I first visited Collioure for a day while staying in Perpignan. This year, for my birthday, I wanted to go on a little getaway with my mom and, since she didn’t know the town, we decided to spend two days in the area.
Where is Collioure?
From Toulouse, it takes about 2–3 hours by car to reach Collioure and Port-Vendres (where we stayed).
Collioure is a small, colorful town that definitely has a Spanish vibe. No surprise there: in less than an hour by car, you’re across the border.
Built around a bay with crystal-clear water and surrounded by terraced vineyards, it also has a castle and fortified walls, plus several beaches. In town, the houses are painted in bright colors and decorated with flowers and palm trees. It’s easy to see why it inspired great painters like Matisse and Picasso.
My mom and I went in September, and it felt like the height of summer. A vacation out of time.
What to do in Collioure?
Take it slow
Stroll along the beaches, take time to sunbathe, grab a drink, or enjoy some tapas. Just keep in mind that it’s a very touristy town, and the prices reflect that. Check online reviews to make sure you pick restaurants with good-quality food.
We made the most of it by having tapas for lunch and fish for dinner. The region also has its own wines, like banyuls. If you’re not sure what you’ll like, stop by a wine cellar to taste a few before choosing. We had a great time with a wine merchant who advised us and made us laugh.
Walk along the waterfront, visit the churches and the castle, then head uphill into the narrow streets to discover stunning colorful alleyways and impressive viewpoints.
Go for a hike
My mom and I followed the coastal trail to reach Ouille Beach. Plan on wearing hiking shoes because the path can be tricky with big rocks, climbs, descents, and cliffs along the way. We didn’t regret it, but for the return trip, we chose a different route. Ouille Beach is very cute, but be aware that it’s just as crowded as the ones in the town center, even though it’s a bit farther out.
There are plenty of other trails to explore the nearby towns and coastline.
In short, it’s a town worth visiting if you’re on the Spanish coast or near Perpignan!
To see more photos of France, you can visit the gallery France.
