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.

Canal du Midi Location

The historic Canal du Midi runs through the heart of the romantic Languedoc in the South of France. Less well known than neighbouring Provence—though equally charming and considerably less crowded—the Languedoc is a renowned winemaking region that produces more than a third of the grapes in the whole of France! But Languedoc is not all AOC wines, open-air markets and foie gras. It’s home to some of Europe’s oldest and most breathtaking castles, ruins and hilltop villages.

If you’re inspired by good wine, fields of sunflowers and lavender, charming villages and Medieval fortresses, the Languedoc and a Canal du Midi holiday promises the holiday of a lifetime.

Whether you’re traveling as a multi-generational family or as a couple looking for a sociable and special way to holiday, the region surrounding the Canal du Midi is a rich and diverse jewel with much to offer to suit all tastes. It’s home to the Medieval storybook castle of Carcassonne; it’s a hill walker’s paradise; it’s buzzing with town markets rich in fresh produce and the best baguettes you’ll ever taste; it’s one of the most vibrant and exciting wine regions in France.

So, whether your dream holiday is about tasting regional food and wine, exploring historical hilltop villages or pushing your limits with energy-demanding sporting activities, Athos will customize a Canal du Midi holiday of your dreams. And, if that’s not enough and you’re keen to go further afield, a Canal du Midi holiday is just two hours by train to the thrilling, cultural hub of Barcelona.

Getting to the Languedoc for your Canal du Midi holiday isn’t complicated. Regular, direct train service runs between Paris Gare de Lyon or Paris CDG to Beziers station and takes about 4.5 hours. Equally, train services to Beziers connect from Toulouse, Barcelona or Marseille. Hire cars can easily be picked up or dropped off at Beziers Vias Airport. It’s your time to discover the Languedoc and a Canal du Midi holiday.

More on Athos history

As one of the few traditional Canal du Midi barges remaining on the historic canal, cruising on the Athos awakens the romance and history of the Canal du Midi and Southern France. The construction of the Canal du Midi started in 1666 during the reign of Louis XIV and is one of the oldest European waterways still in use by boats and barges like the Athos.

Athos Special Canal du Midi Design

Athos was specifically designed for the Canal du Midi in 1964 as a commercial grain and wine barge. Her design is specially conceived to to fit on the Canal du Midi’s narrow waterway and low 17th century bridges. The Athos’ first conversion into a luxury hotel barge was in 1982. In an amazing twist of fate, these plans were returned to us only a few years ago. You can check out the design plans of the 1982 conversion here.

In 2007, Athos had another full rebuild and cabin redesign. Modern luxuries like individual heating and airconditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and a state-of-the-art barge kitchen were put in place. Athos’ most recent structural addition, is an hydraulic all-weather terrace cover. Again, painstaking measurements and custom design are top priority to navigate the shape of the Canal du Midi’s very low bridges.

The Musketeers

The Athos was originally one in a family of four commercial barges that carried freight on the Canal du Midi. The four barges were appropriately named after the Musketeers – Athos, Portos, Aramis and d’Artagnan – and were fondly referred to as the “Petit Train” by locals and lock keepers. The barges followed one after the other, carrying wine and grain en route to the relevant ports across the South of France inland waterways.

Athos and the 3 other Musketeer’s have covered wheelhouses which fit through the lowest of the Canal du Midi bridges. Some barges dissasemble their wheelhouse to be able to fit through bridges, leaving the poor pilot to cook in the hot sun!

Made to Measure, Athos Wheelhouse

It is an amazing skill to watch Athos’ Captain take her through the smallest of the 17thC Canal du Midi bridges (at Capestang and Colombiers) He comes within 2 inches of touching Athos’ wheelhouse on either side! Between Owner Julian, who has been piloting the Athos on the canal for more than 35 years, and regular pilot, Pierre Yves, over the past 10 seasons, these two have manoeuvred the Canal du Midi barge up and down the UNESCO waterway more than 5000 times. They’ve got it down to a science, just as the Musketeers’ pilots must have more than 60 years ago.

2015 Year in Athos Pictures. All photo credits with thanks to Rick Wallace!

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 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 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!

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

Artichokes with White Wine Vinaigrette

This is a simple but delicious recipe perfected on the barge and written by long-time friend & barge Chef, Hazel Young. It is published with her permission from her book “A Week on the Water”. Email Dannielle if you’d like to buy a copy!!

Step One

6 artichokes, stemmed

juice of 1 lemon

1.2 tsp of salt

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil, add the lemon juice and artichokes, placing a plate on top to keep them submerged. Bring back to boil and simmer, approx. 30 minutes for large globe artichokes, 15-20 mins, if small Mediterranean variety.

Step Two

8 tbsp olive oil

4 spring onions, finely chopped

4 tbsp white wine

4 tbsp white wine vinegar

1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

pinch of sugar

1 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a small saucepan, add the spring onion and cook over low heat for 5 mins. Leave to cool slightly then add the white wine, vinegar, mustard and sugar. Gradually whisk in the remaining oil. sEason well with salt and pepper and stir in half the parsley. Place an artichoke on each plate, gently prising the leaves to open a little and spoon in the dressing. Drizzle some over the top, and around the plate. Sprinkle a little parsley to decorate. Pour the remaining dressing into small bowls to dip the leaves.

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)

Sautee the garlic matchsticks in olive oil until golden brown (but not burnt), then remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside
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
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.
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).
Transfer to a warm serving dish, sprinkle over the remaining oregano and crispy garlic and serve immediately.

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

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.

Carcassonne Medieval City Audoise Walls

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

Chateau Puilaurens

Lastours

Athos Wine Charter Itinerary 2015

ATHOS – CANAL DU MIDI WINE CRUISE

Argeliers to Marseillan

Sunday, Day 1 Argeliers

You will be met at the designated meeting point and transferred to where the Athos awaits you at her moorings in Argeliers. A full-crew Welcome aboard follows, with the local dry sparkling wine from Limoux and Mediterranean canapés. Master of Wines, Juliet Bruce Jones is introduced to your group and takes the opportunity to discuss your wine week and introduce some of the local flavours. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be invited to a 4-course dinner, prepared by our onboard Chef, and Juliet will speak about the acclaimed Languedoc wines chosen for each meal.

Monday, Day 2 Argeliers to Pigasse

Enjoy your first breakfast sitting in a comfortable chair on the upper deck of ATHOS. The morning visit is a drive to the famous medieval double-walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable onboard guide will offer the historical and guided visit, making sure that you have time to browse those shops! While the Captain gets ATHOS underway for an afternoon’s cruise to Argeliers, Chef will serve up a local 3-course gourmet meal (perhaps including a famous Cassoulet) By early evening you have arrived in Pigasse, where ATHOS’ mooring is beside the picturesque Pont du Pigasse. Once moored, Juliet suggests a visit to Domaine Pierre Cros. Pierre’s range of wines reflect his character – rebellious but Languedoc to the core. Top Minervois appellation wines rub shoulders with beguiling reds made from forgotten ancient vine varieties as well as ‘incomers’ such as Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. Dinner is served al-fresco on the generous front deck of Athos.

Tuesday, Day 3 Pigasse to Capestang

After breakfast, this morning’s suggested visit is a tasting at the Oulibo, the local olive oil pressoir. After tasting those organic and wholesome olives (accompanied, bien sûr by a small glass of rosé!), 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 c. En route back to the Athos, your guide points out some of the many respectable Minervois wineries in the Gorge de la Cesse area, recommended by Wine Spectator is Chateau Coupe. Lunch on board and then the barge cruises to Capestang. Athos will be moored with a clear view of the flood lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk. Your Master of Wine, Juliet Bruce Jones, arrives just in time for cocktails and suggests a tasting: ‘Exploring Languedoc Wines’. She has selected six Languedoc wines from top appellations. As you sip your way, Juliet will explain what makes Languedoc wines so special.

Wednesday, Day 4 Capestang to Fonserannes

After breakfast, we stroll into the village square where the morning market is being held. Taste some of the local winemakers’ fare, the local cheese-makers’ cheese, and the local butchers’ sausage. Return to the barge for lunch on board and then cruise to Fonserannes. This section of canal offers spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain. This evening’s mooring is the breathtaking viewpoint at the Fonserannes. Juliet is on hand to present an evening tasting: Evening tasting: ‘Exploring Languedoc Wines’.

Thursday, Fonserannes to Portiragnes

Your guide and Juliet suggest a short drive to to the outskirts of Beziers, where enthusiastic wine tasters can enjoy a guided visit and tasting at Domaine de la Colombette. Vignerons Mr Pugibet and his son are nationally and internationally acclaimed for their successful use of new wine technology, along with their superb Sauvignon Blanc and Lledoner Pelut. After lunch we begin cruising through the 17^th century feat of engineering, the “Neuf Ecluses” (or staircase locks). 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. Coming up next is the 18th c Canal Bridge, which will carry the Athos over the Orb River. The evening’s mooring will be at the small village of Portiragnes. The paved towpath and the many locks leading to this village make it an ideal afternoon for walking or cycling alongside the Athos. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Portiragnes to Marseillan

From the scenic mooring at Portiragnes, we get underway earlier than usual, cruising through the Petit Camargue where bulls stand casually in fields, Pink Flamingos grace estuaries, and African Rollers fly overhead. 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. Your hostess has made sure that plenty of the local specialties, Picpoul de Pinet, is available to accompany the seafood according to the local pairing. As the barge comes to moor in the port at Marseillan, you will notice the walled courtyard which makes up the Noilly Prat Vermouth distillery. End a perfect day with a private tour of the Distillery — and, of course, a taste of Noilly Prat vermouth! Chef’s efforts are sure to make this evening worth remembering! Your Captain will join your party for your final dinner on board this evening, and your crew will have chosen particularly special wines for your final meal on board. During the evening, he will invite the crew to make a farewell toast with you.

Saturday, Day 7 Marseillan

After breakfast transfer to the designated drop off point in Beziers.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

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!