Athos |
Barge Information
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
2012 Whole
Boat Charters for 10 starting at $36,000
2012 Prices
(per person) starting at $3,650
Charter
Pricing for 6 & 8 Passengers
Available
Call Barge
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For More Information or to Book
Your Journey
1.800.549.2575 |
Photo Album
 Athos
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Overview
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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Accommodations
Athos features five well-designed cabins with thoughtful
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 Provencal toiletries by
L'Occitane and the delicious French chocolates by each
bed.
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Amenities
- Delicious French-Mediterranean cuisine
- High quality regional wines served with lunch and
dinner
- Open Bar
- Spacious sundeck with lounge chairs and dining
table
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Brand-new hybrid bicycles
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Sample Itinerary
Salleles d'Aude to Marseillan
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
canapes. 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 sur, by a small
glass of rose!!), 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 rose!). The afternoon
promises spectacular views of the Pyrenees 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 cafes.
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 Beziers.
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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