Joining an Athos Cruise on the Canal du Midi

Travel Tips & How to get Here.

You’ve hit the “Contact Us” button, you’ve confirmed your Canal du Midi cruise dates, you’ve booked! The next stage is travel-planning.

Athos Crew come to meet and transfer passengers to the boat on Sundays in Beziers, 15:30 – 16:30.  We’ll meet you at your choice of locations:  Beziers Train Station, Beziers Airport, Beziers Car Hire centres, or a Beziers hotel where you’ve stayed the night before.

This post is to help you with your airline and travel searches.  It lists the closest airports, train stations and useful websites that will help you get to Athos’ Canal du Midi cruise start and end point in Beziers.  Athos can recommend a few regional hotels that meet her discerning standards.  And please, don’t hesitate to ask Dannielle if you’d like her to pick up the phone and make a hotel or B&B booking on your behalf.   Read on!

Closest AIRPORTS to fly to:

PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE

The largest French airport that connects internationally.  To travel from Paris to Beziers, the most relaxing option is the direct and easy 4 hour high-speed train (TGV) into Beziers centre.  Sunday TGVs go from:  Paris Gare de Lyon 11:05 – 15:33 Beziers train station.  There are also TGV’s that link Paris CDG Airport Train Terminal 09:58-15:32 Beziers  *change trains at Montpellier.  Alternatively, check whether your international airline offers the internal Air France connector from CDG into Montpellier.  

BARCELONA EL PRAT

hosts direct international flights from North America, and also connects by train with the main line into France in just under 2.5 hours.  Sunday trains from Barcelona Sants (train station) go from 14:30 – 16:35 Beziers.  Rental cars can also be hired at Barcelona airport, and by autoroute, it is an easy 2.5 hours by car to Beziers.  Cars can be rented at Barcelona International Airport and dropped at Beziers Vias Airport or Beziers Train Station (Europcar, Hertz).

MARSEILLE-MARIGNAN (also called Marseille-Provence)

hosts direct flights from Montreal, and is also a major European hub for flight connections.  There is a train terminal at the airport and a direct train connection to Beziers on Sundays:  Airport 12:06 – 14:37 arr Beziers Station.

TOULOUSE-BLAGNAC

A major international hub, Toulouse also has a 20-minute free shuttle bus that takes passengers from the Arrivals terminal into the central train station.  There are multiple times connecting to Beziers, including Sundays dep TLS 14:39- arr 16:07 Beziers.

MONTPELLIER-MEDITERANÉE

Air France flights connect main European hubs to Montpellier.  EasyJet also runs daily flights from London Gatwick to Montpellier. A 20-minute shuttle service connects from Montpellier Airport to Saint Roch Train station. Trains run regularly to Beziers and take 40 minutes.  Athos suggests the Baudon de Mauny hotel in Montpellier in the event that you choose to stay a night, or the Hotel Le Guilhem.

How to book TRAINS

Train times and tickets from all European cities can be found online 90 days in advance of the date of departure.  Trainline is an easy to use website. Tickets can be purchased online 90 days in advance of the departure date.  *Hint:  if it is more than 90 days in advance and you’d like to check train times, simulate the schedule by picking a later date with the same days of the week for you’ll be wanting travel.  Main lines typically keep the same schedule the year around, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays.  Although our favourite (most user-friendly) train website is Trainline, the direct and official French website for trains is SNCF.  In the event of discrepancy between the two sites, SCNF tends to be the most accurate and updated.  For example, explanations like works on lines or strike information do not appear on Trainline) 

BEZIERS HOTELS we can recommend:

If you choose to spend a night in the Beziers area pre-cruise, Athos Crew will collect you from your hotel on the Sunday of your cruise departure.

Hotel Particulier Beziers

La Villa Guy

In Situ

Mention Athos when booking, or ask Dannielle info@athosdumidi.com for help.

Canal du Midi cruise on board Athos

Athos history: a lovely story and an amazing email exchange

Athos history.  It’s where our business all began.

Athos is not exactly a “mainstream” business.  But because we are so entrenched in all things hotel-barging, I forget that hotel barging isn’t deeply known or understood world ’round.  We have lived on Athos or nearby the Canal du Midi for over 20 years now.  We are in close contact with others who also run hotel barge businesses both on the Canal du Midi and in other areas of France.  I write multiple daily emails explaining the how, what and why of Athos and hotel barging.  I point people at FAQ links, make suggestions about how to travel to Athos’ meeting point and answer a whole variety of questions… 

Last week I had a series of emails about Athos history that surprised even me.  And it turned out to be a lovely story:

Jonathan Sargent, Aug 3 (5 days ago)
to me

Good afternoon,

I went to an estate sale here in the USA and purchased blueprints of the ‘Athos’ and I was curious if you could tell me more about waterline and the boats history. Thank you for your time.

Aug 4 (4 days ago)
to Jonathan

Hello Jonathan – 

How amazing! …I imagine this was Mimi’s estate?  Mimi was one of the original financiers and shareholders of the Athos.  She and her husband Pierre Noubel undertook the makeover and project which are now your blueprints.  They then set Athos up as a canal-tourism business and brought over many well-heeled Americans who would never have undertaken to see the then-back-woods of Southwestern France and the Canal du Midi!

Athos still runs as a luxury hotel barge on the Canal du Midi, and has done since her makeover as per the blueprints in 1982 — slightly changed in cabin layout and certainly in decor, but in essence as your blueprints indicate. Julian was a Captain from 1988, just after Pierre Noubel sold the barge to new owners.  From 2001-2004, Julian and I leased Athos, and then by 2004 bought Athos together, and winter of 2006 gave her a massive interior makeover.  We are still running it as an active business.

Previously to 1982, Athos would probably have been destined for the North African boat scrapyards.  We think this is what happened to her 3 sister ships:  the D’Artagnan, Portos and the Aramis.  All 4 Musketeers were built in 1965 in the Marne, specifically for the Canal du Midi to be used as freighters.  Canal du Midi barges have very very low wheelhouses  in order to fit through the extremely low 16thC bridges. (have a look at the arch drawn in over the narrow silouette in Image 4 of the Plans!)  Many of these kind of freighters would have held grain, wine, sand, or fuel.  We know Athos didn’t carry fuel, but we don’t know whether she was more concentrated on grain/wine or sand.  Generally speaking, 1965-built barges had (give or take) a 25-year life span.  They were welded steel hulls with flat bottoms, and a maximum depth of 1.3m…not the ultra-thick black iron riveted hulls of their earlier Dutch-built counterparts.  

Alas, Athos’ lifespan technically should have been up by now, but she is drydocked annually, re-treated (and even re-bottomed in this past 15 years), and has constant and ongoing maintenance, improvements and tweaks.  

In fact, we’d be hugely grateful for a copy if you are able to either .pdf or post to us in France?  I’m not sure how big the plans are?  We seem to only have the electrics blueprint in our collection, and we still work around the water-tight bulkheads and fire doors indicated in the original copy.

Hope the above is of some interest and use to you.

Kind regards,

Dannielle & Julian FARRANT

Jonathan Sargent
Aug 4 (4 days ago)
to me

Let me start by saying thank you so much for the Athos history and for all of the information. My wife and I just started going to estate sales and this is truly a wonderful find indeed. I have pictures as the blueprints are very large in size. Wow… I am just in amazement. This is really neat to find on the other side of the world. Let me see what I can do. Would pictures work? 

P.s. When we started looking at these, my wife immediately said, “There has to be a three musketeers connection.”

Sent from my iPhone

Jonathan Sargent
Aug 5 (3 days ago)
to me

Dannielle,

I miss-spoke and called them blueprints but they are actually schematics from the 1980’s. I had intentions of selling these to make something back but after talking about it with my wife, we would like to send what we have to you and Julian. We just feel like this belongs with the two of you. Let me know where we can send them to and I will let you know when they are sent. The history that you shared was more than what we ever anticipated. Thank you for sharing that with us, as we will never forget it. 

-Cheers-

The Sargent’s 

Dannielle Farrant <info@athosdumidi.com>
Aug 5 (3 days ago)
to Jonathan

Wow Johnathan – this is incredibly gracious of you!  We are of course delighted to share Athos history with anyone who wants to listen and we are so grateful that you have pieced together some of her missing artifacts! 

Lastly, I am so tickled by our exchange that I wanted to ask if I could post our emails as part of a Blog post on Athos’ website, linking it to some of the write-up about Athos history?

Best regards, Dannielle & Julian

Sent from my iPhone

Jonathan Sargent
Aug 5 (3 days ago)
to me

Oh wow! That would be so cool.  Maybe one day when we are in Paris, we can stop by to say hello. I will put them in the mail tomorrow. Please let me know when you have received them. That way we know they made it home. 🙂 

From our home with love, Jonathan & Ashley Sargent, Gulfport, MS

For the record, Johnathan & Ashley – if ever you’re keen to pop by and see Athos, you know where to find us!  Truly, Thank-you. 

A selection of Athos’ historical Plans, found by Johnathan & Ashley Sargent, Gulfport, MS

Athos history Canal du Midi plans overview

Athos history plans silouette

original passenger cabin plans

And if you’re interested…here’s a bit more on Athos history

Best of Languedoc Wine List, Athos Canal du Midi 2016

Best of Languedoc Wine List, Athos Canal du Midi 2016

Athos has a trusted core of acclaimed Languedoc Chateaux and Domaines that have produced consistently acclaimed wines each year.

This is a look at Athos’ 2016 onboard Wine List.

Domaine La Colombette

A father and son team of vignerons who were the first to introduce plastic corks and screw top corks in the otherwise staunchly traditional wine trade of the South of France. They’ve also been on international wine-scouting trips to learn about wine technology abroad, including alcohol-reducing techniques that have permitted them to produce their alcohol-light rosé, “La Plume”.  Colombette’s wines have been part of Athos’ Canal du Midi cruises for many years.

2015 Sauvignon Blanc Vin de Pays d’Herault
2015 Grenache rosé Vin de Pays d’Herault
2015 La Plume Rosé Vin de Pays d’Herault
2014 Lledoner Pelut Vin de Coteaux Libron

Cave Pierre Cros

Pierre Cros is a well-known and well-recognised producer, based closer to Carcassonne than to the cruise route for Athos Canal du Midi.  He describes himself as a “Vigneron Militant”!  His passion is for reviving traditional grape varieties that have been forgotten or worked out of the current AOC guidelines.  His wines tend to sell out from year to year and so Athos gets there early!

2015 Les Costes, AOC Minervois Blanc
2013Les Vielles Vignes, AOC Minervois Rouge
2014 Les Aspres, AOC Minervois Rouge
2015 La Partouse, Vin de France Rosé

Les Costières de Pomerols, Cave Co-operative

The cave co-operatives across the Languedoc are responsible for much of the huge volume of wine produced in the region.  Traditionally, the huge volume did not necessarily represent refined wines.  Happily this has changed dramatically over the past 20 years and many Cave Co-ops are producing some excellent wines across the region.  This is one of Athos’ Canal du Midi cruising favourites and it matches up perfectly with the oysters and seafood of the terroir!

2015 Hugues de Beauvignac, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet

Domaine les Murettes

Mme. Bellido of Domaine les Murettes has long been a force to contend with as is her Viognier.  It also sells out annually, and with reason:  this is a true dry white wine that speaks of pure Languedoc peach and apricot orchards. Quaffable and friendly with food.  A perfect wine for cruising with on the Canal du Midi.

2015 Viognier, Vin Blanc Biologique

Chateau la Negly

Based at Fleury d’Aude, overlooking the Gruissan and Narbonne plage area, the vineyards around Fleury grow in the salty Med breeze – never too cold in winter, never too dry in summer. Chateau la Negly are internationally recognised for their quality and also have a large production destined for international export.

2015 La Brise Marine, AOC La Clape Blanc
2014 La Falaise, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc

La Voulte Gasparets

Athos has carried La Voulte Gasparets Corbieres wines onboard for the past 20 years, a testament to their quality and consistency. Typical to Corbieres grape varieties and depth of fruit and character, these wines have always been crowd pleasers with passengers who cruise Athos Canal du Midi.

Cuvée Romain Pauc, 2013 AOC Corbieres rouge
Blanc 2015 AOC Corbieres
Rosé 2015 AOC Corbieres

Domaine d’Antech

Onboard bubbly – important for special occasions on board, and well, just because you can.

Cuvée Eugénie, AOC Crémant de Limoux
Cuvée Émotion, Cremant de Limoux

Chateau Mire l’Etang

This is another of the wine producers that Athos has worked with nearing 20 years. Again based on the Fleury d’Aude side, bordering the Med, Mire l’Etang’s wines benefit from the softening effects of the salty med air. Named for the historical Duchess de Fleury, Aimée de Coigny blanc is a crisp and delicate blend of Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc. The Ducs de Fleury red is an oaked combination of traditional Languedoc grapes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre noir.

Aimée de Coigny, 2015 AOC La Clape blanc
Ducs de Fleury, 2014 AOC La Clape rouge
Gris, 2015 AOC La Clape rosé.Rose

Why a Canal du Midi Cruise on Luxury Hotel Boat Athos should be on your bucket list.

A Canal du Midi Cruise on Athos is a South of France experience that is a once in a lifetime, must-do holiday. Here’s why:

  1. Athos makes your Canal du Midi cruise exclusive and personalised. VIP is the only class and service option.

Athos carries a maximum of 10 passengers on board in any given week and her 5 full time crew members ensure that they are given every attention and comfort.  Athos and her crew are all about making your special Canal du Midi holiday the lifetime trip to remember.  With the option of chartering the entire boat for up to 10 passengers, you can choose your own group of preferred travellers.  If you’d like to stay away from the crowds, Athos’ crew can arrange that.  

  1. It’s not JUST a luxury Canal du Midi Cruise.  

Inclusive shore excursions mean that you’ll See & Experience More on hotel barge Athos.  Because Athos’ experienced crew will look after the complicated travel questions of Where-to…? How-to…? and What’s-on-the-menu…  we make it possible for you to do far more than an independent traveller in the South of France. 

During a week onboard, Athos’ Canal du Midi cruise activities include: 
  • cruising the Canal du Midi by historical hotel barge and exploring the surrounding area. 
  • tasting and travelling your way through the vast wine region,
  • delighting your palate with the onboard Chef’s repertoire (tweaked to your preferences of course)
  • walking & bicycling the surrounding countryside
  • sitting back and enjoy the flavours, fun and experiences without losing time figuring it all out. 

Have a look at our detailed suggestions on the Best of Languedoc itinerary. 

  1. Outdoor Luxury

Athos offers magical days seeing the South of France that way it is best appreciated – from outdoors. What other form of hotel offers the comforts of a hotel that floats and moves with you on your journey, taking luxury into the countryside from her generous top deck?  The Languedoc’s Mediterranean climate and landscapes are warm, rustic, charming – and all able to be experienced from your comfortable lounge chair on the Athos deck.  Here’s a little photo selection and a link to historical and practical information about the Canal du Midi to whet your appetite!

Click here to Drop us an email to ask questions, dates and details.

Athos 2015 Wine List, a Languedoc Adventure starting at Chateau la Negly

Building the annual onboard wine list is always an adventure.  From year to year, we follow our palates, and the trusty advice of friend & Master of Wine, Juliet Bruce-Jones.  Most years Athos keeps to many of the tried and true Languedoc wineries, although we occasionally switch up for something new and interesting.

Last weekend saw a quick tasting at Chateau La Negly.  La Negly is one of the tried and true Languedoc producers, and a must-taste for wino’s and cruisers of the Languedoc.  Here’s what we bought to add to our 2015 list –

La Natice – an exceptional diversion from the region’s many good dry & fruity Languedoc roses.  Although crisp and dry, La Natice delivers a fragrant, almost perfume-y strawberry nose.  Elegant.  And it’s a posh bottle.

La Natice, perfectly elegant rosé.

La Natice, perfectly elegant rosé.

La Brise Marine – la Negly sits directly on the coastline between Vendres and Narbonne Plage and so is directly exposed to the ocean air, or “brise marine” and its clay mineral soil.  Made from 70% Bourboulenc and 30% Roussanne grapes, giving notes of peaches, mango and almonds, this is a perfect pairing for seafood.

La Brise Marine, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc

La Brise Marine, AOC Coteaux de Languedoc

La Falaise 2011 Coteaux de Languedoc:    In fact, sold out.  But Negly have pulled out all the stops and gone digging in their cellars to come out with enough of the 2011 for Athos’ 2015 season.  Here’s what Curious Wines said about it:  “This deep ruby red Syrah (50%), Grenache (40%) and Mourvèdre (10%) blend shows raspberry and blackberry fruit with undertones of chocolate and black olives on the nose. Hints of liqourice and roasted coffee beans mingle with dark fruit on the palate, where the wine displays ripe, smooth tannins and a long, savoury finish.”  Cheers!

chateau-de-la-negly-la-clape-la-falaise-languedoc-roussillon-france-10122510

Athos Family Fun Charter Itinerary

A week of fun for everyone:  horseback riding, swimming in the Med, canalside cycling, learning petanque with our professional petanque-playing guide Matt(!!), or challenge Captain Julian to a tennis match!  Throw in a fantastic personal chef who is open to your family’s dietary preferences, add glorious Canal du Midi cruising on the luxurious Athos, and call it a perfect Family Barge Boat Holiday.

ARGELIERS
Sunday 4pm pick up at designated point in Beziers
Your family 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, including an introduction to the Ship’s Dog, Jill! Toasting with either Champagne or soft drinks, the Chef will offer a selection of Mediterranean canapés fit for kids and adults alike.

Once you are settled into your cabin, there may still be time for a quick bicycle ride alongside the canal. The Athos collection of children’s and adult bicycles & helmets are at your disposal throughout the week.

You will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared by our highly acclaimed Chef. Athos will have asked in advance for details about your family’s likes and dislikes so that the crew can present you with meals that meet the whole family’s approval! Discuss with the Chef about whether you’d like to have a few adults-only evening meals, or whether your gourmet experience will be a Family Dinner every evening.

Monday ARGELIERS to LA CROISADE
While coffee is available at any time from the bar, continental-style breakfast is served, at your leisure, beginning at 8:30am. A breakfast buffet offers a selection to please everyone: cereals, juices, yogurts, cold meats and cheese, and of course fresh pastries and bread from the local boulangerie! Your guide suggests an excursion to the famous Medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne where he will includes the legendary tales of Dame Carcas, and a visit to the tombstone of Simon de Montfort. She will also make sure that there is still time to browse the shops!

The Captain is getting ATHOS underway for an afternoon’s cruise to La Croisade, and Chef serves up another gourmet meal while the whole family relaxes on the sunny deck.

If exercise and a swim are in order, cycling enthusiasts might like to hop off with bicycles. Alternatively, your guide proposes a quick drive to the swimming hole at the Cesse River under the 17thC Canal Bridge. Ready for a refreshing glass of wine or a cold drink? Another delicious meal has been prepared. The on board hostess asks if everyone would like to eat al fresco, under the shade of the Plain Trees?

Tuesday LA CROISADE to CAPESTANG
After breakfast, your guide suggests a morning outing to the local equestrian centre. Along with the sheep, goats & chickens, la Fount del Bosc has a collection of very well-kept, well-educated poneys and horses. Your guide suggests a morning trail-ride en famille. On the way back, your guide stops at Bize Minervois, where the locals swim in the river – a refreshing cool-down at the end of an enjoyable hack.

Returning to Athos for a well-earned lunch on the Athos deck, Captain Julian starts the engines, and the Athos moves off. As Athos moors for evening, the crew suggests a quick game of Petanque (or French boules). The vineyards surrounding are sprawling and the view over Capestang towards the floodlit St Etienne collegiale is a pleasant setting for an outdoor dinner.

Wednesday CAPESTANG – FONSERANNES

This morning your guide invites enthusiastic swimmers and paddlers on an excursion into the Cevennes mountains, where large, wide kayaks float down the River Orb! After the scenic drive into the hills, everyone is handed a helmet and lifejacket, then set off in kayaking groups to navigate the mostly-shallow riverbed. Chef has packed a superb picnic lunch to be served by crew who have accompanied you on the adventure. For those more enthusiastic about relaxing than kayaking, Julian invites you to stay on board for a leisurely cruise, lunch on deck, and a quiet time under the parasol. When kayakers return to Athos, cruising continues as far as the Fonserannes.

This evening’s mooring is the breath-taking viewpoint at the Fonserannes. Perhaps a little cycle ride down to the famous staircase locks and the Canal Bridge will work up your appetite for the Chef’s creations this evening?

Thursday FONSERANNES to PORTIRAGNE
Following breakfast, your guide invites you on a side-trip to the weekly morning market in Narbonne? Even for non-shoppers, Narbonne offers bustling entertainment on a Thursday morning. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, or, browse through the well-compiled Roman Museum and the beauty of St. Juste Cathedral. Or, simply take a moment to blend into the scene by sitting and relaxing in one of the many cafés. At 12 o’clock, your guide leads you to one of the most popular lunch spots at the brasserie Chez Bebelle in the covered food market. It is a busy, atmospheric and in-demand spot run by ex-rugby player Gilles Bebelle. The lunch is a casual affair, and the entertainment is Bebelle himself who calls out orders between the butchers’ stall and his grill. Heads up – the cuts fly!

On your return, Captain Julian and his deck hand are busy getting ATHOS underway. This 17thC feat of engineering, the Neuf Ecluses (or staircase locks), is sure to impress! ATHOS crew expertly tie her up in each lock, and wait for the gates to close safely behind her before the water levels empty out and allow her to pass one locks into the next. But it’s not over yet! Coming up next is the 18thC Canal Bridge that will carry the ATHOS over the Orb River.

The paved towpath and the many locks leading to this village make it an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling alongside the ATHOS.

When we arrive at the evening’s mooring just outside the small village of Portiragnes, your guide invites swimmers for a quick trip to the white sand beach (either by bicycle or car, as it’s only 1.5km away!) and a swim in the Mediterranean.  Dinner on board.

Friday PORTIRAGNES to MARSEILLAN
Athos will get underway just after breakfast. Some active family members may like to take the bicycles back to the beach for a quick swim, and then return to re-board the Athos as she makes her way under the Portiragnes bridge.

A spectacular seafood lunch arrives as you enter the open-waters of the Etang de Thau. The Etang hosts Europe’s largest Mussel and Oyster Park. The crew’s favourite swimming pool is the Etang! Join them and jump in to cool off!

As ATHOS comes to moor in the port at Marseillan, you will notice the enclosure of the Noilly Prat Vermouth distillery. End a perfect day with a walking visit of the village, a romp around the seaside play-park which is a stone’s throw from Athos’ mooring, or a leisurely cycle ride down the promenade. Alternatively, ask your guide to book you Tennis courts on the clay courts here. Captain Julian and guide Matt are both keen players and there might be a family vs crew tournament to be had?

Chef’s efforts are sure to make this evening worth remembering! Captain Julian will join your party for your final dinner on board this evening. During the evening, he will also invite the crew, including Jill, to make a farewell toast with you.

Saturday MARSEILLAN
After breakfast, everyone waves goodbye to Jill and the Crew, who have looked after your every need throughout the week. The minivans will now depart to the appointed destination in Beziers.

Athos on Etang de Thau

Athos on Etang de Thau

Tuna with Red Onion and Sweet Vinegar

(Serves 4)

6 tbsp of olive oil

2 garlic cloves, cut into fine matchsticks

3 red onions (about 400g) sliced chinese-style

4 fresh bay leaes

600g fresh tuna loin or monkfish cut in 3cm cubes

2 tsp chopped fresh oregano

350g cherry tomatoes blanched, peeled, quartered & seeded

300g drained cooked judion beans (150g dry weight) or use cooked butter beans or cannellini beans

1 tbsp of sweet red wine vinegar (or any good-quality red wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar)

  1. Sautee the garlic matchsticks in olive oil until golden brown (but not burnt), then remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside
  2. Add the onions and bay leaves to the still-hot pan with a good pinch of salt & increase to med heat. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are softened and beginning to brown. Set aside
  3. Minutes before you are ready to serve, place a very wide pan over a high heat until smoking. Season the tuna with salt & pepper. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the pan and sear the tuna briskly on both sides. They will only need a minute or two per side.
  4. Add the cooked onions, half the oregano, the tomatoes, beans and vinegar and sauté for a minute more, until everything is warmed through (the tuna should be quite pink in the middle).
  5. Transfer to a warm serving dish, sprinkle over the remaining oregano and crispy garlic and serve immediately.

Photo credit "Cooking on the Weekends" Valentina

Tuna and Red Onion with Sweet Vinegar

A Languedoc Tradition: Picpoul and Oysters at Christmas

Much like the rest of Europe, the French in the Languedoc celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, or La Reveillon, which translates to “the awakening of Christ”. Many typical families begin their Christmas with evening Mass at the local church. Once they return home from Mass, the celebrations begin. Father Christmas will have visited while everyone was out, and in the French way, eating and drinking also begins. No doubt you’ll remember the famous oysters & Picpoul from your own experience on the Etang de Thau while onboard Athos? Mais oui, the well-known Languedoc combination of Picpoul de Pinet and oysters is the plat du soir!

Picpoul and Oysters while Onboard Athos

The Famous Chateaux Fortresses of the Languedoc

Fortified Medieval City of Carcassonne

Fortified Medieval City of Carcassonne

A visit to an iconic Languedoc hilltop town or Chateau Fort cannot fail to impress that these stone-built towns withstood siege and served to protect and feed their inhabitants. Minus modern machinery or construction methods. Some have their beginnings as early 3c BC, others were built and added to as the various towns earned wealth… and enemies.  The most well-known period of siege on these fortresses was during the 12th and 13th centuries in the crusades against the Cathars who were being protected behind the walls. Although the Languedoc Chateaux Fortresses vary in regards to the state of their current restoration or ruin, it is impossible not to appreciate the character and sentiment of each site’s history and ambiance. Some have a more wealthy, jolly feel, others are downright gloomy and sinister.

A week onboard Athos typically involves a visit to both Carcassonne and Minerve. Our onboard Tour Guide will elaborate on the historical details of both hilltop towns. To inquire about a week on Athos, contact Dannielle.

Map of Languedoc showing major cities and Cathar sites.

Map of Languedoc showing major cities and Cathar sites.

 

Medieval city of Carcassonne, Audoise Walls

Carcassonne Medieval City Audoise Walls

Cathar Chateau at Minerve, Languedoc France

Cathar Chateau at Minerve, shore visit from luxury hotel barge Athos

Chateau Puilaurens

Chateau Puilaurens

images-1

Lastours

Wine Interest Charters on Athos

So, you’ve worked out which 10 of your favourite wine-drinking friends would enjoy a week together on Athos, cruising the Languedoc wine scene. Excellent! Now, Dannielle and Master of Wine, Juliet, will tweak our sample Wine-Interest itinerary to fit your cruising week and your group’s special interests.

Here’s a look at some of this year’s wine-interest charter photos taken by onboard photographer, Zsuzsa!

 

Tasting of organic wines at Clos de Gravillas, St Jean de Minervois

Juliet Bruce Jones talking to Athos passengers at Saint Jean de Minervois

And enter for tasting. At Clos du Gravillas.

Also present for tasting: Matt the Athos Tour Guide and Clos du Gravillas’ friendly Labrador.

Tasting!

John Bojanowski of Clos du Gravillas

Looking at the vats at Domaine Pierre Fil

State of the art stainless steel vats.

Racks and barrels with Cuvee OREBUS at Domaine Pierre Fil

Concrete vats at Domaine Pierre Fil

Juliet explaining the oaking and aging processes at Domaine Pierre Fil

More oak!

Tasting with Athos Wine Charter at Domaine Pierre Fil

How to Choose Your Best Bubbly

Although there is nothing wrong with being partial to a glass or two of Dom Perignon, a respectable sparkling wine doesn’t have to cost the price of a bottle of His own.

1. Determine your preferences for sparkles: Do you prefer:
– the traditional dry and biscuit-y taste of AOC Champagne or would you rather a wine that’s fruitier or even sweet?
– how do you like the size of the bubbles: smaller or larger / coarser or smoother?

In the Languedoc, a number of traditional grape varietals and fermentation methods are used which affect the generally-described differences above. Chenin and Mauzac, grapes used in the Languedoc “Blanquette” give for a fruitier, and often sweeter sparkling wine with finer bubbles than its drier counterpart, Cremant. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the predominant grapes in Cremant, and the no-sugar-added fermentation process produces a coarser bubble, making it generally more akin to traditional Champagne.

Both approaches have their merits. Sweeter sparkling can be a delightful accompaniment to dessert, or refreshing as a pre-dinner drink with savoury canapes. Most people are hard-pressed to find a bad accompaniment for a dry sparkling wine with a clean finish!

2. After the broad guidelines above, making a choice for a favourite in-house sparkling is a matter of tasting and testing.  Note: Some might find the taste-testing a demanding task – others less so.

Bubbly
Cremant de Limoux