Collioure - The Jewel of the Cote Vermeille
Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Cote Vermeille”, Collioure is situated in the very south of France about 30 km from the Spanish border where the Pyrenees Mountains reach down to touch the Mediterranean Sea. This historic little village is one of the sunniest in all of France, boasting more than 300 days of sunshine annually. It is a vibrant town that dates back centuries and preserves much of its Catalan roots through its food, art and culture.
Collioure is nestled around a protective horseshoe bay that comprises of several beaches and is bordered by a medieval Royal Palace, the 17th century church Notre Dame des Anges that has become the symbol of Collioure, and the Chapel of St. Vincent - marking the rock upon which the saint was martyred in 303 AD.
The town has been immortalized by the art of Henry Matisse and Andre Derain who began the “Fauvist” movement in the early 1900’s. Inspired by the quality of light in Collioure, they painted with vivid and unnatural colours. Other famous artists that enjoyed the life of Collioure were Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso as well as British author Patrick O’Brien (Master and Commander).
Collioure preserves its heritage and sense of community well. Start your day with a cup of steaming java at a neighbourhood café accompanied by a traditional fresh baguette. Spend your Wednesday or Sunday morning at the downtown market meandering amongst the stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables, exotic meats, fragrant cheeses and colourful Catalan crafts. Walk around the ancient streets of the old town, and admire the historical architecture. Visit with local artisans around every nook and cranny. End your day at a seaside bar sipping one of the many Collioure vintages, feasting on the local cuisine while listening to the enchanting melodies from local street musicians, as the sun sets dramatically over the Mediterranean at your feet.
Don’t forget about those other hidden treasures in and around Collioure. A few minutes outside of town to the south, enjoy the abundant Saturday morning fish market in Port Vendres. Be sure to try the Champagne and Oysters in the fish market store. Head a few minutes along the coast to the north and spend the day on endless sandy beaches in Argeles-sur-Mer, Saint Cyprien or Canet-en-Rousillon. Drive inland one to two hours from Collioure and discover Cathar castles including the celebrated fortified Carcassonne, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Everything in and around this enchanting town will remind you what a “Jewel” Collioure is.
Collioure is nestled around a protective horseshoe bay that comprises of several beaches and is bordered by a medieval Royal Palace, the 17th century church Notre Dame des Anges that has become the symbol of Collioure, and the Chapel of St. Vincent - marking the rock upon which the saint was martyred in 303 AD.
The town has been immortalized by the art of Henry Matisse and Andre Derain who began the “Fauvist” movement in the early 1900’s. Inspired by the quality of light in Collioure, they painted with vivid and unnatural colours. Other famous artists that enjoyed the life of Collioure were Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso as well as British author Patrick O’Brien (Master and Commander).
Collioure preserves its heritage and sense of community well. Start your day with a cup of steaming java at a neighbourhood café accompanied by a traditional fresh baguette. Spend your Wednesday or Sunday morning at the downtown market meandering amongst the stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables, exotic meats, fragrant cheeses and colourful Catalan crafts. Walk around the ancient streets of the old town, and admire the historical architecture. Visit with local artisans around every nook and cranny. End your day at a seaside bar sipping one of the many Collioure vintages, feasting on the local cuisine while listening to the enchanting melodies from local street musicians, as the sun sets dramatically over the Mediterranean at your feet.
Don’t forget about those other hidden treasures in and around Collioure. A few minutes outside of town to the south, enjoy the abundant Saturday morning fish market in Port Vendres. Be sure to try the Champagne and Oysters in the fish market store. Head a few minutes along the coast to the north and spend the day on endless sandy beaches in Argeles-sur-Mer, Saint Cyprien or Canet-en-Rousillon. Drive inland one to two hours from Collioure and discover Cathar castles including the celebrated fortified Carcassonne, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Everything in and around this enchanting town will remind you what a “Jewel” Collioure is.