A historic fishing village brimming with Mediterranean charm might be just what you need for your next trip to the south of France. With a mix of history, art, and nature, there’s no better place to find yourself if you crave an off-the-beaten-path destination.
This is Collioure — one of the prettiest spots in Occitanie. A coastal town that has inspired artists like Matisse and has attracted cultural aficionados for years, thanks to its unique blend of French and Catalan influences.
If you’re intrigued and ready to hop on the next flight, you’ll find this quick yet insightful guide pretty handy. Click Here to See the Collioure Map.
Also read: Carcassonne Travel Guide– Top Things to Do in a Fairytale City
10 Best Things to do in Collioure
It’s time to get straight into the exciting part: the best things to do in Collioure.
1. Relax on Collioure’s Beautiful Beaches
It would be a crime not to spend time on the beaches of a coastal town. And Collioure has a mixed bag of balmy beaches to enjoy; some are sandy, and others are pebbled, but they’re all lovely.
Sunbathe on Collioure’s main beach, Boramar Beach, characterized by a quaint cove and an old-world charm thanks to the historical buildings on its sandy shores. These include Château Royal on one end, a port, and the church of Notre Dame des Anges on the other end.
Come hungry, as there are plenty of excellent cafés, bars, and restaurants nearby. The winds can pick up quickly, so bring a warm layer in case.
You can also check out Saint-Vincent Beach, which is actually an extension of Boramar Beach. It’s hidden just behind the Notre Dame des Anges church and is a great bathing spot with soft sand and calm turquoise waters.
Finally, Ouille Beach (in the nearby Argelès-sur-Mer) offers a small slice of paradise with unspoiled beauty and crystal-clear waters. It’s unlike the other two beaches with pebbled shores and is more suited for snorkeling and diving. It’s best to arrive as early as possible, or even walk to the beach, as parking space is limited and definitely a hassle.
2. Explore Château Royal de Collioure
The next activity is perfect for history buffs who would like a glimpse of Collioure throughout the centuries and various periods. The Royal Castle of Collioure is a medieval fortress that stands proudly on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. With an imposing appearance, it overlooks the village and the sea, which are some of the highlights of visiting this castle.
It sits just a few miles north of the Spanish border, having existed since the 7th century; the seaside castle is believed to be around 800 years old. A tour through the castle offers a leisurely walk filled with interesting exhibits of local history, contemporary art, and, of course, breathtaking views.
The Royal Castle of Collioure was originally built as a residence for the Mallorcan Royal Family. The Spanish occupied it until 1642, and it was then taken over by the French. Visit the castle every day from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, but it’s best to visit via a guided tour offered by castle staff in French. So, it would be a good idea to start learning some French.
3. Wander Through Collioure’s Picturesque Streets
One of the best things you can do in Collioure is simply take in the sights as you wander along its charming, colorful alleys. Start your journey on Rue Mirador and wind your way to the steep streets of the Mouré district.
Filled with hidden treasures and squares, the historic district is adorned with lovely local boutiques, artists’ galleries, and small shops. Along the way, you’ll pass cute restaurants, bars, and bright, colorful houses. Then, to amplify its charm, its narrow streets are dotted with lush flora, including vibrant bougainvilleas, orange trees, and lemon trees.
Nearly every step you take comes with the promise of a photo-worthy opportunity, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
4. Follow the Matisse Trail & Discover Collioure’s Art Scene
Henri Matisse is an iconic French visual artist and a master of 20th-century art. His most famous works include Woman With a Hat (1905), Dance (1909–1910), and Open Window, Collioure (1905), among others. What does all this have to do with Collioure?
Well, it turns out that Matisse spent his summers in the coastal town from 1905 through 1914. The small fishing village on the Mediterranean Sea has been credited as a source of inspiration for the artist. And if you follow the Chemins du Fauvisme trail, it’ll take you to nine reproductions of works of art by the renowned artists Henri Matisse and André Derain.
Check out a few art galleries, such as Musée d’Art Moderne de Collioure, Galerie Max Rovira, and Galerie D’art Delos. Finally, pop in Hôtel des Templiers to see 2000 original artworks from 20th-century painters who stayed at the hotel. There’s a reason why Collioure is called the “Town of Artists”.
5. Taste Banyuls & Collioure Wine
Banyuls is a complex and sweet fortified wine that can be red, white, or rosé. Produced from Grenache grapes grown on the slopes of the Catalan Pyrenees, it would be a shame not to try it and other Collioure Wines during your visit.
Collioure Wines are grown in unique, warm climates, producing much sweeter grapes. Visit Le Cellier des Dominicains to sample the intense flavors of Banyuls and other local varieties.
If you have some time to visit wineries outside of the city center, I recommend Les Clos de Paulilles in the nearby Port-Vendres. It is an emblematic organic vineyard offering world-renowned wines, seaside dining, and a cellar steeped in Mediterranean charm.
6. Stroll Along the Waterfront Promenade
Make time during your visit for a scenic walk along the bay, passing key landmarks like the lighthouse and Notre-Dame-des-Anges. Called Promenade du Boramar, this waterfront path is popular for strolling and sightseeing and is lined with cafés, shops, and colorful buildings.
You can come here to watch the sun rise or set, take in the fresh breeze, and watch the fishing boats float on the harbor.
7. Taste Collioure’s Famous Anchovies
Collioure has an anchovy fishing tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. These are high-quality anchovies, hand-filleted, packed into jars, and sold whole in either salt, brine, or oil.
It’s truly a local specialty, and today, a few families in Collioure continue this tradition. Collioure’s anchovies are known for their soft texture and fragrance. Visit the Roque and Desclaux workshops (the two main families that produce anchovies) to learn all about the preservation processes and for free tastings.
You can buy some Collioure anchovies to take home from Maison Roque, Maison Desclaux, or BienManger.com. Then, there’s the annual anchovy festival on the first weekend in June.
8. Enjoy a Meal at One of Collioure’s Best Restaurants
As a fishing village, Collioure is expected to have mouthwatering seafood dishes. Only, these have a Catalan twist to them, making dining here an unforgettable experience. Rife with scenic dining spots, choosing where to go is challenging.
However, you can’t go wrong with Restaurant Le Neptune for its splendid waterfront views, diverse Mediterranean dishes, and romantic fine-dining setting. For something more laid-back, artsy, and quirky, head to La Bodeguita, known for its Asian-inspired seafood dishes. Finally, Restaurant La Balette is another stellar seaside spot serving Michelin starred meals.
Pssst: Check out these Michelin-star restaurants in Bordeaux.
9. Take a Scenic Hike or Walk
Whether you’re an avid hiker or not, you’ll want to pick up a few trails in Collioure, as many of these treks have beautiful views.
Start off with a hike from Notre-Dame de Consolation to Fort Saint-Elme that ends at the Collioure Oil Mill. This trail covers 5.6 miles (9 km) of coastal terrain, through the valley of Collioure, vineyards, and along the river Douy to noteworthy sights. These include the Madeloc Tower, an old guard tower, and Fort Saint-Elme, a military tower built between 1538 and 1552.
This moderate trail near Argelès-sur-Mer follows the coastline past the picturesque towns of Collioure, Port-Vendres, and Cap Béar with its striking 89-foot-tall lighthouse.
Click Here to See the Collioure, France Map
10. Explore Nearby Towns & Beaches
When you’ve had your fill of Collioure, it’s time to explore nearby towns and beaches. The first day trip you’ll want to make is to Banyuls-sur-Mer, yet another beautiful seaside town.
Famous for its sweet wine and marine reserve, its stunning bay is peppered with white buildings and balmy beaches. Be sure to check out Plage des Elmes to soak up the sun or drive up Col de Banyuls mountain pass for some jaw-dropping views.
Don’t skip Cerbère, a railway town that happens to be the last French town before Spain. As such, the Catalan culture and traditions are strong here. Walk along its rugged coast or relax on Playa de la Perafita with its calm, azure waters and pebbled sand. These shores are also ideal for snorkeling and exploring hidden coves.
Where to Stay in Collioure
Here are some of the best hotels in Collioure to stay in during your trip:
- Le Mas des Citronniers (Budget-friendly): Stay at this adorable country-style abode with traditional French shutters, enchanting gardens, and stunning rooms.
- Les Roches Brunes (Mid-range): Boasting four stars, this stylish hotel exudes modernity with chic rooms that look out onto ocean views.
- Maison Nova – Boutique Hôtel & Spa (Luxury): Treat yourself to a luxurious five-star stay featuring a rooftop pool, elegant rooms with free-standing tubs, and spa facilities.
How to Get Around Collioure
You don’t need a car to enjoy Collioure. The town is compact, walkable, and full of charming paths and seaside trails that are best explored on foot.
If you’re planning to discover more of the Vermeille coast, having a car gives you more freedom. But for a relaxed stay in Collioure itself, it’s absolutely not essential.
Collioure is also well-connected by train to nearby towns, making day trips simple and stress-free. Trains from Perpignan run almost hourly, so a car-free weekend here is totally doable.
Read next: 8 Iconic Wine Routes in France for the Ultimate Tasting Experience.
