Our "Best of the Languedoc" cruise brings you highlights of the Languedoc region. You’ll walk the ramparts of the fortified city of Carcasonne; drive alongside the dramatic Gorge de la Cesse and explore the hilltop village of Minerve; visit a local olive oil pressoir; wander open air markets; and cruise past the marshlands of the “Petite Camargue”, ideal for spotting pink flamingos.

Carcassonne is one of Europe’s largest fortified castles.  Your private guide will take you through this remarkable historical setting and give you time to look through the myriad of local shops and cafés. Once back onboard and spoiled by Chef’s delicious lunch, Athos will cruise on to the romantic countryside mooring at La Croisade.  There is time over the course of the afternoon for a cycle ride, a jog along the tow-path, or just a leisurely stroll before dinner onboard.

Your Languedoc experience would not be complete without a visit to a French market. That’s what we’ll do in the charming town of Narbonne. We’ll also explore an excavated original Roman road, take-in the Roman Museum and enjoy a cafe au lait while blending in with the town’s lively cafe scene. The week’s cruising highlight is the Fonserannes, the seven staircase locks at Beziers. Fonserannes has eight lock chambers and nine gates, allowing the Athos to be raised a remarkable 21.5 meters in a distance of just 300 meters.

Active family members might like to cycle to the Mediterranean for a morning swim (only a quick 2kms away), and then pedal to catch up to the cruising barge at one of the bridges towards Agde.  As the barge approaches the saltwater Etang de Thau, crew invites everyone for a swim.  Following a spectacular seafood lunch prepared by Chef and enjoyed while floating across the Etang, Athos comes to her final mooring in Marseillan Port.  Your guide offers a choice of activities:  a game of tennis on the clay courts at the Marseillan Tennis club, or a tour and tasting at Noilly Prat vermouth distillery.

Carcassonne is one of Europe’s largest fortified castles. Your private guide will take you through this remarkable historical setting and give you time to look through the myriad of local shops and cafés. Once back onboard and spoiled by Chef’s delicious lunch, Athos will cruise on to the romantic countryside mooring at La Croisade. There is time over the course of the afternoon for a cycle ride, a jog along the tow-path, or just a leisurely stroll before dinner onboard.

In the heat of summer, enthusiastic swimmers and paddlers might be up for an energetic day of kayaking in the Cevennes Mountains where large, wide kayaks float down the River Orb (children must be min.8 years). With helmets, lifejackets and a superb picnic lunch to be served by accompanying crew, it’s a real summer family adventure. For those more keen on relaxing, Julian invites you to stay onboard for a leisurely cruise in the shade and lunch on deck. Once kayakers have rejoined Athos, the cruise continues to the Fonserannes locks.

Active family members might like to cycle to the Mediterranean for a morning swim (only a quick 2kms away), and then pedal to catch up to the cruising barge at one of the bridges towards Agde.  As the barge approaches the saltwater Etang de Thau, crew invites everyone for a swim.  Following a spectacular seafood lunch prepared by Chef and enjoyed while floating across the Etang, Athos comes to her final mooring in Marseillan Port.  Your guide offers a choice of activities:  a game of tennis on the clay courts at the Marseillan Tennis club, or a tour and tasting at Noilly Prat vermouth distillery.

There's no better way to treat your inner oenophile than on an Athos wine cruise. From extraordinary tastings to lively discussions with our Master of Wine who provides wine education and daily wine touring, this week is dedicated to the wonders of wine. Join us for a truly unique way to discover the best wines of the Languedoc.

The Athos Golf Cruise marries your love of the game with the good life. Combine historical and cultural excursions with golf games under the Mediterranean sun. You'll be chauffeured to and from some of France's best courses, only to arrive back on board where Chef has prepared a decadent four-course meal. Contact us to find out more about the golfing opportunities in Languedoc.