Why not pack your bags and visit Collioure? Here’s our selection of the best things to do and see on the pearl of the Côte Vermeille!
Collioure lies 30 km south of Perpignan. This peaceful town, bathed by the Mediterranean and protected by the mountains, makes a delightful stopover in the Pyrénées-Orientales. With its radiant colors and historic sites, this muse of many artists is sure to brighten up your getaway.
Once a fishing village, Collioure also attracts gourmets. Indeed, the anchovy capital is no slouch when it comes to gastronomy. Pupils and taste buds alike will delight in this charming town. Discover with us the 11 must-sees to visit Collioure without missing a thing!
1. Notre-Dame-des-Anges church
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Iakov Filimonov
The church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges is the symbol of the town, with its steeple looking out to sea. A visit to Collioure and its key monument is a must.
Head for the seaside to explore this 17th-century treasure. From the outside, it looks very… maritime? And rightly so, since its bell tower was originally a lighthouse. The dome only completed the tower in 1810. Inside the church are Baroque masterpieces, the most impressive of which is the altarpiece by Joseph Sunyer.
2. Saint-Vincent chapel and pier
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Irina Papoyan
Patron saint of Collioure, Saint Vincent is said to have been martyred in 303 on the ancient islet where the chapel now stands. The modest building you see today dates back to 1701! It was built to house the saint’s new relics, the old ones having been lost during the Reapers’ War (1640-1659). Next to the chapel, Christ is immortalized on the cross.
Continue your stroll along the pier to the small lighthouse. The city greets you from all sides. This is undoubtedly one of Collioure’s most spectacular excursions.
3. The royal castle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gareth Kirkland
What’s there to do in Collioure? Conquer the royal castle that stands proudly on the shores of the Anse de la Baleta. The architectural ensemble visible today was built in the 13th century on the foundations of a castrum. The castle played many roles, including residence of the Counts of Roussillon, Kings of Aragon and Kings of Majorca, fortress, prison and more.
Over the centuries, it has undergone a number of modifications. For example, Vauban equipped it with additional defensive elements. Venture into the round and vaulted rooms of one of the last royal castles of the Middle Ages.
4. The harbor
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Irina Papoyan
One of the things to do in Collioure is to take a stroll along the harbor. The colorful little boats bringing in freshly caught anchovies offer an exquisite change of scenery. You can enjoy the spectacle at greater length in a nearby restaurant.
Continue your stroll to the right of the château, where the golden sandy beach of Port d’Avall beckons. This is one of the only sandy beaches in the area. Cafés and ice-cream parlors are also to be found on this side.
5. A boat trip
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After a stroll along the quayside, why not take the opportunity to hire a boat?
Having your own small boat means you can explore the Mediterranean coastline, its coves and beaches. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the landscape in a different way, as seen from the water. It’s the perfect way to round off your stay in Collioure!
6. Gourmet specialties
Photo credit: Facebook – Anchois Desclaux
A visit to Collioure would be pointless without tasting the local produce.
Let’s start with the famous Collioure anchovy! The iodized flavors of this little IGP fish are just as delicious as an aperitif or a main course. Bite into it or devour it in salt, oil or brine. Did you know that Collioure holds its own anchovy festival? See you in June. Next, and finally, let’s continue with Collioure AOC wines. They are the perfect complement to a meal with Mediterranean accents. Reds, whites and rosés give pride of place to powerful, fruity notes.
7. The Collioure mill
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Just a 15-minute walk from the château, trained climbers will have no trouble reaching the site. It’s true that, perched high above the town, the mill requires some effort. But what a reward! Tucked away in an olive grove, it offers a breathtaking panorama of sea and mountains.
After admiring the scenery, enter the building, built in 1337. Cereals were milled here until the 19th century. The town of Collioure then acquired the mill, restoring it and putting it back into operation. Today, the mill is used for oil production.
8. In the footsteps of Fauvism
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sophie Lenoir
With its bright hues and flower-filled alleyways, the Mouré district is sure to provide a dose of good cheer. It’s easy to understand why the Fauvist artists of the 20th century were so attracted to the area. Enchanted by the play of light, many of them set down their easels in Collioure. That’s why it’s been nicknamed the « City of Painters » ever since. Matisse and Derain painted a number of frescoes in the area. Follow the Fauvist trail to discover them.
Are you an art lover wondering what to visit in Collioure? The Maison du Fauvisme and the Musée d’Art Moderne will delight you.
9. Fort Saint-Elme
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Damsea
Like the mill, Fort Saint-Elme is well worth a visit: perched on its hillside, it keeps a watchful eye out for attackers. From the château, it’s about a 30-minute walk, or 45 minutes if you want to make the most of the stroll. You can also take the little train up the hill without getting out of breath.
Visit the Torre de la Guardia, which was enclosed by a wall under Charles V. In the following century, Vauban added his finishing touch. In the following century, Vauban added his finishing touches. The fort’s museum displays weapons from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In addition to its historical interest, the fort boasts an incredible view of the city below. For this reason, thrill-seekers won’t want to miss this excursion to Collioure.
10. Coves and beaches
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Do you dream of dipping your toes in the crystal-clear Mediterranean? The coastal town is indeed adorned with beaches ideal for relaxation. Yes, a visit to Collioure undeniably includes these little corners of paradise!
Boramar and Saint-Vincent, the two pebble-clad spots, are packed from the first rays of sunshine. Not surprising, since they’re the closest to the center of town. Here, you’ll enjoy a gentle swim. A little further away, you’ll find Plage de l’Ouille and Creeque des Batteries. Less accessible, they nevertheless offer an enchanting setting. You’re sure to find something special along the way!
11. Saint-Vincent festival
Photo credit: Office de Tourisme de Collioure
Collioure’s patron saint, Saint Vincent, is celebrated on August 16. However, the festivities take place from August 14 to 18. Several days of entertainment and celebration await you! As usual, the arrival of the colorful boats in the harbor is one of the highlights. This is followed by a plethora of entertainment. Don’t miss the Catalan sardana dance sessions. Costumed dancers offer demonstrations and initiations, and concerts also punctuate the event.
The highlight? The fireworks display on August 16! If you don’t know what to do in Collioure in August, don’t miss this traditional interlude.
Things to see and do in Collioure
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Damsea
Want to take your visit to Collioure a step further? Here are a few more suggestions:
- Fort Miradou
- Strong Round and strong Square
- Dominican Convent
- Sentier du Littoral
- Protestant temple
- Madeloc Tower
How to get to Collioure
Planning to visit Collioure? Follow our advice to reach your destination.
- Car: from Perpignan, take the D914 first, then the D114. Parking lots are available in the town, near the old center.
- Train: from Perpignan station, the TER takes you to Collioure station in 20 minutes. From there, it’s a 7-minute walk to the Château Royal.
- Bus: in Perpignan, get off at the Mercader stop. The Sankéo 540 bus line criss-crosses the region, passing through Collioure. After a 45-minute journey, get off at the Square Marceau Banyuls stop. The Port d’Avall beach is only a 6-minute walk away.
- Plane: do you prefer to fly? Once you’ve selected the best deal on our flight comparison service, take note of how to get to Collioure. FromPerpignan-Sud de France airport, take bus 6 to the Abbé Pierre stop, then get off at the Gare SNCF stop. This journey takes about 30 minutes. Then take the TER train.
Where to stay in Collioure?
If you’re looking for accommodation in Collioure, options abound. As you’ll notice, there’s no shortage of hotels and vacation rentals here. For example, you can set down your suitcases in the old town center to soak up the Catalan atmosphere. You’ll need to pay around €100/night for a hotel room. The beachfront, the heights of Collioure and the area around the railway station are also well endowed. To find the best deals, use a hotel comparator.
Last but not least, a number of campsites in the Collioure area offer the chance to have a pied-à-terre in nature.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Collioure,fr