Collioure village
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Collioure - by 8888547 from Pixabay





Description
Collioure is a seaside village near the Spanish border in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Historically part of the Roussillon province (until it became part of the French kingdom in 1659), it is now a very popular sightseeing spot thanks to its picturesque bay crowned by the 17th-century Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and the Royal Castle of Collioure that was built in its current form next to the harbour under the Kings of Majorca (mid-13th century). Other highlights include a windmill, the fort Saint-Elme built atop the same hill, the local modern art museum, and the old neighbourhood of sailors and fishermen (Le Mouré) with its traditional streets and houses. The local culinary specialty is anchovies.
Access & Transport
The village is located 30km southeast of Perpignan and only 20km from the border with Spain. There is a train station on a regional line between Perpignan/Narbonne and Cerbère/Port Bou.
Instructions & Recommendations
Parking in the centre of the village is very challenging in the summer but there are large lots a little bit outside. The Royal Castle can be visited (7€ for adults and free for <18), opening hours are 10h-17h from Nov to March (with seasonal closure the second half of Jan) and 10-18h from April to Oct with guided visits at 10h30 and 14h30. Link: https://www.ledepartement66.fr/dossier/le-chateau-royal-de-collioure/
Environmental & Social
Tourism doesn't add incremental carbon footprint other than the drive to get there so we deem this attraction environmentally neutral. Good for the local economy but also over-commercialized, which negatively impacts the social fabric & behaviours
Conclusion
Collioure is worth a stop and even a small detour but it is also overrated nowadays and not at its most enjoyable between mid-July and late August. Go in the shoulder season if you can and remember there are other interesting villages in the area as well.
Key positive
Very picturesque bay & monuments
A few charming streets
Key negative
Very busy in the summer (and difficult to park)
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
March 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 40m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo