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.