Collioure
Collioure / Cotlliure
A small Mediterranean port and birthplace of Fauvism, with colorful houses, a seaside bell tower and a castle that together make it one of France’s most beautiful harbors.
In 1905, Matisse and Derain created works here, launching the Fauvist movement. The town spreads along two bays. Its features include the church with a bell tower standing in the sea, the Royal Castle, colorful fishermen’s houses and a pebble beach. In the old town’s lanes, galleries and small shops selling anchovies line the streets. You can follow the “Fauvist Trail,” where reproduction panels of the paintings let you compare them with the real scenes. It takes about 25 minutes by train from Perpignan. Parking is difficult in summer, so the train is recommended.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Château Royal de Collioure
- Notre-Dame-des-Anges, Collioure
- Fort Saint-Elme
- Port-Vendres
- Argelès-sur-Mer Beach
- Cap Béar
- Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Reserve & Underwater Trail
- Elne Cathedral & Cloister