THE BARGE: Constructed in 1964 as a commercial sand, grain, and wine barge Converted into a hotel barge in 1982 Measures 100 ft. long by 16.5 ft. wide Five (5) onboard cabin accommodations Ten (10) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Five (5) crew members consisting of Tour Guide, Chef, Hostesses, and Captain. This crew speaks both English and French. PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: CD Player Small library of books Eight (8) touring bikes MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Please note that Athos has no wheelchair access. There is a boarding ramp from the bank of the river to the deck, then seven (7) steps down to the salong/dining room and cabins. The well-planned accommodation of the Athos offers a choice of five air-conditioned twin/queen staterooms with full en-suite facilities.

CABINS: There are five (5) cabins on board Athos, four (4) of which are identical and one which is a slightly larger "suite." Beneath all beds is planned luggage storage as well as additional closet space into the bathroom area. CABIN SIZE: All cabins are equally comfortable and luxurious. The four (4) smaller cabins have approximately 92 sq. ft. of inhabitable space. The fifth cabin ("suite") occupies the width of the bow and measures at approximately 107 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Each cabin comes with the option of a queen or twin bed configuration. When the cabins are in twin bed configuration, the beds will be parallel to each other with a gap in between. BATHROOMS: All cabins have private bath facilities, complete with shower, toilet, and basin.  They are stocked with plenty of towels and bath products. AMENITIES: Climate Control Hairdryer Built-in Closet Electricity (220V)

Double Configuration En Suite Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: The beautiful polished wood Salon/Dining Room has impeccable decor and a wealth of windows for casually observing the passing landscape. It is impressively-sized to fit all passengers at once and features: 2 sofas Well-stocked bar Dining room table with seating for 12 Since her 1982 conversion, Athos has undergone a number of redecorations and renovations, keeping her in her well-reputed classy condition. ON DECK: The expansive Sun Deck is an open-air gathering area ideal for sunbathing or seeing the sights as they roll slowly by. Between ample room and protective parasols, passengers have the choice of sun or shade as they drift slowly along the Midi.  The beautiful deck furniture consists of: 1 table with seating for 6 2 reclining chairs 1 parasol OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). Two (2) air-conditioned minivans are also available for excursions by vehicle.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

The creation of the Canal du Midi was the dream of Pierre-Paul Riquet. In 1665, when he was already over 60, Riquet received the assent of Louis XIV to construct a canal to connect Toulouse to the Mediterranean. Ironically, the first ship passed through from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in 1681 - just seven months after Riquet's death. Your journey takes you gently and unhurriedly along a waterways renowned for its beauty and history. From the magnificence of Carcassonne's battlements to the picturesque Minerve, a near-deserted village located on a promontory, where its inhabitants continue to cultivate their grapes for the production of one of the most popular wines in southern France. The crossing of the lake "Thau" - the village of Marseillan and the nearby Mediterranean beaches - make this a unique cruise. Click below for sample Itinerary: Marseilland--Salleles-d-Aude

Highlights: The fortress town of Carcassonne. Minerve, a Cathare stronghold in the 12th century. The crossing of the lake "Thau". The magnificent Fonserannes 7-lock staircase. Marseillan, a small fishing village on the lake of Thau near to the seaport of Sete.

Athos Luxury Barge Cruises are run with 5 crew members including her Captain of 17 years, Julian Farrant, his wife and Athos Tour Guide of 10 years, Dannielle, a full-time onboard Chef, and 2 hostesses . The Athos Crew has a well-earned reputation for hosting their guests with charm and competence. Combined with the scenic and historical Canal du Midi, Athos is a perfect choice for vacationers who enjoy comfortable acommodations with air conditioning/heating, the sunny Mediterranean climate, and gourmet French cuisine and wine amongst good company. Nestled in the shade of giant Plain trees and surrounded by endless vineyards, Athos cruises through low 16th century bridges, past rustic stable houses, and into the slow-moving Southern French Villages. This historical setting makes for spectacular landscapes and scenery, not to mention the smooth and relaxing pace that is unrivaled from the deck of the luxury hotel barge, ATHOS. We invite you to join us and experience La Belle Vie aboard the hotel-barge Athos!

MENU I Salad of Warm Goat's Cheese wrapped in Filo packets with Dijon Mustard and Honey Vinaigrette Wine: Hugues de Beauvignac 2004 Sauvignon Blanc   Duo de Poissons:  Filet of Daurade and lightly floured Mediterranean Sardines served with mixed warm Artichoke hearts, Black Olives and Chick Pea and a Roasted Tomato Garnish Wine:  Chateau Salitis, 2002 AOC Carbardes   Brillat de Savarin Camembert   Raspberry Creme Brulée with Raspberry Sorbert MENU II Homemade Terrine of Leeks, Scallops and Smoked Bacon served with a Roquefort Dressing Wine:  Domaine de Cazes 2004 Vin de Pays “Muscat-Viognier”   Boeuf en Daube with Garlic Purée, Sautéed Cabbage and a Duxelle of Mushrooms Wine:  Chateau les Ollieux, AOC 2002 Corbieres “Tradition”   Salers Roquefort   Coconut and Lime Tarte with Fresh Strawberries marinated in Balsamic Vinegar and Black Pepper MENU III Millefeuille of Peppers, Aubergines and Goats' Cheese, served with Balsamic Vinegar, basil oil and rich tomato sauce.   Magret de Canard with roast root vegetables in a rosemary, thyme and red wine jus. Chevre frais, Etorki, Roquefort   Lavender Creme brulée   Wine: Crémant de Limoux, Chateau Haut Gléon Corbieres, Borie du Maurel Minervois, Picpoul de Pinet, Chateau Puech Haut rosé.

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Athos
Transfers from Montpellier to the barge & return
All meals
All wines with lunch & dinner
Open bar
All escorted excursions
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Montpellier & return
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

	WINE Welcome aboard the Athos, where your wine-themed cruise with us will intertwine good food, an incredible ambiance and great wine! Find out more!
	FAMILY Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the beautiful canals of Southern France as the Athos takes you for an unforgettable journey complete with a gourmet chef and custom family itinerary to top it off. Find out more!
	GOLF The Athos crew makes a tremendous effort to show you the unique and scenic golf courses as they prepare a trip for you and your guests that will be sure to surpass your expectations.  Find out more!
	PAINTING The beauty of France is yours for the capturing on this Painting Cruise. The light that captivated so many Impressionist artists is now yours for inspiration.   Find out more!
	TENNIS Provence awaits, and so does the opportunity to enjoy rousing games of tennis at 4 different courts along the Midi. Find out more!