Collioure, Take a Break and Enjoy the Bluest Sky in France

The picturesque Mediterranean town of Collioure is an ideal holiday destination as well as a haven for artists. It is unspoilt with a wide range of restaurants and activities as gentle or energetic as one chooses.

Collioure Attracts Artists, Poets and Musicians

Henri Matisse wrote that "No sky in France is more blue than the one in Collioure..." and there certainly is something special about the light. Artists such as Dali, Picasso, Chagall, along with other painters, musicians and poets have been drawn to this small French Catalan town close to the border with Spain. They have been coming to Collioure for more than a century and many working artists have made their homes in Collioure. They can be seen working outdoors around the town and in their studios which are often open to the public.

Place for a Quiet Vacation or Walking Holiday in the Pyrenees

Collioure and its surroundings makes for a restful holiday as it has pleasant beaches with safe swimming to keep young children happy. However, the main beach is stony and uncomfortable to walk on so slides or jellies are advisable. Away from main beach by the harbour there are other quieter and sandier beaches behind the bell-tower and on the other side of the Chateau Royale close to the southern part of the village.

Collioure is on the rocky coastline of French Catalonia; Collioure makes a good base for walking (and, in winter, skiing) in the Pyrenees-Orientales. The walks around the town, for example to Le Fort Sainte Elme (which is privately opened and not open to the public), are less strenuous but still require reasonable fitness as the climb is long and steep However the trip can be taken in easy stages as there places to rest and enjoy the view back over the town. On the way, it is worth pausing to visit the restored 18th century windmill. Once used to press olives, its terraces provide a cool haven under the olive trees and a breather on the climb. It makes a quiet and pleasant place to simply stop and enjoy a shady, quiet place to read, or simply contemplate life.

Places to Visit and Eating Out

There are many other places to visit. Le Château Royale is used for exhibitions and the Eglise Notre Dame des Anges for musical performances. The bell-tower of the Eglise Notre-daame is probably the best-known view of Collioure as it appears in many paintings, photographs and on postcards. On walks around the town, the visitor will find many picture frames on stands that allows them to emulate the views of Collioure that feature in paintings by the many artists who have worked there. The town is compact and largely level so that apart from the climb to the fort and windmill, everywhere is within a few minutes gentle walk.

Those visitors with an interest in food will enjoy he speciality dish of locally caught anchovies. For these Collioure holds the award of site remarquable du gôut (site of culinary excellence). Colliours anchovies are not the tiny examples that one may be familiar with in jars or on pizzas but are more the size of sardines. These fish are traditionally served in the Catalonian manner with salad as a starter, or they may be simply grilled.

Collioure is well served with bars and restaurants including La Fregate on the way to the harbour. There is the Michelin starred Le Neptune on the other side of the harbour with views to the Chateau Royale. Wine lovers can visit Les Cellier des Dominicans in the cloisters adjoining the Dominican Church.

Free Entertainment, Music and Concerts

During the summer months there are free concerts in Place de 18 Juin in front of the Office du Tourisme. After dinner, or even during if one chooses one of the restaurants on the square, classical and jazz concerts are enjoyed by all age groups with many dancing in the cool of the evening. Other musical events take place around the town including in the Eglise de Notre Dames des Anges.

As Collioure is renowned for its artistic tradition there are many working studios and galleries in which to while away the day. Many of the artists and crafts people are very happy to discuss art and their work with visitors.

A Relaxing Family Destination for a Quiet Holiday

Collioure is a destination for a quiet, relaxing and comfortable holiday for young families or couples although it does not have the nightlife to attract teenagers and young adults. In early June or July, or late in the holiday season from September onwards the weather is warm but not uncomfortably hot.

Access is easy to Perpignan and even Barcelona in Spain is only a little over two hours away by car. North from the town are the easily accessible Mediterranean beaches of the rest of Languedoc-Rousillion.