Collioure

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Collioure - a major destination on the French side of Catalonia.

This small harbour town on the Mediterranean coast, not far from Argelès-sur-Mer, is in keeping with the natural and cultural character of Catalonia. Although it is quite small, this fishing harbour is every bit as attractive as the Cinque Terre coastal villages in Italy. The small, colourful houses grouped around the clear waters of the bay are quite simply delightful. It is amazing to learn of the important role played by the village throughout history.

This becomes clear as you walk along the idyllic 32km coastal footpath to the finest coves of Pyrénées-Orientales and the Côte Vermeille. Alternately French then Spanish, Collioure has kept all the traces of its changes of allegiance, like bunkers dating from the German Occupation during WW2 and Fort Miradou built by Vauban. It is so easy to fall under the charm of Collioure with its fascinating history, hidden beaches and bewitching scenery as you sit beside the harbour and watch the sun dancing on the glistening water.

Collioure and colours – a love story

The artist Matisse, originator of Fauvism, was not mistaken when he resorted to the use of vivid colours to depict Collioure. The light here is very distinctive, brilliant and strong. Enjoy it as you wander through the narrow streets of the old district of Mouré to admire the ancient church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, watch the ballet of Catalan boats in the harbour and walk along the romantic pier to the Chapelle Saint-Vincent and its hidden view of Collioure. From there, it is not far to the royal castle, the central building of the village, built between 1276 and 1344 on the site of an ancient Roman stronghold. Regular guided tours plunge youngsters and budding historians into the life at the castle in days gone by. Return to the present and the artistic soul of Collioure at the Musée Jean Peské of Modern Art where works by Viallat, François Martin and Matisse are displayed.

Spain is only a few kilometres away…

The Spanish border is just a few minutes away as the crow flies, but there are plenty of things to do in and around Collioure. Jump into a kayak or onto a paddle board to explore the Côte Vermeille. Make the most of the perfect climatic conditions to have a go at windsurfing or board a maxi-catamaran for a superb sailing trip. Some clubs even offer trips to taste local Catalan specialities at sea. Thanks to the proximity of the Pyrenees and the Massif du Canigou, you can also experience white water sports for all the family, for example at the Cascades de Céret, half an hour from Collioure..
Speed fans can enjoy a thrilling sense of freedom on a memorable jet-ski trip off the coast with a local club…

Useful information

Access and Transport
By road : A9/E15 towards Barcelona, exit 42 for Perpignan, then D914 to Collioure.
By air : to Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport. Bus service from Perpignan railway station to Collioure.
By rail : TGV to Perpignan, then TER to Collioure station, 2 minutes from the village centre.
Address and contact details
Office de Tourisme de l'Animation et de la Culture
Place du 18-Juin
66190 Collioure
04 68 82 15 47"