Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer
Tucked in the western curve of the Mediterranean Sea is a little jewel, Collioure. It’s a seaside resort popular with the French, though not mobbed with foreign tourists. Nevertheless, it can be crowded in summer, and there are many reasons for that.
Collioure is big enough to offer a stunning variety of activities, yet small enough to learn your way as well as not be overwhelmed by crowds. Collioure’s location along the Mediterranean (an area known as the Côte Vermeille, or the Vermillion Coast) attracts visitors who come for the beach and water sports. It’s also ideal for hiking along foothills and rocky cliffs with azure waters below and the Pyrénées mountains in the distance. And it’s only fifteen miles from the Spanish border. Day trip, anyone?
Unique in Collioure
Collioure is a place where the artistic style, Fauvism, flourished in the early 20th century, thanks to the presence of Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, and other artists. The style is characterized by bold colors. You can follow the Trail of Fauvism, a path dotted with reproductions of some of the one hundred works the artists produced in the summer of 1905. Take note of rue des Carranques, Rue de l’Egalité, Rue de Fraternité, Rue Mirador, and Rue Bellevue.
An artistic emphasis is visible all over town, with sunny, colorful buildings and numerous art galleries.
Visit the Old Town and peruse shops and galleries, and sample regional artisan works. Then enjoy the atmosphere and food, both of which blend French and Catalan influences. You’ll even see Catalan flags here and there and hear snippets of the language.
Things to Do in Collioure
The Château Royal sits alongside the water, amidst the sea, the town, and the mountains. You can tour inside (optional guided tour) and learn more about the counts and kings who once lived there. Then stroll along the ramparts for some views of the town.
Also along the water is the Notre Dame des Anges Church, whose tower was once a lighthouse. Slip inside for a peaceful stroll and you’ll see the ornate altar.
Climb, drive, or take a train to the nearby Tour Madeloc (tower) for a panoramic view of the whole Roussillon region. Your efforts, however you get there, will be rewarded by the stunning sight.
For art lovers, be sure to see the Fauvism museum (Vitrine sur le Fauvisme) and scout the art district, Rue Mouré. Take in the color all around you in the buildings, flowers, and art.
Take a scenic hike. There are plenty here! Try The coastal path from Collioure to Cerbère – Cadaquès, for example. And of course, you can hike to the Tour Madeloc from Collioure.
This area is known for AOC Collioure and Banyuls wines. (Banyuls-sur-Mer is a town to the south, described below.) In both towns, you’ll find opportunities to taste in shops, wine bars, and vineyards. Collioure has red, white, and rosé wines. Banyuls wines are sweeter than those of Collioure.
Collioure is also known for anchovies! At the local market and in restaurants, you can sample the famous fish. Market days at the foot of the château; Wednesday and Sunday markets; arts and crafts are 5 pm to 11 pm in July and August.
If that’s not enough to fill your trip with fun and activity, there are several festivals throughout the year. Of course, there are wine and anchovy festivals, but also the St. Vincent Festival in mid-August. During this religious festival turned town party, the relics of St. Vincent are on display, accompanied by a parade, land and water games, a Catalan boat procession, and, of course, fireworks.
Tips for Visiting
July and August are high season. If you can visit at another time, you’ll be rewarded with a more peaceful time! Fewer crowds, less trouble parking. And know that a car is not needed to get here or stay here.
Here’s a link (below) for driving and parking. It isn’t easy to park on the street in Collioure in July and August, so it’s highly recommended to reserve a space in the parking deck in advance. This link will show you where they are and even allow you to pay online before arriving.
https://www.visitcollioure.co.uk/stay/traveller-information/getting-here-and-around/by-car/
Getting there
Train time : Paris to Collioure : 6.5 hours
Toulouse to Collioure : 3 hours
If you’re already in Perpignan, it takes 20 minutes by train.
Nearby Banyuls-sur-Mer…and more!
As mentioned, the Spanish border is 15 miles from Collioure.
Drive down the coast from Collioure for 20 minutes to visit Banyuls-sur-Mer, the second southernmost seaside resort in France. It lies at the foothills of Pyrénées and meets the Mediterranean in stunning scenery, with impressive jagged cliffs and terrain. Along the way to Banyuls is Port Vendres, a colorful stop with a port in the middle of town.
Banyuls has its own beaches and vacation culture, and plenty of water sports, as you can imagine. It also has its own wine and vineyards, which draw many wine-loving visitors. In fact, you can visit one or more of 19 wine cellars.
Banyules-sur-Mer is also the birthplace of sculptor, Aristide Maillol. You can see his work in the Musée Maillol located in his former country home.
Hikers will enjoy the views of vineyards and with the Mediterranean and Pyrénées as a backdrop.
The Spanish border is about 6 miles away. You can go high on the Banyuls Pass, over 1100 feet altitude, to cross the border into Spain. (Talk about panoramic views!)
This corner of France, undiscovered by many, will keep you busy and delighted for a long time!
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Adventures on the France-Spain Border
