, into the picturesque village of Capestang.  Dinner on board.

Thursday –Capestang - Argeliers. 
After a leisurely breakfast, we take a short drive to the Oulibo –the local olive oil pressoir.  After tasting those organic and wholesome olives accompanied by a small glass of rosé, we drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve is in order.  You will be regaled the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th C.  Lunch and a relaxing afternoons cruise before we arrive in the small village of Argeliers and cycling is an appealing way to spend an hour or perhaps the crew can persuade you to play a pre-dinner game of petanque?

Dinner and drinks on board.

Friday – Argeliers to Salleles d’Aude
After breakfast we visit the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne.  Your guide will lead you through the historical & guided visit, making sure that you have time to browse those shops!   Return to the barge and cruise towards this evening’s final mooring point in Salleles d’Aude.  As we make the left hand turn onto the Canal du Jonction, you may like to take advantage of the series of locks this afternoon by taking a stroll or a cycle ride between each one?

Chef's efforts are sure to make this evening one to remember!  Your Captain will join your party for your final dinner on board this evening. 

Saturday
After breakfast, wave goodbye to the Crew, who have looked after your every need throughout the week.   The minivans will now depart to the appointed destination in Montpellier.

Rates 2009:

Note: All prices are in Pounds £

Features:

• Size of barge: 100 ft by 16.6 ft

• Number of Passengers: 10

• Number of Cabins (all private bath): 5

• Crew: 5

• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes

• Salon: Saloon/dining area with 8 picture windows, 2 sofas and dining table seating 12.

• Bar: Open Bar

• Deck: Large sundeck with recliners, dining table, chairs, and umbrellas.

• Cabin Features: Being refit for 2007 with 5 cabins about 100 sq ft each with twin beds or double bed.

• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Two air-conditioned minivans.

• Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins

• Bicycles

Rates include:

• Accommodation on board the barge, in a cabin with private bath

• Transfers from Montpellier to the barge and return

• All meals, table wines and alcoholic beverages

• All sightseeing and admittance fees as stipulated

• Use of vessels' bicycles and other facilities

• Round trip transfers from the meeting point to the barge are also included in the fares

Rates do not include:

• Cancellation and holiday insurance

• On board gratuities and items of personal nature

• Overseas air transportation to Paris and return

• Transportation from Paris to Montpellier and return