The 9 most beautiful hikes from Collioure

The coastline attracts you but are you looking for an active holiday in the open air? Here is a selection of the most beautiful hikes from Collioure.

Once a fishing village, the small town of Collioure will seduce you. Its small colourful streets and atypical charm create a particular atmosphere, out of time. Bathed by the Mediterranean and bordered by the Pyrenees Orientales, many artists have been seduced by this geographical site and its heritage. Ideal for a relaxing stay as a sportsman, hikes to Collioure are numerous.

There are countless ways to enjoy this charming village. Savouring its summer heat is one. But escape in the heights the time of a walk is magical. Here is a guide to the best hiking trails from Collioure!

1. The Madeloc Tower in loop from Collioure

Madeloc Tower , well visible from the village, is located on the heights of Collioure, 650 meters above sea level in the chain of Albères. This watch tower was built in the 13th century in a medieval style. Today, she serves as a television relay. On your way, you will pass in front of the village mill and many military buildings such as Fort Saint-Elme and Fort Dugommier.

Do not lose sight of the major objective of this hike from Collioure: to reach the magnificent panorama offered at the foot of the Madeloc Tower. Through the Pyrenean chain, you will see from Argelès to Spain , passing by a diving view of the Mediterranean and the vineyard of the Côte Vermeille. If this hike seems too difficult, know that there are other paths to reach the Madeloc Tower "without pain" . Also, ascent is possible by bike and even by car.

2. Notre-Dame de Consolation, Fort Saint-Elme and the oil mill

Between sea and mountains, vineyards and monuments, are the old paths that you are about to take. This hike from Collioure will make you discover the heights of the village. On the site of this pleasant walk is Notre-Dame de Consolation, a chapel dating from the XVe. This place is very appreciated by hikers, who often take advantage of it to take a picnic break in the shade of trees.

According to historians, originally a pagan place of worship took place here. The colliourencs came on pilgrimage, especially to pray the return of the rain during the severe droughts. In your turn, go in the morning to avoid the heat of the summer season. And don’t forget your gurus!

3. The Tops of Collioure

Escape for a few hours, with family, couple or friends, on the heights of Collioure. Walk the Great Blue at your feet. As you stroll along these paths in the middle of the garrigue, you will discover the heritage of the village. Not far from the city, this route is the ideal walk.

This hike from Collioure passes through Fort Dugommier, as well as the hermitage of Notre-Dame de Consolation. Also, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Collioure mill. After falling into ruin, this windmill was restored and restored in a traditional way. Thus, it is now in operation and develops the olive oil of Collioure!

4. The Colomates since El Rimbau

A sense of pointed orientation is recommended for this hike in Collioure. On your way, you will discover Colomates. These are open-air shepherd cabins. The landscapes will be very varied: passages in the heart of the forest, sublime views, but also a section in a tunnel. Thanks to the sources and fountains under the Colomates, many water points are present throughout the course.

In stormy weather in particular, it can be wise to make the way in reverse direction. This avoids the steep descent at the end of the course. A crochet of about 20 minutes to the Massane Tour is recommended, only for the pleasure of the eyes.

5. Walk on the paths of Fauvism

Sprinkled with anecdotes, this short hike from Collioure will give you a lot of eyes. This is a luminous visit based on 9 reproductions of works carried out by Henri Matisse and André Derain during the summer of 1905.

This discovery allows to better understand the intimate connection between land and sea. By confronting the canvas with the landscape, you will otherwise understand the creative work of the leaders of fauvism. Browse the village, and as they often worked in the open air, enter all variations.

6. From Collioure to Argeles

Discover the beginnings of the Catalan rocky coast with this pleasant hike from Collioure. Your trip starts bypassing Fort Miradoux. It was built in the 17th century on the site of the Old Fort Sainte-Thérèse. By its strategic location, Fort Miradoux has taken on paramount importance. The goal was to make Collioure a garrison town. Today it belongs to the army of land.

This beautiful hike in Collioure is ideal to make with family. You will have to do a flora that has adapted to both summer drought, marine salt and tramontane. As a merchant on the coast, you will discover unique beaches such as the beach of the Ouille, sublime and uncommon even in the middle of the season. Little corners of paradise await you!

7. The crossing of Collioure

This little walk is very appreciated by the family. The paths are designed and accessible to strollers. Along the seaside, this crossing takes you from one end of Collioure to another. What to benefit from points of view every moment, while discovering the heritage of the village and tracing its history!

8. From Collioure to Valmy Castle by the coastal path

This hike from Collioure forms a loop through Argelès-sur-Mer before reaching the Château Valmy. At the aisle, you will follow the seaside, passing through Fort Miradoux and the port of Argelès. Passing through the cliffs of Racou, this circuit rocked by the waves, leads to the beach of Ouille and the Crique de Porteils. How about a little swim during your hike?

Throughout your journey, you will be nose to nose with wonderful views. Halfway between the Albères chain and the vineyards, stands in front of you the Château de Valmy. Before starting the return to Collioure, enjoy this panorama and the exceptional tranquility of the site.

9. From Collioure to Port-Vendres

Here is a hike from Collioure to Port-Vendres. Passing through the coastal path, this crossing allows immersion in history. Ranked Historical Monument since 1922, your trip starts along the Royal Castle of Collioure. Before you arrive in Port-Vendres, you will have the opportunity to admire splendid views, especially on the village bell tower.

Following the seafront, the trail leads to Fort de la Mauresque. The hike crosses the port of Port-Vendres, before ending at the level of the town’s mastery.

All you have to do is erase your sneakers, and open your eyes wide!