You are connecting from Lake Geneva Public Library, please login or register to take advantage of your institution's Ground News Plan.
Published 8 hours ago • loading... • Updated 7 hours ago
Luxury hotel barges offer a slower way to explore southern France
More than a dozen new river boats will launch in 2026, mostly in Europe, including France's southern canals.
The luxury hotel barge Athos carries up to eight guests on an intimate, weeklong journey along France's historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1661 that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
Onboard the Athos, guests enjoy personalized service, gourmet food paired with regional wines, and visits to UNESCO sites and local wineries, capturing the authentic culture of southern France.
The Canal du Midi now serves as a popular tourist destination offering a slow and immersive way to explore southern France.