Just a short drive down the coast to Banyuls-sur-Mer, there is an aquarium and an incredible natural marine reserve. 

The aquarium was opened in 1885 making it the oldest public aquarium on the Mediterranean.  While the aquarium is quite small it does house a considerable amount of information in its tanks.  The exhibits are creatively displayed starting with marine life closest to the shore and working their way to the deep sea.  Visitors can view numerous varieties of fish, eels, octopus, coral and beautiful marine plants that are all found in the waters along the French coast.

If you are a little more adventurous you can visit the underwater trail or le sentier sous-marin.  Within the bay, located at Peyrefite beach, you can discover with your own equipment or rent a mask, snorkel and fins to explore this fabulous underwater reserve.  The reserve opened in 1974 and covers 650 hectares of sea between Banyuls and Cerbère.  This is a protected area with over 12,000 species of fish and shellfish and 500 sea plants that are native to the area.

The trail is 250m long with buoys at several points along the way.  There are underwater signs with lists of the different species that can be seen in that specific area.  They also offer, for an extra charge, the ability to rent an audio guide & musical interlude of sorts that gives you a running commentary during your swim/snorkel along the surface.  The reserve offers a wonderful way to learn about and experience firsthand, underwater sea life in its natural form.

Along the shore is a lovely beach (bring your water shoes for the pebbles) and shaded areas for picnic lunch.  Definitely a place worth visiting if you are looking for an authentic underwater experience.

Enjoy this video that shows the large numbers of fish that are viewable in the reserve.

With the holiday season well underway in Collioure and our apartment fully booked, we thought it would be fun to share some of our favourite pictures of our neighbourhood.  The following are all shots taken during the summer months when the temperatures are warm and the days long.  Enjoy viewing the magic of this beautiful fishing village.

With the summer season officially starting in France, there is a never-ending list of things to do and see all along the Roussillon coastline.  The villages are all bustling with visitors during the summer and should they tire of days at the beach they can attend any number of festivals, shows or exhibitions of their choice.  Catalan culture is a very vibrant lifestyle and celebrated with many traditional festivities. Collioure in particular has always been known as a place rich in art and culture and this is demonstrated regularly with the ongoing events during the summer months.

Musical performances can be heard almost every day in Collioure.  Styles range from jazz to indie pop to classical and everything in between.  The Royal Palace hosts concerts consistently and often there are musical groups playing at the Cultural Centre and L’Ermitage de Consolation.  This is aside from the wonderful solo artists that will play quietly on the side of the Palace or streets of Collioure for the love of their art (and perhaps a few euros).

Of course art is always on display.  There are exhibitions happening at all times both of a larger scale and also in the small galleries that line the streets of Collioure.  Being an artist’s haven it is a treat to see different styles and interpretations of the sights around us.  We love to wander the shops and meet the artists that delight in discussing their inspiration found in Collioure.

The festivals abound in this area.  All during the Spring and Summer, the Catalan people celebrate holidays, religious events and family time whenever they can.  During July and August the two largest holidays are around Bastille Day on July 14th and Assumption of Mary on August 15th.  The August holiday is by far one of the largest festivals in Collioure, during which time the St Vincent’s Festival is held from August 14th to 18th.  It highlights water sports, concerts, street music, a traditional ceremony to celebrate the Assumption of Mary and a stunning fireworks display on the 16th.  It is an amazing time in the village.

There really is something for everyone in this lovely town.  Check out the tourist board website for a list of ongoing events during your next visit.