Collioure: what to do on the Côte Vermeille

Between sea and vineyards, Collioure is one of the most iconic villages
of the Mediterranean coast. Colourful facades, a royal castle above the water, tiny coves and
artists’ studios: Collioure is the perfect postcard of the Catalan Eden.

Just 30 km south of Perpignan and close to the Spanish border, Collioure sits
between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, facing terraced vineyards and schist hillsides.

📍 Location

Collioure is a picturesque village on the Côte Vermeille, on the Mediterranean Sea,
in the Pyrénées-Orientales department (Occitanie region). Nestled between sea and
mountains, it offers spectacular scenery mixing coves, terraced vineyards and rugged hillsides.

🏰 A rich and strategic history

Since Antiquity, Collioure has been a strategic port for the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans.
The castle is mentioned as early as 673, underlining its military importance. Over the centuries,
the village was fought over by the kingdoms of Aragon, Majorca, Spain and France.
In the 17th century, Vauban reinforced its fortifications, and later Collioure became a
magnet for artists – especially the Fauvists such as Matisse and Derain, who were captivated
by its light and colours.

🏛️ Must-see sights in Collioure

Royal Castle – Medieval fortress overlooking the bay, former residence of the kings
of Majorca and a key stronghold on the coast.
Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges – Famous for its bell-tower lighthouse, this church
standing right by the water is the postcard image of Collioure.
Saint Vincent Chapel – Built on a rock at the water’s edge, it houses the relics
of the village’s patron saint.
Collioure Windmill – Restored old windmill accessible via a walking path,
offering gorgeous views over the bay and vineyards.
Fort Saint-Elme – 16th-century military fort dominating the coast, with a
breathtaking panorama of the Côte Vermeille.

🍽️ Gastronomy & local flavours

Collioure is renowned for its anchovies, prepared by hand for generations, and for its
generous Catalan cuisine:

Anchovies of Collioure – salted or marinated, the village’s emblematic speciality.
Cargolade – traditional grilled snails over vine shoots.
Fish & seafood à la plancha – ultra-fresh and simply prepared.
Catalan lamb and artichokes from the Salanque.
Croquants de Collioure and other local pastries.
AOC Collioure & Banyuls wines – powerful reds, elegant whites and sweet natural wines.

Local restaurants showcase the best of the terroir and the relaxed Catalan way of life, from
beach bistros to intimate wine bars in the old streets.

🏖️ Beaches & coves

Collioure offers several authentic beaches, a mix of pebbles and sand, perfect for swimming and
water activities:

Boramar Beach – Right in the centre, between the castle and the church.
Saint Vincent Beach – Just behind the church, more intimate and charming.
Faubourg Beach (Port d’Avall) – Family-friendly, with a superb view over the bay.
Ouille Cove – Wilder and more secluded, accessible on foot via the coastal path.

🌄 Around Collioure

The surroundings of Collioure are a paradise for walkers and nature lovers:

Coastal path to Argelès-sur-Mer – A stunning hike along cliffs and coves,
with panoramic sea views.
Massane forest nature reserve – A protected area with ancient beech and oak trees.
Banyuls vineyards – Terraced vines overlooking the sea, producing the famous
Banyuls and Collioure wines.
Nearby villages like Port-Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer, each with their own harbour
atmosphere and wine estates to discover.

✨ Why you’ll love Collioure

Collioure promises a stay filled with heritage, art, Mediterranean flavours and
spectacular landscapes. A place where every stroll between the harbour, the castle and the
vines feels like stepping into a painting.