In the south of France, near the Spanish border, lies Collioure. This picturesque coastal town is famous for its colorful houses, stunning location and the warm light that has inspired painters and artists for centuries. During my stay in Perpignan, Collioure is one of the most special places I visit in the area. In this article, I’ll share why you should definitely add this town to your itinerary if you’re in the region.
Château Royal
One of Collioure’s most iconic landmarks is the Château Royal, an imposing medieval castle at the edge of the bay. This historic fortress has played a key strategic role over the centuries and is a great example of the region’s rich history. From the castle, you get stunning views: on one side, you overlook Collioure’s harbor, part of the old town and the beach. On the other, you can admire the bay and the surrounding hills.
Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges
One landmark in Collioure you simply can’t miss is the Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges. This 17th-century church stands at the edge of the bay, surrounded by water on three sides, on the site of a former lighthouse. For centuries, this church has been a source of inspiration for painters, artists and photographers. If the church is open during your visit, be sure to step inside for a closer look.
Chapelle Saint-Vincent
Behind the Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges, perched on a rock by the sea, stands the Chapelle Saint-Vincent, a small chapel dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen. It’s a short, scenic walk to the chapel and from there, you’ll get a completely different perspective of Collioure.
Vieux Quartier du Mouré
The Vieux Quartier du Mouré is Collioure’s historic old town, filled with narrow, charming streets that invite you to wander for hours. Hidden alleys, small squares and picturesque houses all contribute to the authentic atmosphere of this historic town. The houses are painted in bright, cheerful colors and often adorned with flowering plants in window boxes. The most colorful street is undoubtedly Rue de la Caranque, home to a row of small fishermen’s houses: the Maisons des Pêcheurs. Their woodwork is painted in bold, primary colors and the street itself is lively and beautifully decorated. Make sure to stroll through this vibrant corner of Collioure’s old town!
Market in Collioure
Every Wednesday and Sunday, Collioure hosts a lively market at Place du Maréchal Leclerc, right next to the castle. It’s the perfect place to discover local products, from the town’s famous anchovies to fresh vegetables, fruits and regional wines. You’ll also find fragrant herbs, cheeses and other artisanal goods. During the summer months, an additional market often takes place along the harbor quay, with a special focus on Collioure’s signature anchovies.
La fête de l’anchois
Every year, on the first weekend of June, Collioure hosts the anchovy festival, La Fête de l’Anchois. Along the harbor quay, a culinary market showcases local producers like Roque and Desclaux, offering their famous Anchois Roque and Anchois Desclaux. The festival comes alive with brass band performances and traditional Catalan songs. By chance, I visit Collioure right during this festival and I can tell you: it’s bustling, lively and filled with a truly festive atmosphere.
Harbor of Collioure
In the harbor of Collioure, you’ll find colorful Catalan fishing boats, painting a vibrant picture of the town’s maritime heritage. These boats are not only charming to look at but also serve as a reminder of Collioure’s rich fishing history. Take a seat on the edge of the harbor, let your feet dangle above the water and watch as the picturesque boats sail in and out; a stunning scene with the castle as a backdrop.
Plage de Collioure
Collioure has a unique beach right in the heart of the town. Plage de Collioure is nestled between the harbor and the church, with colorful buildings lining the shore. From the pier, you get a stunning view of the entire scene; this is where you truly see how picturesque this little town is. So much is happening in such a compact space! It’s easy to understand why painters and artists have been drawn to Collioure for centuries. If you’d like to spend a few hours on the beach but find this spot a bit too intimate, head to the other side of the bay, where you’ll find the larger Plage de Port d’Avall.
Fort Saint Elme
From the pier in Collioure’s harbor, you have a great view of Fort Saint Elme, a fortress built in the 16th century to protect the region from pirate invasions and other threats. If you’re interested in the history of the area, visiting the fort is a must. After exploring its historical significance, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Collioure, the bay and part of the Mediterranean Sea.
Moulin de Collioure
Not far from Fort Saint Elme stands Moulin de Collioure, the famous mill built in the 14th century for grinding grain. It is believed to be the oldest mill in the region. At the start of the 21st century, the mill was completely restored and today, it is used to grind olives into olive oil. A wonderful sight to visit, this authentic mill.
Famous painters and artists in Collioure
Collioure has always attracted artists, drawn by its beautiful, warm light and vibrant colors. In the early 20th century, Henri Matisse and André Derain discovered the town and developed the fauvist style here, characterized by bright colors and expressive forms. Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, both pioneers of cubism, were also inspired by Collioure’s charm. The Scottish artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh painted many watercolors of the area. Even today, Collioure remains a magnet for artists, including photographers!
How to get to Collioure
Are you on vacation in the southernmost part of France or maybe in northeastern Spain? Then make sure to take a trip to Collioure! Stroll through the colorful streets, have lunch on a cozy terrace, or explore the impressive castle. The magic that artists and painters once felt during their stay in this town, you’ll undoubtedly experience for yourself too!
Combining Collioure with other beautiful spots in the area
This part of southern France is perfect for a trip of a few days. I fly into Barcelona, where I pick up a rental car. It takes just over 2 hours to reach Collioure. I also visit beautiful spots in northeastern Spain, such as Cadaqués and Besalú. In Collioure, there are several paid parking spaces available, clearly marked as you enter the town. During my time in France, I also visit Perpignan, Canet-en-Roussillon, Les Orgues d’Ille-sur-Tet and Castelnou.
