A CITY BETWEEN SEA AND MOUNTAINS
In the extreme south of France, 26 km from the Spanish border, COLLIOURE, jewel of the rocky coast, benefits from an authentic setting and a protected environment. The small Catalan port nestles in the shelter of a creek where the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the rocks of the Pyrenees mountain range mix. An exceptional climate and sunshine, guaranteed by the Tramontane, make COLLIOURE a unique site where well-being and the Catalan art of living take their source. Several sandy or pebble beaches, coves, clear waters, will allow you to enjoy swimming.
The Royal Castle belongs to the Departmental Council 66. Immersed in the sea and ideally located in the city center, it is one of the small wonders of Collioure, by its history, its beauty and its imposing appearance. It was also classified as a Historic Monument in 1922. The first fortification on this site was that of a Roman castrum.
The little extra to take full advantage of the visit is to attend a guided tour, it immerses you in the universe of the castle. Also shows and exhibitions are regularly organized, and it hosts many events, including the Cour de Noël (Christmas shops in the castle).
A superb citadel that cannot be missed with its foundations plunging into the sea, the Château de Collioure is both beautiful and imposing. It is also the centerpiece of the city's defensive system. Merchant port and stronghold unite in the walls of this monument. It was built on the site of ancient Roman constructions and fitted out by the Counts of Roussillon and the Kings of Aragon. Between 1276 and 1344, it hosted and served as a summer residence for the court of the Kings of Majorca. In the 17th century, Vauban raised the outer enclosure, razed the village which was located within the ramparts and fitted out the glacis (current car park).
A little history ...
The castle found its place above a rocky outcrop of about thirty meters, today, completely buried by construction. It is located on the site of the first Iberian city dating from the 6th century BC and testifying to the presence of a fishing port. From the 12th century, the castle will be occupied in turn by different kings of different kingdoms. The Royal Castle was a centerpiece of the defensive system of the city, a merchant port and a stronghold are united in the walls of this castle. There will be three major construction phases. The castle was completely rebuilt by the kings of Majorca in the 13th century to become their summer residence. In the 14th century, the kings of Aragon reorganized the fortifications to make it a military fortification. In the 17th century, Vauban raised the outer enclosure, razed the village which was located within the ramparts and fitted out the glacis. In 1939, the fortress was transformed into a prison.
Find out more: see the page of the royal castle of Collioure on the website of the Department of Pyrénées-Orientales
It's an institution: Collioure's little tourist train has been running for two decades. The departure takes place every hour, even every 30 minutes in season, near the post office, on the place of May 8, 1945.
The valiant little train attacks the climb to the heights of Collioure by the path de la Galère "We go up to Fort Saint Elme".
Through the terraced vineyards, having reached the foot of the fort, the white and yellow wagons pause to admire the panoramic view which goes from the coast and the bay of Collioure to the plain of Roussillon to the Pyrenees.
"Then we go back down to Port-Vendres", then follow the quays of this small commercial port. The return is via the corniche, with a breathtaking panorama of the rocky coast and its coves.
Duration of the walk: 45 minutes
Meeting point: Place du 8 Mai 1945
LITTLE TOURIST TRAIN
FORT SAINT ELMO
A true heritage treasure, Fort Saint Elme is a monument steeped in an epic history. Symbol of the influence of Northern Catalonia, it is one of the most emblematic sites in the region.
With walls more than 25 meters high and more than 10 meters thick, the majestic fortress, built by order of the Emperor Charles V, which dominates the entire Côte Vermeille ensures its safety against the combined appetites of Francis I and Suleiman the Magnificent...
In the Arsenal Museum, visitors and history buffs alike will discover an impressive collection of Renaissance armour, helmets, halberds, cannons, but also weapons from the Ottoman sailors who ravaged the coasts of the empire.
From the top of its terraces, Fort Saint Elme offers an exceptional panorama that embraces the Mediterranean from the Spanish border to Sète (about 150km)! Photographers and lovers of the great outdoors will spend between sky, land and sea a unique moment far from the tumults of everyday life.
A wide choice of thematic visits and activities are offered to meet all expectations: Visits for the youngest, visits for adults, but also night visits such as sunrise visits or even tasting visits. Some dine there, others get married there. Still others will venture underground or climb the tower.
One thing is certain, visiting Fort Saint Elme is the certainty of “discovering history differently” with guides and staff who are passionate and committed to respecting heritage and safeguarding nature.
A little history ...
In the 14th century, there was a round watchtower on the site of the current fort under the name of La Guardia. The following century saw its name change in honor of Saint Elmo, patron saint of navigators. Charles Quint, in the 16th century, will build a first part of the fortification of the building. The following century, Vauban, the military architect of Louis XIV, reworked the fortification of the fort. The building was put up for sale in 1913.
Fort Saint Elme is a Fort built between 1538 and 1552. Its star-shaped architecture, its loopholes, its stunners and other traps make it an impregnable fortress. A 360° panorama, from which one dominates the sea, the mountains and the plain, make it an exceptional place to walk. It is now open to the public and offers various cultural activities. A historical museum retraces the heroic past of this region of the Pyrenees on the Côte Vermeille.
With its 8th century tower that has become the dungeon that a fortress built by Emperor Charles V in the 16th century to protect the capital of the Perpignan region and block the road to Barcelona.
Place of epic clashes between Spaniards and French, Fort Saint Elme is a private monument open to the public. You get there either on foot via the Moulin, or with the Little Tourist Train or by car via Port-Vendres.
From the top of its walls you can discover all of northern Catalonia, plains and mountains as well as the endless sea. It is an exceptional point of view.
It is a Museum-Arsenal whose important collections introduce you to the Art of War during the Renaissance period. The guided tour is aimed at children, young and old alike. There are also night, dawn, underground or tower tours. In the gardens, tables are available for those who want to picnic
COLLIOURE MILL
He is the oldest in the department. On February 11, 1337, the Knight Raymond of Toulouse, prosecutor of the King of Majorca, cedes to Jacques Ermengald of Collioure a plot of land, at a place called "Cortines" and grants him the right to operate the windmill to grind grains or crops. The mill ceased its activity in the 19th century to find itself gradually in a state of ruin. Became property of the city, the town undertook its restoration, completed in June 2001. The wooden machinery is made in the traditional way by the carpenters of Bernard Garibald. It is now used for crushing olives and producing Collioure oil.
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
Under the leadership of Claire MUCHIR, the Maison Pams, which has now become the Museum of Modern Art in Collioure, exhibits works by artists with a direct link to Collioure and more generally northern and southern Catalonia.
History of the museum
In 1934, Jean Peské, a famous Russian artist, allowed the creation of the Collioure museum, through the donation of works by artists of the time (Brayer, Espagnat and Valtat among others).
After the death of Jean Peské, the association Les Amis du Musée continued its commitment.
Since the 1980s, the management of the museum has belonged to the town hall of Collioure.
THE PORT
Gateway to Collioure from Port-Vendres. Formerly frequented by Protestant families, it is today a district with flowery alleys appreciated by people in search of tranquility and authenticity. To go further, participate in our cultural experiences on the path of fauvism and the Unusual Collioure, exciting walks to experience with our cultural mediator!
From antiquity Collioure was an important commercial port on the Mediterranean thanks to its geographical position and allowed the exchange of rare products and foodstuffs. (Phoenicians, Greeks, Etruscans, Romans). The first mention of the Castle (castrum) dates from 673 when King Wamba (King of the Visigoths) occupied the city. From 981, the counts of Roussillon began to develop and fortify it. From the 12th to the 17th century, the village was alternately annexed to the kingdoms of Aragon, Majorca 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 Templars, the Hospitallers, the Dominicans and perhaps the Cistercians.
The Mouré district
Former district of sailors and fishermen, the Mouré (whose name comes from Moors…) is a maze of picturesque alleys joined by stairs.
