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If you want a wonderful place to stay in France, then try Collioure, in the Languedoc-Roussillon.
Holiday rental apartment with its south facing rooftop terrace and stunning sea and
mountain views.
Completely rebuilt, renovated and upgraded. This self catering apartment is in an 18th
century merchant's house, in the
historic Mouré area of Collioure.
Rare in this part of Collioure, 3 double bedroomed accommodation to rent.
Let your eyes enjoy the sweeping panoramic views
from the Mediterranean sea to the foothills of the Pyrenees, from the terrace of our apartment in the centre of Collioure.
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| Plage Boramar looking towards Prudhomie |
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| Church of the Notre Dame des Anges and bell tower |
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Our holiday rental is situated just off the main square in the historic centre of Collioure and two steps
from the Boulevard Du Boramar with its seafront cafes and beach. Prudhomie our newly-renovated self catering holiday apartment
will provide accommodation for up to 6 people. Its prime position gives spectacular views both onto
the famous church tower, the only one in the world to stand with its feet in the water, and, into the main square, where many of
the towns activities take place from jazz evenings to sardane dancing. From our terrace you
can see across the rooftops to the chateau and the military forts topping the peaks behind, then follow the hills down
to meet the sparkling Meditteranean sea before you.
COLLIOURE
HISTORY AND CULTURE
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 Royale still sits resplendent and formidable in the centre.
Up until around 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. Up until 30 years ago the principal livelihood in Collioure was fishing
and a few small Catalan fishing boats 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 and beautiful seaside town.
The largely pedestrianized 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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Walks from Collioure
Above the town there are lovely walks through the
vineyards to the windmill, and on to the higher ridge of Fort St. Elme. Here you have a wonderful view of the Cote
Vermeille and the French coast stretching northwards.
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| Prudhomie, harbour with Catalan fishing boats |
PANORAMIC VIEW OF COLLIOURE BAY
REAL TIME WEBCAM OF COLLIOURE BAY
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Diving, windsurfing, sailing, hiking, golf, tennis, biking and riding are all available locally with information provided in the tourist office in the square below
the apartment.
To the south is the nearby town of Port Vendres, the main fishing harbour
for this part of France but also a bustling marina with harbourside cafes and
restaurants. To the north is Argeles with it campsites and seaside tourist attractions. A short train or car ride away
is the regional capital of Perpignan, a fine and proud city with modern facilities and shops. It has an historic heart
with many fine buildings and a strong tradition of arts festivals and events throughout the year. Further afield
the Pyrenees offer canyoning, walking and skiing depending on the season and if you drive an hour or so to the south you can
explore the fascinating towns of northern Spain including Dali's seaside home of Cadaques and his famous museum at Figueres.
But if all you want to do is relax in the sun, on the beach or on the terrace, and eat simply and well in the local
restaurants then just stay in Collioure, join the locals, and watch the world go by.
 Do you have any questions, or would you like to rent our apartment? Please email us
Rue de la Prud'Homie
- 66190 - Collioure - France
Sheila & Mike
tele:
+44(0)1983 293428
Mobile: +44(0)7859 058721
©
Copyright 2003-2006 Prud’Homie Collioure - All rights reserved
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