Collioure, The Bluest Sky in France
A Historic Destination for Artists and Holidaymakers
Jul 8, 2008
"No sky in France is more blue than the one in Collioure..." wrote Henri Matisse and there really is something special about the light. Collioure has long attracted artists including Dali, Picasso, Matisse, Chagall and other painters, poets, writers and musicians. All came for the distinctive light they found in this small French Catalan town close to the Spanish border.
Collioure has Long Been a a Haven for Artists
Artists still visit and there are many who live in Collioure and can be seen working around the town; outdoors and in their studios. It is a location loved by both professional and amateur artiscts.
A Quiet Holiday Destination
Nevertheless the area also makes for a restful holiday as it has pleasant beaches with safe swimming to keep young children happy. However the main beach is stony and uncomfortable to walk on so slides or jellies will be needed. Away from main beach by the harbour there are other quieter and sandier beaches behind the belltower and on the other side of the Chateua Royale close to the southern part of the village..
Sitting on the rocky coastline of French Catalonia; Collioure forms an excellent base for walking (and, in winter, skiing) in the Pyrenees-Orientales. There are less strenuous but still vigorous walks around the town for example to Le Fort Sainte Elme (which is privately opened and not open to the public). On the way the restored 18th century windmill should be visited; its olive terraces provide a cool haven and a breather on the climb. Alternatively it is somewhere to just stop and enjoy a shady, quiet place where one can sit and read; or simply contemplate life.
Historic Sites and Sights
There are many other sights: Le Château Royale, often used for exhibitions, and the Eglise Notre Dame des Anges; its belltower is probably the best known view of Collioure appearing in many paintings, photographs and postcards. Around the town are picture frames that allow the visitor to reproduce views that feature in paintings by the many artists who have visited Collioure. The town is compact and apart from the climb to the fort and windmill everywhere is within a few minutes gentle walk.
For those with more gastronomic interests Collioure is well served with bars and restaurants including La Fregate on the way to the harbour and the Michelin starred Le Neptune on the other side of the harbour with views to the Chateau Royale. The speciality is locally caught anchovies for which Collioure has been granted the award of site remarquable du gôut (site of culinary excellence). They are not the tiny examples that one may be familiar with in jars or on pizzas but are more the size of sardines. They are often served in the Catalonian manner with salad as a starter.
Wine lovers can visit Les Cellier des Dominicans in the cloisters adjoining the Dominican Church.
In the summer there are free concerts in Place de 18 Juin in front of the Office du Tourisme. After dinner, or even during if one chooses the right restaurant, classical and a jazz concert are enjoyed by all age groups with many dancing in the cool of the evening. Other musical events take place around the town including in the Eglise de Notre Dames des Anges.
A Relaxing and Easy to Reach Destination
Collioure is a destination for a quiet, relaxing and comfortable holiday especially in early, June or July, or late in the holiday season from September onwards when the weather is still warm. It has easy access to Perpignan and even Barcelona in Spain is only a little over two hours away by car. North from the town are the easily accessible Mediterranean beaches of Languedoc-Rousillion.
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