Collioure

any visit to the Roussillon would not be complete without a visit to Collioure.

Collioure has always been a coveted place because of its opening to the Mediterranean Sea and its two bays which are easily defended. Many Phocaean, Roman, and Greek sailors traveled to Collioure and left behind a very rich archaeological heritage. In 673, Collioure was occupied by Wamba, King of the Visigoths. He named the place "CAUCOLIBERIS" (Port of Elne) which confirmed its importance as a trading port.

From 981 on, the counts of Roussillon and the kings of Majorca began to develop Collioure and build a fortress which was used as the summer residence for the kings of Majorca from 1276 to 1344.
Throughout the entire 13 th century, many crusaders passed through Collioure, e.g. the knights of the Templar order (hence the famous legend of the treasure of the Templars) in 1207, the Cistercians in 1242, and the Dominicans in 1280.Later, the discovery of America in the 15 th century led to the progressive decline of the port of Collioure.

From 1462 to 1493, Collioure was under French occupation during the reign of Louis XI. In 1642, after the Catalans had freed themselves from Spanish supremacy, Collioure fell again into French hands. During that period, Sébastien le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707), a French officer who built fortresses under Louis XIV, altered the fortifications giving Collioure its current appearance. Through the Pyrenean Peace Treaty of 1659, the Roussillon definitively fell to the French crown.

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This is one of the great destinations along the French Mediterranean. I have never found such a striking port, anywhere else and it has managed to a greater degree to retain the classical views, with little evidence of large built up hotels etc.

There are many sites to see, including the ornate church, the Palace or just meandering through the bustling back streets with their wide variety of shops and art galleries.

There are a wide selection of restaurants and bars to suit everyone pocket. You can pass away a few peaceful hours, supping crisp dry white wine with a platter of Fruit de Mer whilst watching the world of the Mediterranean go by. Or visit the famous Les Templiers, where Picasso, Dufy and friend used to pay for their bar bills by giving paintings to the owner. there is now a private gallery at the hotel restaurant - worth a visit.

Somewhere to stay, whatever time of year.

Depot d'Anchois 1

Depot d'Anchois 2

Depot d'Anchois 3

Villa Francois