Collioure, the jewel of the Côte Vermeille

The Catalan Eden, the New Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales

📍 Geographical Location
Collioure is a picturesque village located on the Côte Vermeille, on the Mediterranean coast, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, in the Occitanie region. Just 30 km from Perpignan and close to the Spanish border, it is nestled between the sea and the mountains, offering spectacular landscapes that combine coves, terraced vineyards, and schist hills.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collioure
https://petitescitesdecaractere.com/fr/nos-petites-cites-de-caractere/collioure

🏰 History of Collioure
Since Antiquity, Collioure has been a strategic port for the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. The castle is mentioned as early as 673, attesting to its military importance. Over the centuries, the village was contested between the kingdoms of Aragon, Majorca, Spain, and France. It was fortified by Vauban in the 17th century and became a source of inspiration for many artists, especially the Fauvist painters like Matisse and Derain.

🏛️ Monuments and Must-Sees
The Royal Castle: A medieval fortress overlooking the bay, it was the residence of the kings of Majorca and a strategic stronghold.
The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges: Famous for its bell tower-lighthouse, it is an emblem of Collioure and stands right by the water.
Saint Vincent Chapel: Built on a rock, it houses the relics of the village’s patron saint.
The Collioure Windmill: A restored old windmill, accessible by a path that offers splendid views.
Fort Saint-Elme: A 16th-century military fort, it provides an exceptional panorama of the coast.

🍽️ Gastronomy
Collioure is famous for its anchovies, prepared artisanally for centuries, and its Catalan cuisine: cargolade (grilled snails), fish and seafood cooked on a plancha, Catalan lamb, Salanque artichokes, Collioure biscuits, and AOC Collioure-Banyuls wines. Local restaurants showcase regional products and the Catalan art of living.

🏖️ Beaches and Coves
Collioure has several authentic beaches, alternating between pebbles and sand, ideal for swimming and water activities:

Boramar Beach: Right in the center, between the castle and the church.
Saint Vincent Beach: Behind the church, more intimate.
Faubourg Beach (Port d’Avall): Family-friendly, with views of the bay.
Ouille Cove: Wilder, accessible on foot via the coastal path.

🌄 The Surroundings
The area around Collioure offers many walks: the coastal path towards Argelès-sur-Mer, the Massane Forest Nature Reserve for nature lovers, or exploring the Banyuls vineyards and neighboring villages such as Port-Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer.

Collioure promises a stay filled with heritage, art, Mediterranean flavors, and breathtaking scenery.