Collioure—don't take a photo, paint a picture
If Picasso thought it was worth painting it, it's definitely worth you visiting it. The beautiful fishing village of Collioure, in French Catalonia, has been immortalised in the works of Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, and the aforementioned Pablo Picasso. Clearly an art lover's delight, Collioure has over 30 galleries and workshops among its pretty pastel-colored houses. There are also several historical buildings, including Chateau Royal de Collioure, Fort Saint-Elme, and Eglise Notre-Dame des Anges. Book one of many Collioure vacation rentals to be near its many artistic and historic delights.
Collioure—where history awaits at every turn
Wherever you look in Collioure, you're reminded of its long, rich history. As hard as you may try, you can't avoid it, and why would you anyway? The massive Chateau Royal de Collioure, situated above the harbor, was built over 800 years ago, and the castle's carefully preserved ramparts, towers, and rooms are an absolute must-see. Across the harbor from the chateau, you can check out the Gothic Eglise Notre-Dame des Anges, a 17th-century church with an iconic waterfront bell tower. And in the hills above Collioure, you'll find the impressive Fort Saint-Elme, a 16th-century fortification with medieval and Renaissance arms collections.
Collioure—take a stroll, have a look, take a swim
It's hard not to be inspired by Collioure and its surroundings. That's why it's drawn so many artists for so many years, and there are more than 30 galleries and workshops for you to explore. If you want to indulge your other senses in Collioure, you can take a stroll down to the harbour, where you'll find many colorful waterfront cafes and restaurants serving local fare. Speaking of the harbor, there's also a sheltered beach there, where you can hire a kayak or a sailboat, or just lie back and soak up some rays.
Sun, sea, sand, and just a small bit of spray
Collioure has a Mediterranean climate, which means warm, mostly dry summers and cool winters with intermittent rainfall. From May through September, you can expect average highs in the 70s, with July temperatures pushing up into the 80s. While there's rainfall throughout the year, it tends to be light; May and October are the 2 wettest months of the year. Collioure and the surrounding area are very popular with tourists during the peak summer months (especially when school's out), so you'll find that Collioure vacation rentals tend to be a bit cheaper come fall.
The Pyrenees—take a trip to see a turtle or two
Nested below the great Pyrenees mountain range, Collioure has quite the backdrop. Covered in a thick thatch of beech and oak trees, these mountains are home to many species of wildlife, including turtles, deer, and boar. One of the best places to explore the flora and fauna of the Pyrenees is the Paratge Natural l'Albera. With more than 10,000 acres, this sprawling nature reserve has a diverse array of trees, flowers, and wildlife, including the endangered Mediterranean turtle. Although it's across the border in Spain, Paratge Natural l'Albera is only 16 miles from Collioure, and is well worth the short trip.
How to get to and around Collioure
The nearest airport is in Perpignan (PGF-Perpignan - Rivesaltes Intl.), located 18.4 mi (29.6 km) from the city center.
If you're traveling by train, the main station is Collioure Station.
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