| Athos |
Rating  : First Class
Number of Passengers: 10
Number of Cabins: 5
Size of Vessel: 100 ft in length
Number of Crew: 5
Cruise Region: Canal du Midi
Other Regions Sailed: None
Whole Boat Charters starting at $28,500
Prices (per person) starting at $3,090
Charter Pricing for 6 & 8 Passengers Available
Call Barge TravelPOINTS Today
For More Information or to Book Your Journey
1.800.549.2575
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 Athos |
Come on a journey aboard Athos, and enjoy "La Belle Vie". Combined with the scenic and historical Canal du Midi, Athos is a perfect
choice for vacationers who enjoy comfortable accommodations, the sunny Mediterranean climate, and gourmet French cuisine and wine
along with good company.
Built in 1964 as a traditional commercial barge, she was specifically designed for the Canal du Midi. Athos was converted to a hotel
barge in 1982 and has undergone a number of redecorations and renovations since. In keeping with her well-reputed 'classy condition',
her last major renovation was completed in 2007. In addition to her comfortable cabins, she also features a spacious salon and
dining area, lounge and bar, and a large upper deck.
You'll find her crew to be a wonderful accompaniment to the beautiful countryside. Owners Julian and Dannielle are joined by an on
board chef and a professional crew, ensuring that your needs and desires will be well attended to.
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Athos features five well-designed cabins with thoughful details like fresh white Egyptian cotton linens and colorful throw cushions.
The fresh decor is accented by hardwood doors, classic teak floors, and brass handles.
Each cabin can be configured with either two twin beds or one double bed and include and windows that slide open. The lovely cabins
also have beautifully tiled ensuite bathrooms and ample storage space. You'll enjoy being pampered with the Provençal toiletries
by L'Occitane and the delicious French chocolates by each bed.
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- Delicious French-Mediterranean cuisine
- Regional wines served with lunch and dinner
- Open Bar
- Spacious sundeck with lounge chairs and dining table
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Bicycles
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Sunday - You will be met by the Athos captain in the late afternoon in Montpellier. Then you will be chauffeured to where
the Athos awaits you at her moorings. Upon boarding, you will be treated to a full-crew Welcome Aboard, while toasting with
champagne and Mediterranean canapés. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be invited to a 4-course dinner.
Monday - Enjoy your first coffee of the day sitting in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of Athos. Then enjoy a drive
to the famous Medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable on board guide will offer the historical and
guided visit. Then return to Athos for an afternoon cruise to Argeliers, where the evening's mooring is beside the picturesque
Argeliers bridge. There ought to be enough time for a brisk stroll into the village before the chef starts serving up her next delight!
Tuesday - This morning's suggested excursion 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 century.
After your tour, a long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation await you aboard Athos while she journeys to the charming village of
Capestang. Here, 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 - Today you can visit 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, you'll also enjoy 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 (along with more traditional, dry, fruity rosé!). The afternoon
promises spectacular views of the Pyrénées across the sunny, clear plains. This evening's mooring is the breath-taking
view point at the Fonserannes. Perhaps a little cycle ride down to the staircase locks and the Canal Bridge will work up your appetite
for the Chef's creations this evening?
Thursday - 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.
Then return to Athos as Captain Julian and his deck hand are busy getting Athos underway. Today you'll marvel at a 17th century
feat of engineering, the "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks) followed by the 18th century Canal Bridge which will carry Athos
over the Orb River towards the evening's mooring at the small village of Villeneuve les Béziers. The paved tow path and the many locks
leading to this village make it an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling alongside the barge.
Friday - From the shaded and scenic mooring of Villeneuve, Athos will get underway earlier than usual to make it into the
Greek-established village of Agde where you'll see bustling activity in the tiny centre-ville. Take the opportunity to explore the
Old Town and the Romanesque Cathedral which overlooks the River Herault. Then in late morning, Athos leaves your shaded mooring at
Agde, and cruises towards Marseillan.
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. Later, as ATHOS 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 fascinating tour of the Distillery -- and, of course, a taste of Noilly
Prat vermouth! Then return to Athos for the gala Captain's Dinner onboard.
Saturday - 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.
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1.800.549.2575
