The 11 things to do in Collioure

What if you folded luggage to visit Collioure? Here is our selection of the best things to do and to see on the pearl of the Côte Vermeille!

30 km south of Perpignan is Collioure. The peaceful city, bathed by the Mediterranean and protected by the mountains, composes a delicious stop in the Pyrenees-Orientales. Certainly, with its radiant colors and historical sites, this muse of many artists will brighten your escapade.

Once a fishing village, Collioure also attracts gourmets. Indeed, the capital of anchovies does not bade with gastronomy. Pupils and taste buds enjoy themselves in this charming city. Discover with us the 11 essentials to visit Collioure without a wolf!

1. The church Notre-Dame-des-Anges

With its bell tower which seems to want to take the wide, the church Notre-Dame-des-Anges embodies the symbol of the city. Visit Collioure and his key monument is therefore imposed from the outset.

Join the seaside to explore this 17th century treasure. From outside, do you find him very... maritime? Because his bell tower was originally a lighthouse. The dome only finished the bell tower in 1810. Inside the church there are baroque masterpieces, the most impressive of which is the altarpiece of Joseph Sunyer.

2. The chapel of Saint Vincent and the pier

Patron of Collioure, Saint Vincent was allegedly martyred in 303 on the ancient islet at the site itself of the chapel. The modest building you see now dates from 1701! Its construction allowed to welcome the new relics of the saint, the old ones having been lost during the war of the hawkers (1640-1659). Next to the chapel, Christ is immortalized on the cross.

Extend your walk to the pier, to the small lighthouse. The city greets you all along. This is undoubtedly one of the excursions to Collioure to take full mirettes.

3. The Royal Castle

What to do in Collioure to vary the pleasures? Go to the conquest of the royal castle, which stands proudly on the shores of the Baleta. The presently visible architectural ensemble was erected from the 13th century on the foundations of a castrum. The castle occupa moult roles, among other residences of the Counts of Roussillon, kings of Aragon and kings of Majorca, fortress, prison, etc.

Over the centuries, changes have been made. For example, Vauban equips him with additional defensive elements. Adventure on the round and in the vaulted rooms of one of the last royal castles of the Middle Ages.

4. The port

Among the things to do in Collioure, plan a walk on the harbour. The small coloured boats that bring freshly peached anchovies offer exquisite disbursement. You can enjoy the show longer in your nearby restaurant.

Then continue your stroll to the right of the castle, where the beach of the port of Avall throws you eyelashes with its golden sand. Know that it is one of the only sandy beaches in the area. On this side too, coffee and glaciers are made of elbows.

5. A boat ride

After strolling on the harbour docks, why not take advantage of it to rent a boat ?

Indeed, having your own small boat will allow you to explore the Mediterranean coast, its coves and beaches. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Collioure!

6. The gourmet specialties

Visit Collioure would lose interest without tasting regional products.

Let’s first introduce the famous anchovies of Collioure! The iodine flavours of this small IGP fish complement both aperitif and dishes. Pick it or eat it with salt, oil, or prepared in brine. Did you know that Collioure organized his anchovies party? See you in June. Let's continue, then and finally, with the AOC Collioure wines. They perfectly complement a meal with Mediterranean accents. Red, white and rosé make the beautiful part with fruity and powerful notes.

7. The mill of Collioure

A 15-minute walk from the castle, the trained climbers will not be able to access the site. It is true that, perched on the heights of the city, the mill requires some effort. But what a reward on the spot! Located in an olive field, it offers a breathtaking panorama between sea and mountain.

After admiring the landscape, enter the building shaped in 1337. It was here that cereals were grown until the 19th century. The city of Collioure then acquired it in order to restore and restore it. Today, the mill allows the manufacture of oil.

8. In the footsteps of fauvism

With its bright shades and flowery alleys, the Mouré district will provide you with a dose of good mood. We can easily understand what attracted fauvist artists in the twentieth century. Amazed by the game of light, they were many to lay their knights at Collioure. This is why she has since nicknamed the City of Painters. Matisse and Derain made some frescoes in the neighborhood. Follow the path of fauvism to discover them.

You’re passionate about art and wondering if to visit Collioure? The Maison du Fauvisme and the Museum of Modern Art will delight you.

9. Fort Saint-Elme

Like the mill, Fort Saint-Elme deserves to be crowned with the arrival of the assailants. From the castle, have about 30 minutes walk, or even 45 minutes to enjoy the ride. You can also board the small train to climb without a breath.

Visit the tower of the Guardia, which is wrapped in a enclosure under Charles Quint. In the next century, Vauban added his final touch. The Fort Museum exhibits weapons from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In addition to the historical interest, the fort reveals an incredible view of the city below. This is why travelers looking for sensations will not miss this trip to Collioure.

10. The coves and beaches

You dream of soaking the tip of toes in the crystalline Mediterranean? The coastal city has indeed been set with beaches conducive to delaunching. Yes, visiting Collioure is undoubtedly passing through these little corners of paradise!

Boramar and Saint Vincent, the two spots dressed in pebbles, are stormed from the first rays of the sun. Nothing surprising to that since it is the closest to the centre. You will enjoy a hot tub. Slightly away to reach the beach of the Ouille and the battery creek. Less accessible, however, they reserve an enchanting framework. If you're on the coastline, you'll defy the rare pearl.

11. The feast of Saint Vincent

The patron saint of Collioure, Saint Vincent, is celebrated on August 16. However, the festivities take place from 14 to 18 August. These are several days of entertainment and celebrations that await you! As usual, the arrival of colored boats in the port is one of the highlights. From there is a plethora of animations. Don't miss the Catalan dance sessions, the sardane. Dances in costume offer demonstrations and initiations and concerts also rhythm the event.

The nail of the show? The fireworks on August 16th! If you only know what to do in Collioure in August, do not deprive yourself of this traditional parenthesis.

To see and do also in Collioure

Do you want to go further to visit Collioure in due form? Let's take some extra leads:

• Fort Miradou
• Fort Round and Fort Carré
• Dominican convent
• Littoral Trail
• Protestant Temple
• Madeloc Tower

How to get to Collioure?

Are you planning to visit Collioure? Follow our tips to reach your destination.

• Car : from Perpignan, first borrow the D914 and the D114. Parking is available in the city, near the old centre.
• Train : from the station of Perpignan, the TER leads you to the station of Collioure in 20 minutes. Then walk 7 minutes to the royal castle.
• Bus : in Perpignan, go to the Mercader decision. The bus line 540 of the Sankéo network goes through the area through Collioure. After 45 minutes, go down to Square Marceau Banyuls. Only 6 minutes on foot separate you from the beach of the port of Avall.
• Aircraft : a preference for the plane? After selecting the best offer on the Compare flights, note how to join Collioure. From thePerpignan-Sud airport in France, take bus 6 at the Abbé Pierre stop, then go down to the SNCF station stop. This route lasts about 30 minutes. Then borrow the TER.

Where to stay in Collioure?

If you want to stay in Collioure, the options abound. As you will notice, hotels and holiday rentals are not missing here. For example, you can put your suitcases in the old centre to immerse yourself in the Catalan atmosphere. It will then be necessary to pay about 100 €/night for a hotel room. The beaches, the heights of Collioure and the surroundings of the train station are well equipped. To capture the best opportunities, help yourself with one Compare hotels .

Finally, many campsites in the vicinity of Collioure allow you to have a foot-to-ground in nature.