COLLIOURE'S
HISTORY - CULTURE - WINE
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Collioure sits on the Mediterranean coast,
at the eastern end of the Pyrenees, Pyrenees-Orientales, only a few miles north of the Spanish border. It is rather like a
French St Ives. Its picturesque quality and marvellous light have made it a mecca for artists for well over a century, particularly
the Fauvists such as Derain and Mattisse in the early part of the 20th century. From Roman times, however, Collioure has had a military history. Its strategic position along this rugged coast made
it a primary defence area and the Chateau Royal still sits resplendent and formidable in the centre.
Up until 300 years ago the region was part of the independent state of Catalonia
and there is still a very strong Catalan influence today seen in the frequent 'sardane' dances, the annual bullfight
and the traditional sweets and biscuits made locally. 30 years ago the principal livelihood
in Collioure was fishing, a few brightly painted beautiful Catalan fishing boats still remain in the little harbour.
Collioure's famous anchovies are still processed by hand in the
town and you can watch the work, then sample the flavours in almost every restaurant in town.
COLLIOURE
TODAY
Today Collioure
is a buzzing, beautiful small seaside town. The largely pedestrianised streets are a maze of twists and turns as they step
up from the seafront. Within them there is a complete jumble of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, ateliers - artists’
galleries, houses and apartments all in vibrant and varied colours and with each corner revealing a new vista or architectural
gem. The whole of the central area is a conservation area and is kept scrupulously clean and in full bloom by the local
Colliourencs.
Collioure has three main beaches with safe swimming areas, plus
several pretty coves nearby for those seeking a little more solitude. On Wednesday and Sunday mornings a bustling market is
held; while throughout the months of July and August there are festivities and music, culminating in the week long Fete de
St Vincent in mid-August with its spectacular firework display in the bay. This is a very famous display and people come
from miles around to watch (from our terrace you'll have the prime spot!).
A remarkable wine-growing area of 1800 hectares,
from these grapes the A.O.C (wine of controlled origin) are produced,
Banyuls, Red Collioure,
Rosé
Collioure and White Collioure. The
wine growers are extremely proud of their work, because of the steepness
of the slopes on which the vines are grown they are unable to use machinery.
This traditional method produces vintage wine that is full of life and character.
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