Painting Cruise

*Depending on date and direction, this itinerary may be done in reverse order. ATHOS du Midi Ltd. , her Captain and her Crew reserve the right to make changes to this itinerary according to navigational conditions and professional discretion.

Marseillan to Argeliers
(and Argeliers-Marseillan)

Montpellier - Marseillan
Sunday 4pm pick up at designated point in Montpellier
You will be met by ATHOS Captain and Manager. In the comfort of ATHOS' private air-conditioned Chrysler minivans, you will be chauffeured to where the ATHOS awaits you at her moorings.

You will be treated to a full-crew Welcome Aboard, whilst toasting with Champagne and Mediterannean canapés.

Once settled into your cabin, you will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared by our highly acclaimed onboard Chef.

Monday: Marseillan - Agde
Enjoy your first coffee of the day sitting in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of ATHOS. While coffee is available at any time from the bar, continental-style breakfast is served, at your leisure, beginning at 8:30am.

Painters may feel inspired by the sparkling waters of the Etang, and the lines of yacht masts over the Port. Or, for an easy start to the holiday, 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.

The Crew is busy preparing to move Athos off her moorings as passengers make their way back. The table is laid on deck -- a sumptuous seafood lunch of oysters and moules marinieres awaits! As the rosé flows, the sun shines and Athos makes her way across the Etang and onto the Canal du Midi.

On Athos’ arrival to the round lock outside Agde, the fading light streams through the enormous Plain Trees at the junction of the Herault River and the Canal du Midi. Painters may enjoy an hour of creativity before dinner, or, a short walk into Agde to view the 3rd C foundations of the Eglise St. Etienne and the dark lava building stones of Old Agde.

After enjoying pre-dinner cocktails served by the ever-present hostess, Chef once again presents delightful local fare throughout the 4-course dinner.

Tuesday: Agde - Villeneuve les Beziers
Athos makes her way into the Round Lock just as breakfast finishes this morning. She sets off under the magnificent Plain Trees towards Villeneuve les Beziers. As you enjoy the scene from the comfortable deck, the hostess brings refreshments.

Lunch is served as Athos is stopped for the lock-time lunch break at the lock of Portiragnes. Again, the dry rosé flows as a lunch of fresh salads and local cheeses and patés arrive from the galley.

Finishing lunch, Athos heads off towards Villeneuve as the lock opens. You may choose to walk or cycle alongside Athos for the remaining 5km -- or from Portiragne lock, the ride out to the Mediterranean takes 20 minutes. The towpath is asphalt and shaded!

As she arrives in Villeneuve, cyclists make their way back onboard. There is still time to explore the village, or take out the easels and capture the flower-covered bridge and quaint lock house at Villeneuve-les-Beziers lock before dinner is served.

Wednesday: Villeneuve les Beziers - Fonserannes
This morning, Dannielle suggests a visit to the old market town of Pezenas. It is a 20minute drive, and the group moves along after breakfast. Pezenas 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. Dannielle makes sure that there is time to browse, as well as time for the learning about the history.

On return to the Athos, the outdoor table is laid, and lunch appears from the galley. Wine and food are on the table just as Athos moves into the Villeneuve les Beziers lock.

This afternoon, Athos will make her way towards the famous Neuf Ecluses, or staircase locks at Fonserannes. The locks getting there are deep, and the water crashes noisily as lock-keepers open the sluices. Still, Captain Julian handles Athos neatly, and makes her way easily 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 (or for a walk) later this evening!

Following the spectacle of Athos climbing the Fonserannes (and a crowd enjoys watching from the sidelines, too!), there is time for painting, walking or cycling. Perhaps a change of pre-dinner sport is in order: the deckhand gives a demonstration of Pentanque and offers a round of cocktails to spice up the fun! Once again, onboard dinner is an occasion not to be missed.

Thursday: Fonserannes - Capestang
This morning’s visit is a suggested drive to Narbonne for the large morning market. There are a number of colourful parcs/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, the delectable smells of lunch encourage you to table. Julian gets Athos under way, again floating through the tree-lined and winding waterway. The sun, food and activities are catching up -- this afternoon might be an excellent afternoon for a siesta on the chaise long!

As Athos arrives in Capestang, there is time before dinner, and you may be interested in a stroll through town, a look at the central square, or perhaps a leisurely “apperatif” in the local Café?

Friday: Capestang - Argeliers
Breakfast is slightly earlier this morning -- the drive to the Medieval double walled city of Carcassonne takes about 45 minutes, and Dannielle thinks we’ll enjoy a bit more time there. Dannielle offers the historical & guided visit of the ramparts and the Cathedral, as well as making sure that you have time to browse those shops! Painters may be interested in bringing their materials -- there are numerous impressive views to worth capturing!

Returning for the last onboard lunch, more rosé and another relaxing afternoon of winding along, overlooking the scenic flood plain below.

Athos arrives at Argeliers Port in time for a cycle ride, a stroll into the village, or perhaps more petanque and cocktails? Julian, the ATHOS’ trusted Captain of 14 years, will join your group to host a final dinner on board.

Saturday: Transfer from ATHOS to departure points in Montpellier
After breakfast, you 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.