Are you drawn to the coast but looking for an active vacation in the fresh air? Here’s a selection of the best walks starting from Collioure.
Once a fishing village, the small town of Collioure will win you over. Its colorful little streets and atypical charm create a special, timeless atmosphere. Bathed by the Mediterranean and bordered by the Pyrénées Orientales, many artists have been seduced by this geographical site and its heritage. Ideal for a relaxing or sporty break, Collioure offers a wide range of hiking trails.
There are countless ways to enjoy this charming village. Savoring the summer heat is one. But escaping to the heights for a stroll is enchanting. Here’s a guide to the best hiking trails starting from Collioure!
1. The Tour Madeloc loop from Collioure
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leah Paran
Duration: 3h30
Distance: 10.6 km
Difference in altitude: 567 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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The Tour Madeloc, clearly visible from the village, is located high above Collioure, at an altitude of 650 meters in the Albères mountain range. This watchtower was built in the 13th century in medieval style. Today, it serves as a television relay station. Along the way, you’ll pass the village mill and numerous military buildings, including Fort Saint-Elme and Fort Dugommier.
Don’t lose sight of the main objective of this hike from Collioure: to reach the magnificent panorama offered at the foot of the Tour Madeloc. Across the Pyrenean mountain range, you’ll see from Argelès to Spain, with a bird’s-eye view of the Mediterranean and the vineyards of the Côte Vermeille. If this hike seems too difficult for you, there are other trails that make reaching the Tour Madeloc « effortless ». The ascent is also possible by bike and even by car.
2. Notre-Dame de Consolation, Fort Saint-Elme and the oil mill
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Damsea
Duration: 3h20
Distance: 9.5 km
Difference in altitude: 448 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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Between sea and mountains, vineyards and monuments, you’ll find the old paths you’re about to take. This hike from Collioure will take you to the heights of the village. The site of this pleasant walk is Notre-Dame de Consolation, a chapel dating from the 15th century. It’s a popular spot for hikers, who often take a picnic break in the shade of the trees.
According to historians, this was originally a pagan place of worship. The people of Collioure came here on pilgrimage, in particular to pray for the return of rain during periods of severe drought. It’s your turn to leave in the morning, to avoid the summer heat. And don’t forget your water bottle!
3. Les Hauts de Collioure
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Picturereflex
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 8.4 km
Difference in altitude: 354 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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Escape for a few hours, with your family, partner or friends, to the heights of Collioure. Walk with the sea at your feet. As you stroll along these paths through the garrigue, you’ll discover the village’s heritage. Not far from the town, this is the ideal walk.
This hike from Collioure takes in Fort Dugommier and the hermitage of Notre-Dame de Consolation. You’ll also have the opportunity to appreciate the Collioure windmill. After falling into ruin, this windmill was restored and refurbished in the traditional way. Today, it’s in operation, producing Collioure olive oil!
4. The Colomates from El Rimbau
Photo credit: Shutterstock – AWP76
Duration: 6h30
Distance: 15 km
Difference in altitude: 857 metres
Difficulty: Difficult
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A keen sense of direction is recommended for this hike in Collioure. Along the way, you’ll come across the Colomates. These are open-air shepherds’ huts. The scenery is varied, with forest passages, sublime vistas and a tunnel section. Thanks to the springs and fountains beneath Les Colomates, there are plenty of watering holes along the way.
Particularly in stormy weather, it may be advisable to take the route in the opposite direction. This avoids the steep descent at the end of the route. A twenty-minute detour to the Tour Massane is recommended, just for the pleasure of your eyes.
5. A walk along the paths of Fauvism
Photo credit: Shutterstock -MisterStock
Duration: 1h30
Distance: 1.4 km
Vertical drop: 42 metres
Difficulty: Easy
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Packed with anecdotes, this short hike from Collioure is sure to delight the eye. It’s a luminous tour based on 9 reproductions of works painted by Henri Matisse and André Derain during the summer of 1905.
This discovery allows you to better understand the intimate connection between land and sea. By confronting the canvas with the landscape, you’ll gain a new understanding of the creative work of the leaders of Fauvism. Stroll through the village, and like them, who often worked in the open air, take in all its variations.
6. From Collioure to Argeles
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Damsea
Duration: 2h15
Distance: 7.9 km
Difference in altitude: 100 metres
Difficulty: Easy
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Discover the beginnings of the rocky Catalan coast with this pleasant hike departing from Collioure. Your tour begins by skirting Fort Miradoux. It was built in the 17th century on the site of the old Fort Sainte-Thérèse. Thanks to its strategic location, Fort Miradoux became of prime importance. The aim was to make Collioure a garrison town. Today, it belongs to the French Army.
This lovely hike in Collioure is ideal for the whole family. You’ll come across flora that has adapted to summer drought, sea salt and the tramontana wind. As you hike along the coast, you’ll discover unique beaches such as Plage de l’Ouille, sublime and rarely visited even in high season. Little corners of paradise await you!
7. Crossing Collioure
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Begir
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 2.7 km
Vertical drop: 47 metres
Difficulty: Easy
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This short stroll is very popular with families. The paths are laid out and accessible to baby carriages. Following the seafront, the walk takes you from one end of Collioure to the other. It’s a great way to take in the sights at every turn, while discovering the village’s heritage and tracing its history!
8. From Collioure to Château de Valmy along the coastal path
Photo credit: Shutterstock – AWP76
Duration: 4h30
Distance: 14.5 km
Difference in altitude: 257 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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Departing from Collioure, this hike forms a loop through Argelès-sur-Mer before reaching Château Valmy. At the driveway, you’ll walk along the seafront past Fort Miradoux and the port of Argelès. Passing the cliffs of Le Racou, this wave-swept circuit leads to the Plage de l’Ouille and the Crique de Porteils. How about a swim during your hike?
Along the way, you’ll come face to face with some wonderful views. Halfway between the Albères mountain range and the vineyards, the Château de Valmy rises up before you. Before heading back to Collioure, take in the panorama and the exceptional tranquillity of the site.
9. From Collioure to Port-Vendres
Photo credit: Shutterstock – dvoevnore
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 5.3 km
Difference in altitude: 109 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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Here’s a hike from Collioure to Port-Vendres. Taking in the coastal path, this crossing allows you to immerse yourself in history. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1922, your tour begins by skirting the Château Royal de Collioure. Before arriving in Port-Vendres, you’ll have the chance to admire some splendid viewpoints, including the village bell tower.
Following the seafront, the path leads to the Fort de la Mauresque. The hike crosses the Port-Vendres harbor, before ending at the village harbor master’s office.
Now all you have to do is unravel your sneakers and open your eyes wide!