LOCAL INFORMATION

ACTIVITIES - Many sports activities are available, either in Collioure or nearby - Walking, Diving, Windsurfing, Sailing, Fishing, Tennis, Hiking, Hiking in Canyons, Climbing and, of course, Skiing in the Pyrenees

BEACHES - Collioure has four small beaches, with miles of sandy beaches at nearby Argeles Plage.

HISTORY & CULTURE - Notre Dame des Anges, the ancient Church and bell tower at the entrance to the Bay was once a Lighthouse. The sacristy contains the church’s treasure, including 15th century paintings and a 16th century processional cross. In 1905, Matisse and Derain discovered Collioure. They found the colours and light dazzlingly beautiful and invented the Fauvist Art. Today, all along the " Fauvism Footpath", you will discover 20 reproductions displayed on the spots where the original works were painted. Picasso, Dali, Juan Gris, Hanicotte, Foujita also fell in love with Collioure.

WALKING - Close to the foothills of the Pyrenees and the Alberes hills you can walk with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. of Collioure. See Fort St Elme which overlooks the bay and the spectacular view it commands by taking 'Le Petit Train Touristique'.

MARKETS - Collioure's Market which is on every Wednesday and Sunday and is a fabulous display of colours, sights and smells.

FESTIVALS - Good Friday sees the Procession de la Sanch, a procession of penitents similar to that in Perpignan, but held at night by torch light. From April to September, the streets and squares are given over to les sardanes, troupes of dancers, dressed in traditional red, white and black, performing the sardana two or three times a week. The main festival, the Festa Major de Collioure, takes place from 14 to 18 August, but space is limited and tickets must be reserved in advance by phone from the tourist office ( 0033 4 68 82 15 47).

NIGHTLIFE - At night Collioure is fantastic and comes alive as people eat out and drink in the huge number of Street Cafe's, Restaurant and Bars.

VINEYARDS - All around Collioure there are acres of beautifully-kept Vineyards. Within a short walk of the house you can lose yourself for miles walking high up into the Mountains amongst them.