Collioure, certainly one of the most beautiful seaside villages in France

What makes Collioure so special is its geographical position. On the seafront, the seaside resort lies at the foot of a mountain that hides the small seaside resort. Far from being very well hidden, Collioure is very popular during the summer months, making it difficult to get around the town.

If you're going to be there for several days, you'll want to get around on foot or by public transport, while if you're only going for a day, it's best to take the train from Argelès-sur-Mer. Journey time is around 15 minutes, and several trains run throughout the day. It's a real pleasure not to have to worry about parking on site!

Collioure is also famous for having been a source of inspiration for the painters of the Fauvist movement. Matisse and Derain painted several canvases there in the summer of 1905, transported by the colours and light that flooded the region. Matisse even declared: "There is no bluer sky in France than that of Collioure".

The locals can confirm that Collioure is a victim of its own beauty and quickly becomes impassable in summer, especially during the summer holidays. The heat is compounded by the crowds, which is not the best combination for enjoying the town and strolling around its historic centre.

To avoid the crowds and temperatures that can reach 30°C in the shade, it's best to visit in spring or autumn. The city is just as pretty and much less crowded. What's more, thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Collioure enjoys very mild weather at this time of year.

👉 The beach

While beaches in the south of France, on the Mediterranean coast, are generally made of pebbles, Collioure's beach has the particularity of being made of fine sand. It's a real pleasure to spread out your towel and indulge in a sunbathing or reading session on the beach, without fear of the pain caused by the pebbles. With its calm sea and horseshoe shape, Collioure beach is ideal for a family outing with children.

👉 The Moré district, in Collioure

The Moré district is the most picturesque part of the town. You can recognise it by the colourful facades of its houses. A former seafarers' and fishermen's quarter, it is made up of a maze of steep, picturesque streets. It's in the heart of this district that you can feel the atmosphere of Collioure's past. Tourists are particularly fond of wandering around here.

👉 The church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges

As well as being a remarkable religious site, built in the 17th century, Collioure's Notre-Dame-des-Anges church enjoys an exceptional setting, as it stands at the end of the beach and juts out over the Mediterranean Sea. Also built by Vauban, the church blends in perfectly with the seaside resort. A visit to this southern Gothic-style site is not to be missed.