Colliure & Perpignan

Collioure is a charming coastal town located in the region of Occitanie in southern France, near the border with Spain. The town is renowned for its picturesque setting, colorful houses, winding streets, and scenic beaches and is often referred to as an artists' paradise. Perpignan is a vibrant city located approximately 200 kilometers north of Barcelona, known for its rich history and distinct Catalan influence. Both locations offer a perfect blend of French and Catalan cultures, creating a unique atmosphere. For its closeness to Barcelona, both places are perfect for a quick trip to the South of France. 

Colliure & Perpignan

colliure

Colliure is a charming coastal town located in the Occitanie region of southern France. It sits on the Mediterranean coast, near the border with Spain. The town is renowned for its picturesque beauty, colorful buildings, winding streets, and stunning seaside setting. Colliure also has rich artistic heritage and has attracted famous artists like Henri Matisse and André Derain, who were inspired by the scenery and landscape.

PERPIGNAN

Perpignan is a lively city located in the Pyrénées-Orientales area of the Occitanie region in southern France. It is situated close to the Mediterranean Sea, not far from the border with Spain. Perpignan is known for its diverse cultural influences, blending French, Catalan, and Spanish traditions, which gives the city a unique character.

How to get to Colliure & Perpignan

There are a couple ways to get to Colliure and Perpignan from Barcelona:

1) By train. From Barcelona, you can take a train easily at Barcelona Sants station. The train journey to Colliure takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, with a transfer at Cerbère, the last French station before the border. From Cerbère, you can take a short regional train to Colliure. The train journey to Perpignan takes approximately 1.5 hours from Barcelona, and there are direct trains available. Recently, Renfe, one of the Spanish train companies, has started offering AVE (high speed train) rides to different cities in the South of France (Perpignan among them). Check availability and ticket prices here

We recommend that you check out Trainline's website, which compares all the companies' timetables & prices to show you the different options so you can choose the most convenient one for you. 

A few recommendations when traveling to the South of France by train: 

2) By bus. Another option is to travel by bus. There are several bus companies that operate routes between Barcelona and Colliure or Perpignan (check the websites of Alsa, Flixbus and Vibasa. You can also use ComparaBUS to compare the different fares and choose the one you find most convenient. The bus journey from Barcelona to Colliure takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Buses from Barcelona to Perpignan usually take around 2 to 2.5 hours. As always, you should check the schedules and book your tickets well in advance.  

Where to stay in Colliure & Perpignan

The South of France is a really popular area because of its beautiful coastline and closeness to Spain, especially in the summer months, so accommodations can get pricy if you leave it until the last minute. Booking in advance is key to finding affordable accommodation. However, if you want to treat yourself there are a wide range of expensive and high class hotels to choose from as well. A few options for all budgets are: 

BEST areas in Colliure & Perpignan 

faubourg

Faubourg is a neighborhood in Collioure known as the Artists' Quarter. It is located on the northern side of the town and is characterized by its charming streets, art galleries, workshops, and boutiques. Faubourg has a long history of attracting artists who were inspired by the town's beauty and coastal landscapes. It offers a vibrant and creative atmosphere, with numerous opportunities to explore and appreciate art.

port d'avall

Port d'Avall, also referred to as the Lower Port, is the part of Colliure that surrounds the small harbor area. It is located on the southern side of the town, closer to the sea. The port area is lined with restaurants, cafés, and shops, offering a picturesque setting to enjoy the waterfront views and indulge in the local cuisine.  It's an ideal spot for enjoying fresh seafood, take some leisurely walks and soaking up the seaside.

La gare

The area surrounding the Perpignan Train Station, known as La Gare, is a convenient and bustling neighborhood. It offers easy access to transportation, making it attractive to young people who commute or travel frequently. La Gare has a mix of residential and commercial spaces, including restaurants, bars, and shops. It's also a hub for cultural events, with lots of art galleries and exhibition spaces.

muSt-see's in colliure & perpignan

la ville close (old town)

The heart of Colliure is its historic Old Town, known as La Ville Close. This neighborhood is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a lively atmosphere. It's home to the iconic Château Royal de Colliure, art galleries, quaint shops, and charming cafés. The area exudes a bohemian and artistic vibe, attracting visitors with its picturesque beauty and cultural offerings.

église notre-dame-des-anges 

Located on the waterfront, this charming church in Colliure stands out with its unique bell tower, which was once a lighthouse and prison. The name means The Church of our Lady of the Angels. From the outside you'll be able to admire the church's Catalan-Gothic style, and if you decide to step inside you'll be wowed by its beautiful interior, including a 17th-century altarpiece.

They have tours in English and Spanish (more info here.) 

moulin de colliure

The Moulin de Colliure, also known as the Colliure Windmill, is a historic windmill located on the outskirts of Colliure.

One of the main attractions of the Moulin de Colliure is its panoramic views. From the windmill's vantage point, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the town, its harbor, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding landscapes. It's a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking stunning viewpoints.

Check out more information about the windmill here.

le campo santo

 


Visit the Campo Santo, a historic cloister and cemetery that dates back to the 14th century. Admire the Gothic arches and the tranquil courtyard, which serves as a final resting place for prominent figures of Perpignan's past. Le Campo Santo occasionally hosts cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions. 

Check out more information here.

palace of the kings of majorca

The Palace of the Kings of Majorca, or Palais des Rois de Majorque in French, is an impressive medieval palace located on a hill in Perpignan. Take the time to explore this impressive 13th-century palace, and admire the Gothic architecture of the building. You'll be able to stroll through the courtyards, and take in the panoramic views of the city and the surrounding region.

la vieux quarter (old town) 

The Old Town of Perpignan has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops nestled within its streets. It is a great place to explore, wander, and soak up the local culture. The squares, such as Place de la Loge and Place de la République, often host markets and cultural events. This neighborhood is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Castillet, a 14th-century red brick tower that serves as a gateway to the Old Town.

museums in colliure & Perpignan

musée d'art moderne (colliure)

Housed in a former royal castle, this art museum showcases works by artists who were inspired by Colliure's beauty, including Henri Matisse and André Derain. Explore the collection of modern and contemporary art and learn about the town's artistic heritage.

Check out the opening times and the ticket prices here.

musée d'art hyacinthe rigaud (perpignan)

This fine arts museum was named after the renowned portrait painter Hyacinthe Rigaud, who was born in Perpignan. The museum houses an impressive collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics from different periods. It features works by prominent artists such as Hyacinthe Rigaud (as mentioned before), Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Raoul Dufy, among others.


More on their visiting times here.

¿Qué quieres comer? - FOOD in colliure & perpignan 

Le Jardin de Colliure

Situated in a charming garden setting, Le Jardin de Colliure offers a reasonably priced menu with a variety of Mediterranean dishes. It serves fresh seafood, grilled meats, salads, and vegetarian options, providing something for everyone.

Casa Leon

This family-run restaurant in the heart of Colliure's old town serves traditional Catalan cuisine with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It specializes in grilled meats and fish, as well as regional specialties like paella and anchovies.

La Balette

Situated near the beach with panoramic views of the bay, La Balette is a renowned restaurant in Colliure that combines Mediterranean flavors with creative culinary techniques. It offers a refined dining experience and serves dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients.

Creperie Bretonne

Situated near the beach in Port d'Avall, Creperie Bretonne is a charming creperie that brings the flavors of Brittany to Colliure. They offer a wide selection of traditional crepes made with high-quality ingredients. The menu includes both sweet and savory options, providing a taste of the authentic Bretonne crepe experience.

Le 17 Restaurant

Located in the city center of Perpignan, Le 17 Restaurant offers a contemporary dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a fusion of French and Mediterranean flavors, and the restaurant has a stylish and modern ambiance.

Le Figuier

Tucked away in a charming square within the city’s old town, there are few better places to dine alfresco in Perpignan than under the boughs of the trees lining Le Figuier’s terrace. An impressive array of tapas, seafood, and local wines is guaranteed to send you on your way with a full stomach and a big smile.

Restaurant Le Sud

Marie Lopez, long-serving hostess of Restaurant le Sud, is passionate about serving up refined Mediterranean cuisine to her guests and greets everyone with a warm welcome. Here you can try dishes like Iberian bellota (ham ripened for 36 months) or enjoy the various wine tastings, art openings, and concerts that the restaurant regularly holds. 

La Casa Sansa

La Casa Sansa has been operating since 1846 and its decor and popularity with Perpignan’s locals is clear: model ships and airplanes hang from the ceiling alongside chandeliers and portraits of 20th century luminaries like Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Marilyn Monroe line the walls.

enjoy the south of france :-)