France is home to a thousand landscapes and cultural wonders, and Collioure is one of them. Known as the pearl of the Vermilion Coast, this paradise is located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, 30 km from Perpignan and very close to the Spanish border. What to do in Collioure? What to visit in Collioure? For a weekend, a week's stay, or longer, here are the top 15 things to do in Collioure.

Summary
Top 15 things to do in Collioure
1 – Explore the Royal Castle
As soon as you arrive at your destination, it's hard not to see the beautiful Fortress, overlooking the crystal clear waters; protected by the mountains. Since 1922, the Royal Castle has been classified as a historical monument, which is to say that its reputation is legitimate. This highly imposing citadel has long served as a defensive wall. Over the centuries, crossing eras, the Royal Castle has undergone many changes of ownership; passing from the Counts of Roussillon, to the Kings of Majorca; finally, as a prison for Republican soldiers (during the Spanish Civil War) and political prisoners (under the Vichy regime). Your visit will therefore be rich in stories and legends.
Prices:
- Adult: around €4
- Reduced rate (students etc.): €3
- Child (under 12): free
2 – Relax on the beach and in the coves
The best thing about Collioure is that you have a wide range of places where it's good to relax.
In the heart of Collioure, you'll find Boramar Cove, surrounded on both sides by the Château Royal and the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges. An incredible view awaits you!
Close to the city center shops, stands out the famous Plage Saint Vincent, renowned for its breathtaking view of the Royal Castle, a treat for the retina!
As far as the eye can see, a long, fine sandy beach. Faubourg Beach at Port d'Avall. The atmosphere there is more family-oriented and relaxed. Not to mention the Royal Castle, ever present in the background.
A little further away from the center is La Balette Cove. Located below the cliffs of the Côte Vermeille, to reach it, simply follow a small paved path that runs along the coast.
This way, you will have a better view to admire the whole of Collioure Bay.
3 – Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Angels
Without this Toulouse Gothic-style building, Collioure would lack charm. And that's an understatement, because the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church is simply a symbol! Its rounded tower bathing in the sea gives it a charming authenticity. A bell tower was added to an old lighthouse, ending in a dome, in the 1810s. Before it, there was the Sainte-Marie church, the first church in the city, which was finally razed under the orders of the Marquis de Vauban. It was Louis XIV who initiated the construction of the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church. Once inside, you will be able to admire its 9 wooden altarpieces; bright and modeled. Candles are also installed at your disposal. Perfectly located between Boramar cove and Saint Vincent beach, the church offers you a beautiful panorama. At night, the church is even more admirable!
4 – Contemplate the shore from the Saint-Vincent chapel
At the very end of Collioure's jetty lies the Saint-Vincent Chapel. A tiny chapel built in 1701 on a schist rock.
The legend dates back to 303, when the city's patron saint, Saint Vincent, was allegedly tortured on the very spot where the cathedral now stands.
This simple rectangular room, with its arched portal, would therefore be a tribute to Saint Vincent. A way of paying homage, what's more.
As you pass the church, you have the opportunity to access large stairs that lead you to the dike.
Once you have visited the cathedral, you can go to the pier, where you will see Christ as a martyr, on a large wooden cross, facing the sea.
The view is exceptional at sunrise and sunset!
5 – Practice making oil at the Moulin de Collioure
Perched on the heights of Collioure, in an olive grove, between the sea and the mountains, the Moulin à l'huile has its place in the history of Collioure. Built around 1337, this building is reputed to be the oldest grain mill in Roussillon. Until the 19th century, cereals were still ground here. It was only in 2001 that this place was restored, to be transformed into an oil mill. Today, olive crushing is added to this. Everything is done in the traditional way, using wooden machinery. Tours resume from April to September, every Wednesday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can also buy oil on site. To access this site, you will have to walk about 15 minutes from the castle. So, choose good sports shoes!
6 – Climb Fort Saint-Elme
Perched on a hill, Fort Saint-Elme offers an exquisite view of the city that is well worth the effort. It will take you about 45 minutes to reach the top. If this is not possible for you, a small train will serve as a shuttle. This military fort was built in the 16th century and reinforced in the following century by the Marquis de Vauban. Their shared interest was to fortify the fort to prevent any attacks. A visit to this fort also includes a visit to the Museum of Medieval and Renaissance Weapons. Shows and events for all ages can also take place there.
The fort opens its doors:
– From July to September: from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
– From October to November, from February to March and during the Christmas holidays: from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prices vary depending on whether you choose a self-guided tour or a guided tour.
Prices:
- Self-guided tour: €7/person
- Discovery: €8/person
- Tasting: €15/person
- Night visit: €25/adult and €15/child
7 – Admire the works of artists at the Museum of Modern Art
1600 works are currently on display in the rooms of the Collioure Museum of Modern Art.
It features 20th-century works of art, including works by artists who have resided in the town of Collioure. It also features contemporary works of art, including some from the Support Surface movement.
Other exhibitions are set up temporarily, in order to promote contemporary artists and explore the artistic history of Collioure.
In 1934, the Museum of Modern Art was founded by a famous Russian artist, Jean Peské. After his death, the town hall decided to take over its management.
If you want to enrich your discovery of Collioure, you've come to the right place!
Prices:
- Self-guided tour: €3 for those over 12
- Guided tour: €3 + €5
8 – Go for a walk along the harbor
The marina of Collioure is a pleasant and relaxing walk.
Capable of accommodating 106 boats on its pontoon, the port of Collioure offers a truly postcard-perfect panorama.
Small, colorful and unusual boats moor along the harbor. These are Catalan boats.
With a bit of luck, you might even witness a successful catch of fresh anchovies. A local specialty!
You can also take a break in a café or restaurant to quietly enjoy the spectacle; and see the port come alive to the rhythm of the Catalan boats.
If you wish to continue your walk, two paths are available to you:
– On your right (from the port) is the Royal Castle; you can walk past it and along Faubourg beach.
– On your left (from the port), continue your walk passing by Boramar beach, to stop at the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church; take a nap at Saint-Vincent beach and admire Saint-Vincent cathedral and the lighthouse.
9 – Hike to the Madeloc Tower
At an altitude of 652 metres, stands the Madeloc tower, a signal tower used to monitor the coast.
This tower is 30 meters high. Inside, three vaulted floors, a chimney, and a cistern have been built.
This activity is the perfect combination of business and pleasure.
Leaving Collioure, from the harbor master's office, you have 15 km to go to climb up to the Madeloc tower.
After about 7 hours of well-deserved walking, you will be able to admire the Pyrenees mountain range and the surrounding sea.
If you prefer a shorter hike, you can take your vehicle directly and park at the Hauts de Port-Vendres orientation table (along the D86).
From there, you'll have to walk 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your fitness level, to discover the Madeloc Tower. More doable, right?
10 – Go on a kayak trip
Eco-friendly and fun, visiting the Catalan coast by kayak is ideal, especially if you're tired of driving or walking.
In a single or double kayak, you have the option of going for half a day or a day, alone or in a group.
The route is quite simple: you leave from Collioure, follow the Vermeille coast to Rosas.
Masks and snorkels can also be provided so that you can admire the wild coves from below and explore the hidden caves of Cap Béar.
Prices:
- 12 € per hour
- 40 € for the half-day (4 hours)
- 60 € for the day (8 hours)
11 – Sail along the Vermeille Coast
Instead of renting your own boat directly because it has a cost.
The town of Collioure has set up shuttles between the ports of Collioure and Argelès: the Kapmer sea trips.
These small 20-minute boats are easily recognizable as their appearance does not go unnoticed.
These shuttles mainly pass through the port of Collioure, the port of Port-Vendres and the port of Argelès-sur-Mer.
Prices:
- Shuttles: for a direct round trip, the price is €16.
- The underwater vision cruise: for a 2-hour excursion, the price is €24.
- The three-port tour: for a 1.5-hour excursion, the price is €16.
12 – Experience the cultural walks of the Fauvism House
Collioure is the city of the Fauvism movement, an art that overturned the pictorial rules of the 19th century. Painting then became the representation of emotion and expressive color. This is how Collioure became a muse of Fauvism. If you want to learn more about this Fauvism culture, the Maison du Fauvisme offers a discovery of the artistic and historical heritage of the city. A boutique area is also available, if you have been won over by the works of Henri Matisse and André Derain. The Maison du Fauvisme offers several cultural experiences, from 1 to 2 hours, to familiarize you with the culture and history of Fauvism.
Personalized tours take place Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Price:
- Around €8 per person
13 – Enjoy the local gastronomy
A culinary journey is a pleasure to be experienced on every trip. Savoring local cuisine means immersing yourself in local life. Collioure is renowned for its anchovies, a typical Catalan specialty. This maritime heritage has earned it the "Site Remarque du Goût" label. Head to Roque et Desclaux to sample them filleted in oil, salt, and brine.
Collioure's wine-growing region is also a source of envy. The Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah grape varieties bring highly aromatic flavors with floral notes to the wines. All of Collioure's vineyards are worth visiting to enjoy a glass of wine, without moderation.
You can also try Catalan cuisine, including fresh fish, grilled shellfish, paella, cargolade, Catalan lamb, and zarzuela. There are many restaurants offering a warm welcome: La Balette, Le Neptune, L'Amphytrion, La Frégate, and more.
14 – Stroll through the streets of Collioure
Collioure has a crazy charm, with its beautiful pedestrian streets, its pretty facades in warm colors, its small beaches, and its historic monuments. The best way to find the little treasures of a city is to walk; to lose yourself in the alleys. Even better if you get lost in the Mouret district, the main inspiration of Fauvism.
So don't hesitate to immortalize this wonderful moment, as the colors of the tightly packed houses will captivate you! Many easels have been set up in this alleyway, as the painters Matisse and Derain would agree... The Collioure markets, open on Wednesday and Sunday mornings, at Place Maréchal Leclerc, offer a variety of local products. Why not stroll among the stalls?
Start by smelling the fruit and vegetables, chatting with a local vendor and bringing back some souvenirs from Collioure!
15 – Participate in cultural and festive events
Exploring Collioure also means discovering its festivities.
The month of June is dedicated to the anchovy. It's the celebration of its effigy.
In August, Saint Vincent's Day is celebrated from the 14th to the 18th. Once the Catalan boats arrive at the port, the festivities begin. The sardana, the Catalan dance, takes center stage. Dancers in traditional costumes provide rhythm for the event, and the fireworks highlight the show.
If you enjoy walking and wine, discovering the Pietri Géraud estate is for you.
Robert, Vinohrando's wine tourism expert, will accompany you for three hours to discover the vineyards of Collioure. Nothing will be a secret for you as Robert shares the history of the vineyard, its origins, the estate's cultivation techniques, winemaking methods, and anecdotes.
Saving the best for last: a 1-hour VIP tasting at the Pietri Géraud estate cellar!
The estate can be visited in December and must be booked by telephone.
So no need to try to find out what to do and what to visit in Collioure!
Price :
- The 3.5-hour tour costs €25.