The Canal du Midi is renowned for its beauty and is a World Heritage Site, winding inland from the Mediterranean to Toulouse through historic villages and vineyards. Explore the medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne, see the magnificent Collegiale St Etienne, a spectacular church in Capestang and visit the charming hilltop village of Minerve.
Visit the Roman Museum or discover the beauty of St Juste Cathedral during your time in Narbonne and see magnificent architecture in the old market town of Pezenas, before Athos navigates the impressive Fonserannes Staircase. Discover the stunning scenery of the "Petite Camargue" and keep an eye out for pink flamingos and Bee Eaters.
The luxury Hotel Barge Athos has an English-speaking crew of five, attending efficiently to 10 pampered passengers. Enjoy excellent local cuisine, relaxing on the sun deck and in the elegant saloon. There is the added bonus of a 24-hour bar and the services of a local tour guide. The five staterooms are en suite and on-board bicycles are available for independent exploring.
EW871 Operated by European Waterways
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Canal du Midi Hotel Barge Itinerary
Day 1 - Argeliers (France)
Guests are met in Beziers** and transferred by private chauffered minibus to Athos. Your Captain and crew welcome you on board with champagne and Mediterranean canapes. Once you are settled into your cabin, you enjoy your first dinner on board.
Day 2 - Argeliers - La Croisade
Enjoy breakfast in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of the barge. After breakfast we drive to the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable guide will provide a full tour of this historical place and ensure that you also have time to browse the shops! Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon's cruise to La Croisade. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - La Croisade - Capestang
After breakfast we enjoy a tasting at "L'Oulibo", the local olive oil pressoir. After tasting those organic and wholesome olives accompanied by a glass of rose, we take a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse and into the hilltop village of Minerve. Your guide will regale you with the harrowing tale of the Cathar siege launched at Minerve during the 13th century. Relax after lunch on board, whilst we cruise to Capestang or you can enjoy a wine tasting at a local chateau, such as Chateau Cabezac. Return to the hotel barge for dinner on board and admire the floodlit Collegiale St Etienne.
Day 4 - Capestang - Fonserannes
After breakfast, we enjoy the weekly morning market in Narbonne, where even for non-shoppers, Narbonne offers much entertainment. 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 and sit and relax in one of the many cafes. Return to the hotel barge for lunch on board and then we begin our cruise to Fonserannes. From our mooring tonight you will have a glorious view of the town of Beziers and the Cathedral St. Nazaire. Dinner on board.
Day 5 - Fonserannes - Portiragnes
This morning we drive 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, hat makers, and costume designers. Once again, your guide makes sure that there is time to browse, as well as learning about the history. After lunch we begin our negotiation of the Fonserannes Staircase. This 17th century feat of engineering, the "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks), is sure to impress! Then the 18th century canal bridge, which will carry us over the Orb River. The evening's mooring will be just outside the small village of Portiragnes, where the paved tow path and the many locks leading to this mooring, make it an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling alongside the barge. Dinner on board.
Day 6 - Portiragnes - Marseillan
From the shaded and scenic mooring of Portiragnes, we get underway earlier than usual, cruising through the area known as the "Petit Camargue". Bird watchers look out for the local species such as Pink Flamingos, African Rollers and Bee Eaters that frequent the surrounding estuaries. After crossing through the exceptional "round lock" at Agde, you find that 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 we 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, if you choose, a taste of Noilly Prat vermouth! Your captain will join your party for your final dinner on board this evening.
Day 7 - Marseillan
After breakfast you will be transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Beziers**.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. **Other locations available for private Charter bookings