Collioure is the jewel of the Vermeille coast and the Mediterranean with its famous bell tower, its colorful houses, its small steep streets, its peaceful bay and its 5 beaches. Former royal port at the time of the kings of Aragon its rich heritage is with its royal castle, Fort St Elmes, Fort Miradou, the square tower, its mill. Eternal city of painters, the wild beasts had established their base camp there. Today Collioure is the most courted place of visitors and Catalan country symbol.
City so dear to our heart because it is there in the heart of the Faubourg that we have our family home, an old stone building with thick walls, its garden and its centenary orange tree which every winter we can prepare our jams of orange house made in Collioure.
Have to do,
The first thing to do in Collioure is simply stroll through its small steep pedestrian streets. The alleys of
the old townform a maze in which you have to get lost and where you can be surprised at every corner: a panorama of the sea and the bay, the beautiful fisherman's house all in height, flowering facades ...
You will find a network of alleys also in Faubourg at the bottom of the bay less known but equally picturesque.
We advise you to visit the royal castle from which the magnificent views of the city and the bay of Collioure are numerous. Enjoy a guided tour to discover the rich history of this building dating from the time or Collioure was the royal port of the Kingdom of the Kings of Majorca.
For beautiful views you can also start the ascenssion that leads to the mill of Cortina by stairs in the shade of olive trees. The mill is sometimes put into service and leaves his sails to produce olive oil. On the way back do not forget to make a stop at the gazebo one of the most beautiful views of the bay.For the more courageous you can extend the walk from the mill to the imposing Fort St Elme and Fort Dugommier currently under rehabilitation.
You can walk in the footsteps of the famous fawn painters Henri Matisse and André Derain, on the path of Fauvism a discovery tour in the city composed of 19 reproductions of works by artists. We recommend a guided tour offered by the tourist office of Collioure.
The beach club offers you the rental of paddle boats, kayaks and paddle to go for a walk on the water in the bay of Collioure and to benefit from beautiful points of view on the city.
Fancy a stroll in the hinterland of Collioure, you can walk to the hermitage Notre Dame de Consolation , a quiet and shady place located on the heights of Collioure. Fancy a great climb you can go to the Madeloc tower for a magnificent panorama of Collioure and the surrounding area. The coast is very steep and not very shaded.You can approach by car by a small narrow and steep road.
Our good addresses in Collioure
The cellar of the Dominicans is the historic cooperative cellar of Collioure located.
Our favorite restaurants in Collioure. The seagull beach at Faubourg offers both quality cuisine and a unique setting with a terrace at the water's edge with a magnificent view of the bay.
Casa Leon offers very good fish specialties in a small alley behind St Vincens beach.
The 5th sin is a small gourmet restaurant, reputedly run by a Japanese chef, offering an inventive cuisine combining local specialties and Japanese cuisine.
The little caterer offers excellent takeaways including local specialties.
To take a drink.
Sola coffee, historic cafe Collioure frequented by locals, atmosphere guaranteed, broadcast rugby matches and football.
The cellar at Féfé in the suburbs excellent little wine bar.
The bar of the Templars , historic cafe in Collioure where were found the fauve painters, the decor has not changed and known for its paintings hanging on the walls.
access
It is often difficult to drive to Collioure especially in summer. A parking relay on the heights with a shuttle service is available.
Other alternatives exist.
By train you can park on the free parking of Argelès sur mer station and access the center of Collioure in 5 minutes.
By the sea, boats connect the port of Argelès to Collioure.
Finally on foot, you can park on the large free parking Racou and access Collioure by the coastal pathin less than an hour. The trail is beautiful through the creeks of Porteils, the creek of Ouille . Fort Miradou, the square fort and the tower of Etoile , set of defensive works announce the arrival on Collioure.
A 1-euro bus line from the general council also serves Collioure from Argelès sur Mer.