Collioure France: 17 Best Things To Do & Where To Stay
Thinking of Visiting Collioure, France?
Collioure is a great place to stay while visiting the South of France and there are plenty of things to do in this vibrant little village tucked between the Pyrenees mountains and nestled against the Mediterranean Sea.
This medieval Catalan village is an artist’s paradise washed in the sunshine for over 300 days of the year. Just a short 30-minute drive from the north of the Spanish border, it offers all of the splendid attributes of the French Riviera at a much lower cost.
Don’t Have Time To Read This Post Right Now? Pin It For Later:
17 Best Things To Do In Collioure
We first discovered Collioure in 2008 and loved it so much that a few years later we decided to make it our second home. We bought a vacation flat in 2013 and have been coming to this Catalan cultural paradise nestled against the Mediterranean Sea ever since.
When coming up with the 17 Best Things to Do in Collioure, we had to really narrow things down, because for us there are way more than 17 things to do in this fabulous area!
Highlights of Collioure France
✅ Taking in the art and culture through a museum, village walks and visiting the local art galleries
✅ Enjoying the seaside – water sports, boat rides, beaches all allow you to bask in the sunshine of this beautiful village
✅ The food and wine are one of the biggest highlights in Collioure – with specialities of the region and fresh seafood available – it is a foodie’s delight
1. Taste the Wine
If you like wine then you are going to love Collioure. The village just happens to be in Languedoc-Rousillon, the largest wine-producing region in the world! With more than 700,000 acres of vineyards, the region accounts for 1/3 of France’s wine production.
✅ For a guided wine tour experience check out this private tour option where you will walk through the vineyards of Collioure.
Collioure itself has nearly 30 wine producers surrounding the village, so you don’t have to go far to try some of the best wines in France.
In fact, several of the wine producers have set up shop right in the heart of the old town all within walking distance of each other. Wine tastings are typically free, but don’t hesitate to buy a bottle or two.
You can also try the locally produced wines at any of the restaurants and bars in Collioure. Our favourite wine bar is Chez SylVin located in the square just behind Boramar beach.
2. Visit the Windmill (Moulin de la Cortina)
To get one of the prettiest views overlooking the village of Collioure walk up to the 14th-century windmill that sits on the hillside between the village at the bottom and Fort St. Elne at the top.
This medieval structure which is the oldest windmill in the Roussillon region, was originally built when Collioure was part of the Kingdom of Majorca and was used to grind grain for the villagers.
It has been fully restored to its original splendour and is now used to press oil from the olives that are grown in the grove along the hillside.
3. Visit the Museum of Modern Art
The village of Collioure has been an inspiration to artists for generations and continues to be a gathering place for local and visiting artists from around the world. The Museum of Modern Art is a showcase of some of the finest artists in the region.
Inside the museum, located in the Faubourg area of Collioure beside the old Dominican nunnery, you will find works from Matisse, Derain, Van Gogh as well as a host of other contemporary artists.
The museum also hosts workshops and themed displays of drawings, paintings, sculptures and photographs throughout the year.
4. Discover the Fauvism Trail
Collioure has long been considered the birthplace of Fauvism, a bold and wild art form that was created by several young artists including Henry Matisse and André Derain in 1905.
Matisse and Derain were prolific painters who were inspired by the intense light and vivid colours of the village of Collioure and its landscape. They painted landmarks and highlights from several vantage points around the village which can be explored on a self-guided walking tour.
Each significant location that the Fauvist painters used to create a work of art is marked by a steel photo frame that provides a view of their creative subject. Nearby, a replica of their original work is on display so you can compare it to the actual subject that inspired them.
You can even use the photo frame as a guide to take the exact same picture of the landscape that they painted over 100 years ago.
5. Take in the Beaches of Collioure France
- Boramar – The Main Beach
- Boutigue – Popular with Families
- St Vincent’s Beach – Great for Water Sports
One of the main reasons that people come to Collioure is to enjoy its beautiful seaside locale lined with several well protected beaches along its tiny horseshoe bay.
Here you will find people sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding or just plain lounging at one of the many beachside bars and restaurants.
The main beach is Boramar, a pebbly beach that is bordered by the ancient Chateau Royale on one side and the iconic Notre Dames des Anges Church on the other. This beach has several seafood restaurants and bars serving up the finest Catalan food and refreshing cocktails with wonderful vistas of the sea and village.
Boutigue beach, located on the other side of the Chateau Royale from Boramar beach, is very popular with families with younger children. The water is shallower here than Boramar or St. Vincent and the beach is sandier as well.
Behind the beach is a newly renovated terrace area and across the street, you will find shops and restaurants.
Another popular beach in Collioure is Saint Vincent’s beach, located on the other side of Notre Dames des Anges church from Boramar. This beach is popular for sunbathing, snorkelling and water sports and has a nautical shop and a recently renovated Beach restaurant and bar to relax at after a day on the water.
While these are the 3 main beaches in Collioure, you will find several other smaller, intimate beaches in tiny coves along the shoreline on either side of town.
6. Wander the Picture Perfect Streets
While Collioure is a small village of roughly 3000 residents, it is adorned with lovely shops, cafes, local artisans, bakeries and gelato stands along its labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets.
The fact that the old village is pedestrian-only every day after 11:00am, makes it a delight to wander blissfully through its quaint streets without the worry of having to deal with traffic.
Admire the colourful kaleidoscope of fishermen’s houses with their wrought iron balconies and ornate wooden entrances. Visit the studios of local artists and talk to them about their works.
Pop into the clothing boutiques and try on their one-of-a-kind wares. This is the bustling street life of Collioure and one of the great things to do here.
7. Take a Ride on Le Petit Train Touristique
You can pick up Le Petit Train Touristique de Collioure in the main parking lot downtown across from Cafe Sola. It runs several times a day making a round trip from Collioure to nearby Port-Vendres and back.
The trip takes just under an hour and there is English and French commentary about the history and culture of Collioure.
What is unique about the train ride is that it takes you through the meandering, terraced vineyards of Collioure and up to its tallest peak upon which sits the 16th century Fort Saint Elme.
The train stops here so you can take in the breathtaking views of Collioure, the Mediterranean and the vineyards that surround the area.
Insider Tip for the Perfect Picture
This is the best place to get a photo of the entire village of Collioure and its magnificent horseshoe bay.
8. Visit the Chateau Royale de Collioure
This imposing medieval castle has been a fixture in the village since the late 12th century and visiting its interior is one of the best things to do in Collioure, France.
From the minute you pass through its main gate you are whisked back in time. Through the centuries, the castle has been the home of the counts of Rosseló, the kings of Aragon and the Royal Palace of the Kings of Majorca.
We have visited the castle several times and never get tired of wandering through the countless halls and grand rooms then walking around the castle wall for stunning views of Collioure and the Mediterranean Sea.
The renovated halls are often used by local artisans to display their latest works and another reason that the Chateau Royale is a great place to visit in Collioure.
9. Shop at the Collioure Market
We love markets and one of the best ones in the whole region is the bustling local market in Collioure. In fact, the very reason we discovered Collioure in the first place was when we were staying about 30 minutes up the coast in 2008 and we wanted to visit a local market. Several people told us the best one was in this lovely little village called Collioure. They were right!
The market is held every Wednesday and Sunday morning and is in two places in the centre of the village. The main market is in the square across from Le Fregate Hotel and the hot food trucks are in the parking lot in front of the post office.
Regardless of what you are looking for, you will find it here. Fresh local fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, spices, and herbs abound in the market. You will also find stands with regional cheeses, fresh baked bread and pastries, as well as clothes, crafts, and fresh-cut flowers.
Insider Tip – Enjoy Fresh Oysters
We love to end our market shopping at the oyster stand. We order a dozen of the freshest oysters caught that day along with a glass of sparkling wine which we enjoy at the high-top tables that the vendor has set up next to his display.
10. Take a Boat Tour of the Côtes Vermeille
When you are at a coastal town on the Mediterranean Sea that brushes up against the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, you must take a boat ride to really get a sense of how spectacular this area really is.
Several different companies offer one-way or round-trip boat tours from Collioure that you can pick up at the pier just in front of the Chateau Royale. The boats run from Collioure to its two neighbouring villages of Port-Vendres to the south and Argeles-Sur-Mer to the northwest.
We recommend the round-trip tour which lasts about an hour and a half and includes some great views of the rocky Côtés Vermeilles that stretches from the Spanish border to the sandy beaches of Argeles-Sur-Mer.
11. Go Dolphin Watching
This is a must do in Collioure depending on what time of year you are visiting. While dolphins occupy the waters around Collioure all year long, the boats that take you dolphin watching are typically seasonal, running between April and October.
What are the chances of seeing dolphins in the area? Pretty Good. And the reason is that there is a protected natural marine reserve located at the village of Banyuls, just a few kilometres south of Collioure.
The dolphin tours are provided by the same boats that offer the tours of the Côtés Vermeilles located at the pier in front of the Chateau Royale.
12. Take in St. Vincent’s Festival
If you happen to be in Collioure France in mid-August, then you will be able to participate in the most significant event of the year – the Festival of Saint Vincent – a tradition in Collioure since 1701.
Saint Vincent is the patron Saint of Collioure and legend has it that he was martyred here in 303 AD. There is a tiny chapel atop the rock overlooking Saint Vincent’s beach that marks the legendary spot and safeguards his relics.
The festival takes place from August 14 to 18 every year and the biggest celebration is reserved for August 16 – Saint Vincent’s Day. The day is marked by a spectacular festival that takes place on the water by the chapel.
Local fishermen re-enact the arrival of the relics of Saint Vincent to Collioure, carrying them on iconic Catalan boats.
The week of the festival is by far the busiest of the year, but it is packed with things to see and do including concerts, art displays, games, street music and street dancing featuring the Saldana – the traditional dance of the Catalan people.
13. Explore the Hiking Trails
Hiking is one of the main activities to enjoy when you are visiting Collioure. Its location at the base of the Pyrenees mountains and its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea means that you will enjoy spectacular views and a range of terrain and elevation changes.
There are gentle trails that take you around the main village and range in distance from 2 to 3 kilometres. For the more adventurous there are dozens of trails along the hillsides in and around Collioure.
One of the favourite and most beautiful hikes is the coastal trail that starts in Argeles-Sur-Mer and passes through Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls-Sur-Mer and Cerbère near the Spanish border. This covers a distance of 32 kilometres and offers the most breathtaking views of the coast.
14. Marvel at Notre Dames Des Anges
Notre Dames Des Anges is the most iconic landmark in Collioure and has been the source of countless paintings and pictures from artists and photographers the world over.
The church was built at the end of the 17th century, but its bell tower dates back to the 8th century when it was originally used as a lighthouse. The exterior of the church is Gothic in style, but the inside has been influenced by the Catalan Baroque style.
The church is still used today, not only for the many religious festivals in Collioure but also for weekly services, weddings, and funerals. It is open every day, all year round and is a must-see on your visit to Collioure.
15. Try the Anchovies
Collioure has been known for its anchovies since the middle of the 15th century. Go to any restaurant or bistro in Collioure and you can be sure that anchovies, in one form or another, will be on the menu. They are an important and traditional food that forms part of the gastronomic culture of Collioure.
La Maison Roque, in the middle of the village, is the last anchovy cannery in all of France and was granted Living Heritage Company status in 2020. Here they still process anchovies in the traditional way, with no machinery and produce delicious products that are salted, preserved in brine, or preserved in oil.
Insider Tip – Partake in an Anchovy Tasting
La Maison Roque offers anchovy tastings as well as a tour of its working facility. Be sure to check this out when you are in Collioure!
16. Go Sailing and Paddle Boarding
If you are interested in sailing or paddle boarding, then head over to the other side of Notre Dames des Anges where you will find Saint Vincent’s Beach, protected by a large stone breakwater pointing out to sea. From here, you can rent sea kayaks, paddle boards or windsurfers.
Never tried sailing, paddle boarding or windsurfing? No problem. There is a nautical shop at the beach where you can book lessons with an experienced guide who will show you all you need to know to get out and enjoy the fabulous waters of the Mediterranean in the Collioure harbour.
17. Eat at a Catalan Restaurant
Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Collioure France is to eat at one of the fabulous Catalan restaurants in this gastronomic paradise.
While Collioure is a small village of only 3000 full-time residents, it boasts nearly 50 eateries and restaurants in the high season. It even has a Michelin-starred restaurant that is open from April to October!
You won’t go hungry in Collioure with great seafood, tapas, Catalan dishes, Italian cuisine, and a variety of Asian and Fusion options.
While too numerous to mention them all, here is a list of our favourites:
L’Insolite – this casual Catalan bistro serves food from mid-morning through to late afternoon or early evening depending on the weather. All seating is outside at the edge of Boramar beach and this is one of our go-tos for lunch.
Casa Leon is one of our favourites for dinner and serves wonderful seafood with set menus for dinner.
Paco is a Catalan tapas-style restaurant and is a great place to go if you aren’t sure exactly what you want to eat. You can order a variety of small plates prepared fresh and paired with some of the best local wines. We love this restaurant and it is a place we visit regularly.
La Bodeguita is another restaurant well worth trying while you’re in Collioure. It is Catalan/Polynesian fusion as the owners, who are from Collioure, spent a few years in French Polynesia where they also had a restaurant. This restaurant offers an exotic, tropical vibe and its food presentation is second to none.
Where to Stay in Collioure
While there aren’t any bad places to stay in Collioure, where you stay will really depend on what your interests are and what your budget is.
If you want to be near the beach and in the middle of everything (restaurants, shops, cafes, street music), then staying in the old town (le Mouré) between the Douy river and Nôtres Dames Des Anges church is the place to be.
✅ Check out this 2-bedroom apartment right in the centre of the action!
For a quieter stay, you may want to consider the Faubourg area on the far side of the Chateau Royale and behind Boutigue Beach. There are a few shops and restaurants here, but you will need to walk 10 minutes to the old town for the main beach and most of the shops and restaurants.
If you are on a tight budget but would still like to stay in Collioure as (opposed to Port-Vendres or Argeles-Sur-Mer), there are a couple of hotels and a host of vacation rentals on the hill behind the village and overlooking the bay.
One thing to keep in mind if you are considering this location is that while you are only a kilometre or so from the downtown and you plan on walking, the trek up the hill on your way back is quite challenging, especially on a hot day.
Wherever you decide to stay, if you are planning on coming anytime between April and October, make sure you book early as Collioure France is a popular spot in the mid and high seasons.
Best Budget Spot: Hotel Triton in the Faubourg area is just at the edge of town.
Suggested Mid-Range Spot: Le Fregate Hotel is in the heart of Collioure.
Top Luxury Spot: Hôtel La Casa Pairal is in a quiet area not far from the train station.
✅ If you would like more ideas on where to stay you can read our post with an expanded list of hotels.
How to Get to Collioure, France
By Car
If you plan on driving to Collioure, be aware that this is a small village and has little to no designated street parking. There are a number of large parking lots that you can use around the village and they all have automated kiosks for paying.
Also, keep in mind that the main street through Collioure is closed to traffic on Wednesday and Sunday mornings because of the local market.
By Train
If you plan on coming in from any of the major cities, including Barcelona, Paris or Perpignan, a good option is to take the train. Collioure has a train station very close to the downtown area, only about 700 metres from the beach, and a lot of people use this convenient method.
FAQ: Collioure Travel Planning Tips
What is Collioure France known for?
Collioure is known for its wine, its beaches, its history, its Catalan roots, and its art. There are so many sights to see and places to just relax and enjoy this seaside town.
How Many Days is Enough in Collioure?
How many days you spend in Collioure really depends on what you want to do. We recommend 3-5 days to really be able to enjoy all the town has to offer.
What is the best month to visit Collioure?
Determining when you would like to visit Collioure will be based on what you are looking to experience in the town. If you enjoy a very busy vibe and lots of people then visit in the summer.
Shoulder season is perfect for visiting with less people but lovely weather. And the off-season is peaceful but with fewer restaurants and shops available.
✅ For more details about planning your visit read our Guide for Planning your trip to Collioure.
Is Collioure worth a visit?
So, is Collioure worth a visit? Well for us the answer is: Yes, always! Whether you’re an art lover, foodie, wine connoisseur, history buff, hiker or beach lounger, Collioure France has something for everyone.
Final Thoughts: Collioure, France Guide
Collioure, in the beautiful South of France is the place to visit in 2024. It has magnificent mountains, a turquoise sea, a venerable history, fantastic art culture, and a wonderful Catalan vibe.
The weather is pretty unbeatable and there is nothing like sitting by the beach in the morning enjoying a fresh, warm pain au chocolate and a crème café as the sun rises over the Mediterranean or relaxing with friends at Chez SylVin with a glass of delicious, inexpensive, local wine at the end of the day.
