Planning a trip to Collioure, France? This comprehensive guide highlights the best things to do in this picturesque coastal town, from exploring historic landmarks to indulging in local cuisine. Make the most of your visit with our tips and recommendations.
Collioure is a hidden jewel that captivates tourists with its unique combination of artistic attractiveness, cultural legacy, and natural beauty. It is known for its brilliant colors, rich history, and beautiful vistas. Here are some of the top things to do in this enthralling resort.
Things you'll find in this article
- 10 Best Things To Do In Collioure, France
- 1. Pay Respect at the Church of Our Lady of the Angels
- 2. Visit Château Royal de Collioure
- 3. Go to the Museum of Modern Art of Collioure
- 4. Stroll at Moure District
- 5. A Tour to Madeloc Tower
- 6. Discover Chapelle St Vincent
- 7. Play Roulette at Stelsia Casino
- 8. Ride the Little Road Train
- 9. Try Local Wines at the Le Cellier Dominicain
- 10. Ride the Catalan Boats
- Where to Stay in Collioure
- Collioure Travel Tips
10 Best Things To Do In Collioure, France
1. Pay Respect at the Church of Our Lady of the Angels
The Church of Our Lady of Angels was built in 1684, with a Tuscan-style cupola added in 1810. It represents the uniqueness of being at the port since the ancient label tower has been converted into a bell tower surrounded by water.
Vauban, desiring that the new port be transferred to Port Vendres, permitted the consuls to utilize the location to substitute the medieval church, which had been shaved by the same Vauban to expand the city’s fortress.
Outside of its dome, the church is designed in the Southern Gothic style. It is well-known for its many chapels that line the nave and its ornate furnishings.
2. Visit Château Royal de Collioure
The Château Royal de Collioure is a huge French royal castle located just a couple kilometers farther north than the Spanish boundary in the city of Collioure.
Northern Catalonia’s castle is a renowned tourist site. Collioure Castle hosts a range of cultural events, such as performances and tour guides.
The royal palace also serves as a memorial to a tragic chapter in history. Indeed, during the Spanish Civil War, republicans escaping the Franco administration were detained in French camps, involving Collioure, in 1939.
3. Go to the Museum of Modern Art of Collioure
The Museum of Modern Art is an essential visit to the city of artists. The Museum of Modern Art, which houses many pieces by classic and modern artists such as Claude Viallat, Jean Louis Vila, and Jean Capdeville and produces shows during the year, is a must-see for art aficionados.
The museum, which houses approximately 1500 pieces, exhibits choices from its collection that represent examples of contemporary art from the first half of the twentieth century. Several painters who lived their time at Collioure have works on display.
The collection contains both modern pieces and illustrations of the Support Surface movement created throughout a city residential retreat.
4. Stroll at Moure District
The authentic character of Collioure may be found in this old fishing town, located in the northern section of the city and slightly removed from the massive influx of tourists. If you’re seeking charm and love, this is the place to be!
Take a stroll through its cobblestone and scenic lanes, passing by several classic village buildings that were once fishermen’s or winemakers’ residences.
These homes are narrow and feature a storage cellar on the bottom level, as well as a bright and floral façade adorned with bougainvillea that pleases the visitor’s eye. In addition, there are artists’ studios as well as art galleries in the lower portion of the area that you may explore.
5. A Tour to Madeloc Tower
The tower was constructed as a lookout and to guard the shore by Majorcan King Jaume II. He lost tactical significance after the Pyrenees Peace of 1659. It was utilized as a radio transmission center as early as the first part of the twentieth century.
architecture
The circular tower, made of only a few hewn quarry stones, has no windows; the staircases and apartments within are only illuminated by loophole openings. Its top border is flanked by a slew of projecting consoles that once held wooden battlements.
6. Discover Chapelle St Vincent
The little chapel of Sant Vincent, the patron of all sailors and fishermen out in the Mediterranean Sea, is located on a tiny island along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea.
The little church dates from 1642 and was built on a small rocky island at the time. A dike was erected somewhere in the nineteenth century to link the mainland to the rock which is where the chapel lies. Saint Vincent was crucified on this rock, according to tradition.
The Chapel is made up of a single modest rectangular chamber with a portal and a basic tower with a single bell over the entrance.
7. Play Roulette at Stelsia Casino
The Casino Collioure, nestled in the hills, welcomes tourists daily from 10:00 a.m. It has classic game tables, a weekly competition, electronic roulette, and the most up-to-date slot machines.
Come and explore the delights of entertainment with comfort in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you are a player or not, everyone will be impressed by the variety of incentives at Stelsia Casino. Its private, free parking may accommodate coaches as well.
Remember to set a budget for the day and stick to it before you begin playing. Never put up more money than you can afford to lose. Consider this a cost of amusement rather than an investment.
8. Ride the Little Road Train
When you first reach the Collioure, you should take the tiny road train. It leads from Collioure as well as Port Vendres to Fort Saint Elme on the hills above the settlement. It’s a terrific opportunity to learn the bearings and gain a feel for the community.
There is a narration regarding the region’s past and life that may be heard in several languages. Adults appreciate it just as much as children, and even those who have previously visited can enjoy it.
9. Try Local Wines at the Le Cellier Dominicain
It seems almost impolite not to sample the local wines while in France. The Dominican Cellar is the ideal venue to go wine sampling in Collioure. Le Dominicain, a wine cooperative created in 1926, has its cellar in the Couvent des Dominicains.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff will let you sample their wines for free. I sampled one white wine and one oak-aged red wine. They were all fantastic!
10. Ride the Catalan Boats
These striking and colorful vessels referred to as Les Barques Catalanes, have been for years a vital element of the town’s fishing economy and cultural character.
As you go towards the main beach, you’ll notice these lovely boats bobbing gently in the sea of the little port.
Take a minute to observe their mast’s and sail’s distinctive design, which allows them to navigate and survive the region’s regular gusts of wind.
Arrive early in the morning to catch local fisherman returning from their expedition. You could get to observe them offloading anchovies and sardines.
Where to Stay in Collioure
La Frégate
Location: 24 Boulevard Camille Pelletan, 66190 Collioure, France
In Collioure, La Frégate has a common lounge, terrace, eating establishment, and bar. The property is about 33.1 kilometers from Stade Gilbert Brutus, 3 kilometers from Casino Collioure, and 22.7 kilometers from Saint-Cyprien Golf Course.
The non-smoking area is situated 210 meters from Boramar Beach.
Climbing is one of the activities available to hotel guests in and near Collioure.
Price per Night:
- $64 – $227
Amenities:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Bar
- Fabulous breakfast
Standard Double Room For 1 (1 night): $64 Price + $2 taxes and charges
Notable Inclusions:
- 1 double bed
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
Les Suites de Collioure
Location: 16 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 66190 Collioure, France
Les Suites de Collioure can be found in Collioure, 205 meters from Port Avall Beach, and offers air-conditioned rooms featuring free WiFi and easy arrival and departure.
This eco-friendly apartment is 412 meters from Boramar Beach and 506 meters from Boutigue Beach. There are family rooms in the unit.
The apartment has a private bathroom including a shower as well as a hair dryer, as well as a kitchen containing a dishwasher, an oven, plus a microwave.
There is also a toaster, a fridge, and a burner, in addition to a coffee maker and a kettle. Each apartment has a safety deposit box.
Price per Night:
- $214- $310
Amenities:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Family rooms
Apartment with Terrace For 4 (1 night): $310 Price (Includes taxes and charges)
Notable Inclusions:
- 2 large double bed
- Entire apartment
- Private kitchen
- City view
Collioure Travel Tips
Bring Your Sunscreen in Collioure
Collioure has plenty of sunshine throughout the year due to its position in the Mediterranean Sea. I’ve been here for all four seasons and have appreciated them all for various reasons.
Spring and fall are my preferred times of year because the weather is mild with highs in the mid-20s Celsius and the water is still comfortable for swimming.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Collioure is a laid-back town with tourists from all around, so you’ll see people dressed in everything. My recommendation is to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable regardless of the season.
Carry a waterproof jacket with you in summertime considering rain showers might occur at any time.
The most important item to carry is comfortable walking shoes, particularly when exploring the cobblestone streets of the old town.
June to August is a Busy Season
June to August is peak season, so if you are okay with sharing the beachfront and avenues with your foreign peers, this may be the place for you. Collioure also hosts the majority of its festivals during this time, so there is always plenty to do.
Many individuals, particularly families with school-aged children, arrange their summer vacations during the months when schools are out of session. This attracts people looking for a tranquil break or a cultural experience in Collioure.
Respect the Local Customs of Collioure
Collioure is a location where time appears to stand still. Locals take delight in relishing every minute and prefer a slower pace. Allow yourself to get immersed in the slow flow of life here when you visit.
Throughout the year, Collioure celebrates a number of events that celebrate local customs, art, and culture. Consider attending if your visit overlaps with one of these festivals.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.