There are about 60 boutique hotel barges that cruise along the peaceful and beautiful canals and rivers of France. They vary in size, comfort level and price – and they can be found in all the most attractive regions of France. Some can be booked by cabin (room) others are chartered complete by groups and families.
Whatever the details of any particular barge, they all come complete with captain and crew who look after navigation; and professional chef and hostess to care for guests.
People often say that they feel they have been treated ‘like royalty’ and this is a very unique experience.
Here is just one example of what that fabulous luxury hotel barge cruise in France is like:
Hotel Barge Athos
Southern France, Canal du Midi: Argeliers to Marseillan
The airy interior of Athos is particularly appealing: her breezy, light decor complements the polished wood panels of the saloon and dining areas, while the five en-suite cabins of up to 88 square feet each are as fresh as a daisy. 
She is one of the few hotel barges to cross the achingly beautiful Étang de Thau, a vast saltwater lake divided from the Mediterranean by a narrow sand spit – from your lounger on her sunny deck you’ll be able to glimpse the sails of yachts as they venture out to sea. Athos can comfortably accommodate up to ten guests and her five crew members are on hand to ensure that your holiday is shipshape and Bristol fashion.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the achievement of its 17th century architect Pierre-Paul Riquet, the Canal du Midi links the Étang du Thau in the south east with the River Garonne in Toulouse, effectively making it possible to convey goods (and passengers!) from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. One of the pleasures of crossing the Étang is seeing the cormorants trying their wings on the wooden poles that mark the position of the lake’s renowned oyster beds. The canal then wends its way between the vineyards of Corbières to the south and the Minervois to the north and Riquet’s audacity in engineering can be seen in the flight of nine characteristically oval-shaped locks at Fonserannes.
If you are not relaxing on deck as you glide through the green nave of the plane trees which arch over the canal, you might decide to wander along the shady towpath or even hop onto a bike to explore the stunning countryside: think photogenic fields of sunflowers and the undulating terraces of first class vineyards. If you can tear yourself away, most afternoons consist of an excursion – you may be tempted by a tasting at a local vineyard such as Château Cabezac.
The gastronomic skills of the chef are evident at every meal, from the set menus enjoyed by candlelight in the evenings, to the lavish buffet lunches and the warm croissants for breakfast. A selection of fine wines is provided and on the last night you are invited to a gala dinner at the Captain’s table. Special provision for vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan or non-allergenic diets can be arranged with advance notification at least 8 weeks prior to departure.
Your week on Athos begins, fittingly enough, with a champagne reception and four course dinner, which sets the tone for the time ahead. While your beautiful barge noses gently along a stunning stretch of the canal, you can dip in and out of life afloat with a programme of excursions tailor made to deepen your appreciation of this gorgeous part of the country.
Highlights include a trip to Carcassonne to discover the winding streets, pavement cafes (and delightful shops) of this sublime, historic citadel; a visit to the local olive oil press at ‘L’Oulibo’, then the striking former Cathar stronghold of Minerve which is now the centre of the flourishing Minervois wine trade; a trip to Narbonne to discover the antiquities linked with this lovely Mediterranean city’s Roman origins or explore the colourful daily food market; a chance to discover Pézenas, famed for its architecture and artisans’ shops – painters, hat makers and costume designers abound. Your final day’s cruise through the Petit Camargue and onto the open waters of the Étang de Thau is an event in itself: an opportunity to see the rich variety of wildlife including pink Flamingo, African Rollers and Bee Eaters. When you moor at Marseillan, there’s a fascinating tour of the Noilly Prat distillery and a tasting before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
These lazy days on Athos, drifting through some of the most languidly beautiful landscapes and offset with just the right amount of cultural stimulation, will surely work their magic and leave you feeling renewed and replenished. The countryside, the culture and the cuisine really are the stuff of which dreams are made and when you surface at the end of a memorable week, you will probably find yourself wanting to dream again.
► Find out more about hotel barge Athos
► Make an enquiry to get a firm quotation for this or any other hotel barge for the time of year that interests you.
Canal du Midi
Cruise one of the oldest canals in the world; the Canal du Midi is unique and breathtakingly beautiful, earning the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. By self-drive boat or hotel barge, it offers a variety of cruising vistas – from sea-scapes and hillside views to tiny villages and the stunning medieval castle at Carcassonne.
Just call us to make your dream cruise come true
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Our Unique Expertise – France, Cruising the Waterways and Hotel Barging
We have explored the rivers and canals of France on our own boat since 2003, logging up over 10,000km along most waterways, in most regions, at all times of year.
Independent, impartial and enthusiastic, we have personally visited and know every hotel barge, every owner-operator and fleet, published here.
