Collioure: A Five-Day Getaway of Sun, Sea and Southern French Character

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Impressions

As we twisted through the coastal highways of the Pyrénées-Orientales, Collioure appeared before us as if plucked from a postcard — pastel-painted homes draped over rolling hills, fishing boats bobbing in the turquoise waters, the profile of the Château Royal standing guard over the bay. We checked in to a charming boutique hotel within walking distance of the harbor, where the windows opened to the salty breeze.

Our first order of business? A slow walk on the waterfront. The bell tower of Notre-Dame-des-Anges silhouetted against the sunset, its warm colors naturally integrated into the sky. That night, we ate at Le Neptune, tucking into fresh anchovies — a regional specialty — and drinking crisp white wine from the nearby Banyuls vineyards.

Day 2: The Artistic Soul of Collioure

Collioure — long a muse for artists, most famously Matisse and Derain, who fathered Fauvism here. We followed the Chemin du Fauvisme, an open-air art trail that features reproductions of their paintings set in the very locations that inspired them. The colors of the town — cerulean blues, fiery oranges, and sun-kissed yellows — were slightly more vibrant IRL.

A visit to the Musée d’Art Moderne exposed us to contemporary art inspired by those same magical scenes. We spent the afternoon browsing cobbled streets lined with galleries and picked up a couple of watercolor prints as souvenirs.

That night, we found Casa Gala, a hidden gem where we savored Catalan-inspired tapas — octopus with paprika, creamy aioli potatoes, grilled sardines, washed down with a glass of robust red wine.

Day 3: Hike to Fort Saint-Elme, Views of the Coast

Hungry for adventure, we hiked up to Fort Saint-Elme, a 16th-century citadel looming above Collioure. It was a steep but rewarding ascent, and a breathtaking view opened before us, the Mediterranean Sea sprawling toward the horizon. The fort itself, with its star-shaped architecture, told tales of battles and conquests, its cannons still pointed toward the horizon.

Back in town, we rewarded ourselves with a languid afternoon at Plage Saint-Vincent, the warm pebbles comfortable underfoot. A quick splash in the crystalline waters tinged with turquoise was invigorating, and we later savored some glace artisanale from a seaside café.

Dinner that evening — at Le 5ème Péché, a Michelin-endorsed place — was an experience unto itself: fish carpaccio with sea bass that seemed to evaporate in your mouth; lamb with lavender honey; and a decadent Catalan crème brûlée to finish things off.

Day 4: Boat Ride and Vineyard Tour

It’s impossible to mention Collioure without talking about its water. We boarded a small boat tour of the Vermilion Coast, the cliffs soaring steeply out of the sea, their ochre tones aglow in the midday sun.

Later, we drove inland to Domaine de la Rectorie, a family-run vineyard in the nearby Banyuls-sur-Mer. The tasting of local wines opened our palate to the sweet, sun-baked complexity of Banyuls wines and their fortified flavors. We stuffed a bottle of their finest into our luggage, a reminder of this sun-drenched afternoon.

In Collioure, our last dinner was at La Balette, where we ate on the terrace, the sound of waves lapping below. The menu read like a symphony of flavors — lobster bisque, duck confit, and a chocolate soufflé that dissolved at the lightest touch of a spoon.

Day 5: A Slow Goodbye

We spent our final morning savoring Collioure’s simple pleasures. A simple breakfast at Café Sola, where the scent of freshly baked croissants floated in the salt-tinged air, was the ideal beginning. We took one last walk along the harbor, watching fishermen repair their nets, the town still emerging from slumber.

As our car wandered out of Collioure, those bright colors melted in the rearview mirror. Five days had gone by in a blink, but the town had settled into me — its art, its flavors, its golden light.

Things to know before visiting Collioure

Collioure is a gem on the southern coast of France, near the Spanish border, with colorful houses, artistic vibes, and a laid-back seaside atmosphere. Here are some key things to know before you visit:

🌞 1. It’s a Mediterranean Town with a Spanish Soul

Collioure is in French Catalonia, so you’ll feel a distinct Catalan influence—from the cuisine to the festivals. Don’t be surprised to hear Catalan spoken and see flags with red and yellow stripes.

🏖️ 2. Summer is Bustling—Book in Advance

Collioure is hugely popular in summer, especially July and August. If you're planning a summer trip:

• Book accommodation early—small boutique hotels and guesthouses fill up fast.

• Parking can be a challenge. Opt for accommodations with a reserved spot, or be prepared to use paid lots outside the town center.

🎨 3. It’s an Art Lover’s Paradise

This is where Matisse and Derain created Fauvism.

• Visit the Musée d’Art Moderne and check out the open-air art trail around town that replicates where iconic works were painted.

• There are dozens of local galleries and studios to explore.

🍷 4. Don’t Miss the Local Wines

Collioure is also a wine appellation. The vineyards stretch from the hills to the sea, producing excellent reds and rosés.

• Try a wine tasting tour in Banyuls-sur-Mer or one of the vineyards around the town.

• The sweet fortified wine Banyuls is a local specialty—great with dessert.

🐟 5. Anchovies Are a Big Deal

Collioure has a long tradition of anchovy fishing and salting.

• Visit Maison Roque or Anchois Desclaux for a peek into the anchovy curing process (and free tastings!).

• Local restaurants often feature anchovies in tapas-style dishes or on salads.

🚶‍♀️ 6. It’s Best Explored on Foot

The town is compact, and many streets are pedestrian-only or very narrow.

• Bring comfortable shoes—especially if you want to explore the coastal trails to nearby towns like Port-Vendres.

• One must-do walk is up to the Moulin de la Cortina for a panoramic view of the bay.

🏰 7. Historical Sights Are Everywhere

You can visit:

• Château Royal de Collioure – A seaside fortress that’s been used by kings and soldiers for centuries.

• Notre-Dame-des-Anges – The iconic seaside church with its lighthouse-like bell tower.

• The old town’s medieval streets, perfect for wandering.

🗓️ 8. Visit During a Festival (If You Can)

Collioure hosts several local festivals:

• Saint Vincent Festival (August 14–18) – Includes boat jousting, fireworks over the bay, music, and dancing.

• Catalan traditional festivals with sardane dances and processions are common in summer.

💰 9. It’s Not the Cheapest Spot

Like much of the Côte Vermeille, prices in high season can be steep. However:

• Shoulder seasons (May–June and September) are lovely, less crowded, and more budget-friendly.

• You can find cheaper eats at crêperies, beach kiosks, or small cafés tucked away from the main squares.

10. Bring Your Camera or Sketchbook

Between the vibrant façades, fishing boats in the harbor, and the light that has inspired artists for centuries, Collioure is endlessly photogenic. Perfect for travel bloggers, photographers, or anyone who loves beautiful scenes.

Usefull Information on Collioure

Collioure City Hall