'Athos' Canal du Midi Cruise

If you are a family with children, we are able to create a bespoke itinerary and substitute a maximum of 4 excursions from our Classic Cruise Itinerary with your preferred family activities.

The following activities can usually be arranged on-board directly with the barge Captain and included in your itinerary without any extra charge, unless otherwise stated:
 

Aqualand Park – Cap d’Agde (3 years+)
Situated on the southern peninsula of the ancient seaside town of Agde this outdoor water park includes a large pool, several slides, a wave pool and a shaded relaxation area.

Prehistoric Caves at Limoussis
The prehistoric Caves at Limoussis are a series of underground tunnels dating back over 100 years. They also boast the largest array of aragonite crystals in the world. A fair level of fitness is required as the paths within the cave are relatively steep.

Tennis & Badminton
The International Centre of Tennis in Agde has 22 exterior tennis courts – 4 with Astroturf, 12 with grass and 6 with clay. The centre also has 4 badminton courts.

Parc des Dinosaurs & Museum, Meze
The largest Museum-Park in Europe devoted to dinosaurs in the middle of an outstanding paleontological site. An extraordinary voyage in time and a wonderfully interactive way of learning the history of dinosaurs.

Portiragnes Beach
Located between Vias and Sérignan, the seaside resort of Portiragnes is one of the lesser known resorts in the Languedoc-Roussillon. Gorgeous beaches stretch for 2km and woods, wetlands and walking paths abound, plenty to do and see for the whole family.

Other activities* – shown below – can be arranged but, due to their nature, they should be booked directly by the passenger with the activity provider. These activities are:

Horse Riding at La Fount del Bosc
This stunning equestrian centre located in the hills of Argeliers is the ideal spot for a horse or pony ride and caters to all different abilities.

Kayaking on the River Orb
With more than 40km of tree lined water there is something for everyone on the glorious River Orb, from rapid falls to serene stretches, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

*Activities are payable by the passenger directly to the provider, whose individual terms and conditions apply.

All activities are subject to availability. Children’s bicycles, bicycle helmets, child car seats and high-chairs are all available without cost.

Golf cruises include four pre-booked and paid tee times and transfers to and from the golf clubs. Hire of clubs, caddy or buggy not included. Only those golfing pay the supplement. A minimum of 4 passengers on a golf charter are required to play golf.
 

Sunday, Day 1 Marseillan
Guests are met in Beziers and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Athos. A champagne welcome with canapes awaits you and you meet the Captain and crew. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be invited to your first four-course dinner on board, prepared by your highly skilled chef.

Monday, Day 2 Marseillan to Portiragnes
After an early breakfast we transfer to the well-acclaimed “La Grande Motte”. It is made up of two 18-hole courses and one 6-hole, designed by Robert Trent-Jones (Senior) in 1987.  On your return, a spectacular seafood lunch awaits you, as you move from last evening’s mooring and enter the open-waters of the Etang de Thau. The Etang hosts Europe’s largest mussel and oyster farm. Having cruised across the Etang and on to the Canal du Midi itself, the barge comes to its evening’s shady, pretty moorings at Agde. Dinner on board.
(18 holes, 6200m, Par 72), (18 holes, 3200m, Par 58), (6 holes, 765m, Par 19)

Tuesday, Day 3 Portiragnes to Fonserannes
After breakfast, transfer to Golf de Fontcaude. We suggest a slightly later start and golf through lunch.  An 18-hole international course, it was designed by Chris Pitman in 1991.  The Clubhouse is a modern complex where you can stop for lunch when you are ready. Athos begins moving through the famous round lock at Agde and heads towards Beziers.  Golfers return to join the last leg of the cruise which is the exciting climb up the staircase locks to scenic Fonserannes.  Dinner on board.
(18 holes, 6104m, Par 72)

Wednesday, Day 4 Fonserannes to Regismont le Haut
After breakfast, transfer to “St. Thomas”. This course was designed in 1992 by Patrice Lambert. Along with the beautiful views, it includes an interesting blend of groomed greens, and natural, open and wooded landscape.  Athos begins cruising and you meet us at the Malpas Tunnel, and enjoy the traverse through the tunnel as well as a relaxing late-afternoon of cruising towards Regismont le Haut. Your Captain stops the barge momentarily, and we hop off for a short wine-tasting at one of the few remaining traditional-method 19th C wineries. Return to the barge and cruise to the charming domaine of Regismont le Haut.  Dinner on board.
(18 holes, 6130m, Par 72)

Thursday, Day 5 Regismont le Haut to Capestang
After breakfast transfer to Oulibo – the local olive oil pressoir.  After tasting the organic and wholesome olives (accompanied, by a small glass of rosé!!), a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve is in order.  Your tour guide will regale you with the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th C. A long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation and by early evening we arrive in Capestang. There ought to be enough time for an invigorating game of pétanque (over cocktails?!) or a brisk stroll into the village before dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Capestang to Argeliers
After breakfast transfer to Golf de Carcassonne was designed by JP Bascuro. If you are still feeling energetic after golfing, your guide suggests a quick stop-off at the Cité of Carcassonne and a quick look around the Medieval City where you are offered a guided historical visit by your knowledgeable on-board guide.  After a look around the city together, there will still be time for browsing those shops, or a refreshing drink in the cafés while watching the busy crowds go by. A late lunch is waiting when you return for the final afternoon of cruising to Argeliers.  Farewell Dinner on board.
(18 holes, 5,800m, Par 71)

Saturday, Day 7 Argeliers
After breakfast, guests are escorted to Beziers by private chauffeured minibus.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
Alternative Pick Up and Drop Off locations available upon request

Cruises for charter groups include a comprehensive wine itinerary with additional winery visits, private tastings and the services of a professional wine guide. Also includes an upgrade of the wine list to include additional premier and grand cru wines.
 

Sunday, Day 1 Argeliers
You will be met at the designated meeting point and transferred to where the Athos awaits you at her moorings in Argeliers. 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 on board Chef and meet your wine guide for the week, Juliet Bruce Jones, a Master of Wine who has lived in the Languedoc for 10 years and is an expert on its wines. Enjoy a glass of excellent sparkling wine from Limoux while Juliet introduces this week of wine discovery. A fun, informative itinerary of visits to top wineries and vineyards, tastings winemakers, as well as tastings on board the Athos and fabulous local wines with food prepared by your on board chef.

Monday, Day 2 Argeliers to Pigasse
Enjoy your first breakfast sitting in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of ATHOS.  This morning’s visit is a drive to the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne with time to explore this historical city and browse those shops. Returning to the barge for lunch, the Captain gets ATHOS underway for an afternoon’s cruise to Pigasse, while Chef will serve up a local 3-course gourmet meal (perhaps including the famous duck confit stew, Cassoulet).
By early evening you have arrived in Pigasse, where ATHOS’ mooring is beside the picturesque Pont du Pigasse.  Juliet suggests a guided visit to Domaine Pierre Cros escorted by your guide. Pierre’s range of wines reflect his character – rebellious but Languedoc to the core. Top Minervois appellation wines rub shoulders with beguiling reds made from forgotten ancient vine varieties as well as ‘incomers’ such as Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. Enjoy an evening tasting with your guide ‘Exploring Languedoc Wines’ of 6 Languedoc wines from top appellations when Juliet will explain what makes Languedoc wines so special.
Dinner ‘al-fresco’ under the shade of the Plain trees.

Tuesday, Day 3 Pigasse to Capestang
After breakfast, this morning’s suggested visit is a tasting at the Oulibo – the local olive oil pressoir.  After tasting those organic and wholesome olives (accompanied, bien sûr by a small glass of rosé!!), a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve is in order.  Your guide will regale you with the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th C followed by a visit to Domaine Pierre Fil.  This old family domaine makes only red wine and it’s main focus is Mourvèdre, a sun-loving grape variety which makes haunting, spicy wines. Stroll the vineyards and find out what “terroir” is really all about before tasting Pierre ‘s wines in his traditional tasting room. En route back to the Athos, your guide points out some of the many respectable Minervois wineries in the Gorge de la Cesse area, recommended by Wine Spectator is Chateau Coupe.  Lunch on board and then the barge cruises to Capestang.  ATHOS will be moored with a clear view of the flood lit St. Etienne cathedral.  The village is a 5-minute walk.  Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Capestang to Fonserannes
After breakfast, we stroll into the village square where the morning market is being held.  Taste some of the local winemakers’ fare, the local cheese-makers’ cheese, and the local butchers’ sausage.  From the market, your guide suggests a tasting at one of the acclaimed Saint Chinian wineries:  Cave Laurent Miquel who has revolutionized his family’s wine estate and acquired prime vineyards in St Chinian, Faugeres and Corbieres. Return to the barge for lunch on board and then cruise to Fonserannes.  This section of canal offers spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain.  This evening’s mooring is the breath-taking viewpoint at the Fonserannes. Returning to the Athos for a game of Pétanque before dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Fonserannes to Portiragnes
Visit to weekly morning market in Narbonne. Even for non-shoppers, Narbonne offers much entertainment on a Thursday morning.  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, or, simply take a moment to blend into the scene.  For wine enthusiasts who might like to purchase and ship certain bottles, Athos recommends our long-time Caviste at the Cave du Palais in Narbonne.  Although shipping is costly, it can be arranged from here for those who are interested.  After lunch we begin cruising through the 17th Century feat of engineering, the “Neuf Ecluses” (or staircase locks) followed by the 18thC Canal Bridge, which will carry the ATHOS over the Orb River. Today your guide takes you to visit a top vineyard Mas de Soleilla in La Clape, a rugged massif that separates Narbonne from the Mediterranean.  Visit and learn how the terroir of la Clape is exceptional and is producing so many top wine estates.
The evening’s mooring will be at the small village of Portiragnes.  The paved towpath and the many locks leading to this village make it an ideal place for an evening walk or cycle before dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Portiragnes to Marseillan
From the scenic mooring at Portiragnes, we get underway earlier than usual, cruising through the Petit Camargue where bulls stand casually in fields, Pink Flamingos grace estuaries, and African Rollers fly overhead.  A spectacular (and appropriate!) 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 and Picpoul de Pinet will be available to accompany the seafood specialities according to the local pairing.  As the barge comes to moor in the port at Marseillan, you will notice the enclosure which makes up the Noillly Prat Vermouth distillery.  End a perfect day with a private tour of the Distillery with your guide — and, of course, a taste of Noilly Prat vermouth followed by an onboard tasting of a selection of local Picpoul de Pinet white wines!
Chef’s efforts are sure to make this evening worth remembering!  Your Captain will join your party for your final dinner on board this evening, and Juliet and Chef have put their heads together and carefully selected wines to impress and pair with the final meal. During the evening the Captain invites the crew to make a farewell toast with you.

Saturday, Day 7 Marseillan
After breakfast transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
Alternative Pick Up and Drop Off locations available upon request

Art cruises include daily painting tuition by a qualified and experienced English speaking watercolor artist.
 

Sunday, Day 1 Marseillan
You will be met at the designated meeting point and transferred to Athos moored in Marseillan. Captain and crew welcome you on board with a champagne welcome. Once you are settled into your cabin, we enjoy our first dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Marseillan to Portiragnes
After breakfast, painters may feel inspired by the sparkling waters of the Etang and the lines of yacht masts over the Port or the proposed morning visit is Noilly Prat Vermouth distillery. Enjoy a guided visit and tasting in the grand cellars. There will still be time to explore Marseillan’s quaint centre before Athos casts off for lunch-time cruising on the Etang. Athos makes her way across the Etang and onto the Canal du Midi. When we arrive in Portiragne, you can smell the sea air and observe the sea birds in this conservation marshlands. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails followed by dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Portiragnes to Fonserannes
Athos makes her way into the Round Lock just as breakfast finishes this morning. We visit to the old market town of Pezenas, which was the first seat of the Languedoc court. The architecture is particular to the town because of the “Hotels Particuliers” or Mansions belonging to the Noble families who followed the Court. It is filled with Artisans’ Shops, including Painters, Hatmakers, and Costume Designers. Your guide offers a quick historical briefing of the centre and your art guide sets up the groups to paint in the colourful square. Return to Athos for lunch on board and a cruise into the Villeneuve les Beziers lock.
This afternoon, Athos will make her way towards the famous Neuf Ecluses, or staircase locks at Fonserannes. A paved tow-path runs the length of the canal here for those who opt to walk or cycle beside Athos. We cruise across the Canal Bridge over the River Orb. The view here spreads across the 4 bridges of Beziers, and up towards the 14thC hilltop Cathedral. You find yourself making a note that this could be a superb spot to paint later this evening! Following the spectacle of Athos climbing the Fonserannes there is time for painting before dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Fonserannes to Capestang
This morning’s visit is a suggested drive to Narbonne for the large morning market. There are a number of colourful parks/gardens surrounding both the Canal and the Cathedral where painting might be interesting. Otherwise, there is much to do: market merchants flaunt their products, the covered food market at Les Halles is a sight to behold with colourful produce, succulent butchery, aromatic fish mongers’ stalls… The Roman Road the Via Domitia runs through the square and some may choose to take in the excellent collection in the Roman Museum. Arriving back at Athos for lunch on board and we cruise through the tree-lined and winding waterway. As Athos arrives in Capestang, the panoramic view over the Collegiale inspires a painting session and the art guide, guides the painters through their paces, while the hostess serves refreshing aperitifs and local olives. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Capestang to Pigasse
After breakfast we take a short drive to Minerve a perfect outdoor spot for painting. En route, the guide stops at the Oulibo to pick up some more of those fabulous local olives and have a look around the oil-pressing facility here. Led by the art guide, painters are keen to capture the medieval village and the breath-taking gorge and landscapes around Minerve. The group returns for an alfresco lunch and another relaxing afternoon of winding along, overlooking the scenic flood plain below. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Pigasse to Argeliers
Your tour guide has organized a timely departure following breakfast this morning to ensure that there is time for both painting and sightseeing in the medieval city of Carcassonne. There are numerous impressive views worth capturing in addition to enjoying a pleasant drink in the buzzing centre at the historical hilltop town. Returning for a late lunch and cruising on board, a last enjoyable afternoon is spent relaxing, sipping rose and discussing painting. We arrive in Argeliers Port in time for a cycle ride, a stroll into the village, or perhaps more pétanque and cocktails? Captains Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Argeliers
After breakfast transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
Alternative Pick Up and Drop Off locations available upon request

Tennis cruises include pre-booked and paid courts and transfers to and from the tennis clubs.
 

Sunday, Day 1 Argeliers
You will be met at the designated meeting point and transferred to where the Athos awaits you at her moorings in Argeliers. 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 on board Chef.

Monday, Day 2 Argeliers to Capestang
Enjoy your first coffee of the day sitting in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of the barge. While coffee is available at any time from the bar, continental-style breakfast is served, at your leisure, beginning at 8:30am. The Argeliers Tennis Courts are a quick walk or bike-ride into the village from Argeliers port. Those who opt not to play may prefer a stroll around the village, or a cycle ride on this vineyard-surrounded part of the canal. Returning to the boat post-match, we enjoy a relaxing cruise to Capestang through the locks and winding waterways. We drive to the Oulibo – the local olive oil pressoir. After tasting those organic and wholesome olives (accompanied, bien sûr, by a small glass of rosé!!), a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve is in order. Where your guide tells you the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th C. The minibuses arrive back in Capestang for pre-dinner drinks and there ought to be enough time for a stroll into the village before dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Capestang to Regismont le Haut
After breakfast, the proposed morning visit is 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! A long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation await your return to the barge. We arrive early evening at Regismont le Haut. Only 5 minutes from this rural mooring is the village of Poilhes. Tennis courts are booked and available for a pre-dinner match. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Regismont le Haut to Fonserannes
A morning visit to the quaint town of Pezenas. After a tour of the 14thC Hotel Particuliers (or medieval court mansions), you make your way back to the boat for lunch and cruising. The afternoon promises spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain as the barge makes her way to the evening’s mooring: the breath-taking view-point of the St. Nazaire Cathedral from the Fonserannes. A short drive into Beziers Tennis Club Barthes and this afternoon’s Tennis matches are under way. Returning to the barge for cocktails and relaxation on deck, the hostess asks if you would prefer to dine al fresco this evening to take advantage of the scenery. A long gourmet dinner and wine in the fresh air finishes a perfect day.

Thursday, Day 5 Fonserannes to Portiragnes
Why not take a side-trip to the weekly morning market in Narbonne? Even for non-shoppers, Narbonne offers much entertainment on a Thursday morning! 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 take a moment to blend into the scene: sit and relax in one of the many cafés. Return to the barge for lunch and the barge begins her cruise. This 17thC feat of engineering, the “Neuf Ecluses” (or staircase locks), is sure to impress! The 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 one locks into the next. But it’s not over yet! Coming up next is the 18thC Canal Bridge that will carry the barge over the Orb River. The evening’s mooring will be in the country, just outside the small village of Portiragnes. The crew suggest a break from tennis for today, in exchange for cycling, walking or jogging on the paved towpath that follows the cruise route. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Portiragnes to Marseillan
After breakfast, we cruise towards Marseillan. You pass by the “Petite Camargue”, watching Pink Flamingos in the estuaries, and keeping your eye out for the famous African Rollers and other wetland birds. A spectacular (and appropriate!) 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. As the barge comes to moor in the port at Marseillan, you will notice the enclosure which makes up the Noilly Prat Vermouth distillery where you end a perfect day with a fascinating tour and tasting of Noilly Prat vermouth! Tennis enthusiasts will have a last opportunity for an end-of-week match on the well-maintained clay courts at Marseillan Tennis Club. Chef’s efforts are sure to make this evening worth remembering! Captains Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Marseillan
After breakfast transfer to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
Alternative Pick Up and Drop Off locations available upon request