Collioure

In the extreme south of France, 26 km from the Spanish border, COLLIOURE, jewel of the rocky coast, enjoys an authentic setting and a protected environment. The small Catalan port is sheltered in a creek where mix the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the rocks of the Pyrenees mountain range.

An exceptional climate and sunshine, guaranteed by the Tramontane, make COLLIOURE a unique site where the well-being and Catalan art of living take their source. Several sandy or pebble beaches, coves, crystal clear waters, will allow you to enjoy swimming.

From Antiquity Collioure was an important trading port on the Mediterranean thanks to its geographical position and allowed the exchange of products and commodities. (Phoenicians, Greeks, Etruscans, Romans). The first mention of the castle (castrum) dates from 673 by the occupation of King Wamba (king of the Visigoths) who occupy the city. From 981, the Counts of Roussillon begin to develop and fortify. From the 12th to the 17th century, the city will be alternately annexed to the kingdoms of Aragon, Mallorca and France. The period from 1276 to 1344 is part of a period when trade is flourishing, the kings of Majorca settle in summer residence at the Royal Castle. In the 13th century there are several religious orders. The Knights Templar, The Hospitallers, The Dominicans and maybe the Cistercians.

HOW TO REACH

BY PLANE

Collioure is located some thirty kilometres from the Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport. A taxi or the no. 7 bus will take you to the centre of Perpignan, where you will find trains and buses for Collioure at the SNCF station.

Two other airports are also located close by, those of Girona and Barcelona, both in Spain. From these two airports, there is a Perpicat bus line that stops at Collioure.



BY TRAIN

There's nothing easier than catching the train to Collioure. The station is in the town centre of Collioure. You can take the Paris-Perignan train, then take a connection onward to Collioure. The other solution is to take a Perpignan-Collioure train (night-time inter-city)

You can search your schedule on the SNCF website.




ACCESS BY BOAT

Collioure port has an anchorage with around 15 buoys, managed by the town harbour master. Tel: +33 (0)4 68 82 17 69 and +33 (0)7 78 73 64 02

Shuttle boats departing from Argelès-sur-Mer for Collioure.



ACCESS BY CAR

For easy access to Collioure, simply take the A9 motorway towards Barcelona, then turn off at Perpignan Sud (junction 42). If you are coming from Spain, leave the motorway at Le Boulou (junction 43).

Follow directions for Argelès-sur-mer, then Collioure. There are two ways into Collioure: junction 13 via the cliff road, or junction 14 for Collioure centre.

Parking in Collioure: Parking in the centre of Collioure is difficult in July and August. Various parking facilities are available, including 2 external car parks. From May until the end of September, there is a shuttle bus service between from each of the 2 car parks Dourats and Cap Dourats and the centre of Collioure.