If you are around the Pyrenees, then spend one day visit Collioure. Collioure is also called the pearl of the vermilion coast. It is an old fishing village, which is famous for its anchovies. It's a real artist town mixing between emotion and beauty.
This charming little town is located in the south of France and more particularly on the Mediterranean coast close to Spanish border; in a narrow bay, surrounded by mountains, at the bottom of a little steep-sided valley. Several beaches of sand or pebbles will allow you to enjoy swimming. The vegetation of the valley is made of many preserved pines.
Its center is very dense. There are few narrow streets for pedestrians and motorized vehicles are not allowed here, which gives its a certain charm. The town has been able to encourage people to showcase their homes. They are almost all well maintained, with flowers on the balcony and many plants that give a spring air, even in other seasons.
This center is bordering the beach, the separation is made only by the old medieval enclosure, largely pierced since to allow the flow of visitors to move freely from the city and its shops to the beach. The latter is made of pebbles, it has a magnificent panorama, with the view of the surrounding hills.
The church of Notre Dame des Anges and its characteristic belfry brings a plus to the postcard. There are some viewpoint stops with small windows for you to take photos of this unique building.
The imposing Royal Castle of Collioure was built in the 13th -17th centuries. Between 1276 and 1344 it was the summer residence of the Kings of Majorca.
Madeloc Tower is also worth a visit and do not forget your camera. If you go by car, pay attention to the turns! When you go down, do not forget to enjoy the old Banyuls wine.
La Chapelle Saint-Vincent: The rock on which it was built was once an island. According to the legend, it was where St. Vincent suffered martyrdom in 303. It was built in 1701 for the arrival of the new relics of the saint.
The bell tower: The stones show the stages of its construction: the lower part dates from the thirteenth, the upper part of the fifteenth and fourteenth. The tower was served as a beacon, then was used as prison and was connected to the church in 1693 to become its bell tower. In 1810, the dome was added to give it its present appearance.
The Mill: Probably the oldest in the Roussillon. Built in 1337, under the kingdom of Majorca, it was originally designed to grind grain. Then it was restored in 2001 and by time, it was transformed into an oil mill.
The Museum of Modern Art: Founded in 1930 by Jean Peské. The museum contains the works of many modern and contemporary artists (Cocteau, Camoin, Pignon, Balbino Giner, Descossy ...). Established since 1980 in the house of Senator Pams, the museum has greatly expanded its collections both in art history of 20th in contemporary art.
Collioure has always been an inspiration to artists. Picasso, Matisse, Derain, Dufy, Chagall, Marquet and many others have immortalized the small Catalan port. Today the Museum of Modern Art, a forty art galleries and artists from diverse backgrounds continue to make Collioure "City of Painters".
The cuisine here revolves around wine and anchovies. A mountain winery, built in terraces, planted centuries before Christ, swept by the Tramontana, heated by the sun gives rise to wines of character. The AOC Banyuls, sweet wine and Collioure AOC, red, pink or white.
For centuries, the anchovy Collioure are part of the Catalan culinary tradition. The label "Site remarkable taste" ensures a traditional preparation, craft and authentic from the small blue fish. Croquant de Collioure is a dry cake decorated with almonds or chocolate chips. Its preparation is also traditional, made with natural products.
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