To rent
Collioure: authenticity and conviviality to discover
13 December 2021
Small port of the Côte Vermeille, Collioure offers one of the most beautiful destinations on the French Mediterranean coast. Built in an exceptional natural setting, the Catalan city has retained all of its authenticity. Its incomparable heritage, its pleasant climate and its art of living make it one of the wonders of the South.
Collioure, a destination within easy reach
Collioure is located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department. The town extends 30 km south of Perpignan and 25 km from the Spanish border. It is easily accessible from Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport, from the mainline SNCF network or even by the A9 motorway. It is even possible to get to Collioure by sea from Argelès-sur-Mer and Port-Vendres. A pleasant way to discover its superb port, its buildings and its monuments.Collioure, A long and eventful history
We find mention of a stronghold in Collioure as early as 673 AD! There is no doubt that the natural coastal shelter formed by nature in these places very early on attracted sailors and fishermen. The counts of Roussillon, the kings of Aragon, the kings of Mallorca, Spain and France have over the centuries disputed the possession of Collioure. Rivalries which led to the fortification of the city and the port. From Emperor Charles V who reinforced the city's fortifications and built Fort Saint-Elme, to Vauban who modernized his defensive system, Collioure was the focus of attention. In the 19th century, the city experienced a great economic boom linked to the expansion of anchovy fishing and viticulture.Collioure inspires artists However, it was the arrival of Henri Matisse and André Derain that would change the destiny of the village. The two precursors of Fauvism, who came to Collioure to take advantage of the region's incomparable light, will give this city an unprecedented artistic dimension.