A charming coastal town, famous as the birthplace of Fauvism, Collioure has long dazzled artists as well as visitors eager to soak up the sunshine and the history of this little slice of the Mediterranean. With a dramatic mountainous backdrop, azure seas and a striking Vermillion Coast setting — just 25km from the Spanish border — it’s a beautiful destination for couples, friends and families. Choose from intimate guesthouses, heritage townhouses and luxurious seaside hotels, suited to a wide array of tastes and budgets. Our list of the best places to stay in Collioure includes family-run gems, some of which have become landmarks in their own right.

Favoured by the likes of Matisse and Derain, Collioure has a strong creative legacy. Delve into this past at the Modern Art Museum, or see today’s artists at work behind the Place du 18-Juin and in the galleries of the old Le Mouré neighborhood. Heritage highlights include the medieval seaside Château Royale, the Fort Saint Elme, the 17th-century Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church — with a bell tower which was once a lighthouse — and the almost 700-year-old Moulin de Collioure.

Get out on the water for sailing, kayaking, kite surfing, wind surfing and fishing trips, or hike the Sentier du Littoral for splendid coastal views. The surrounding hillsides are home to world-class vineyards, yielding wine best paired with the region’s sensational seafood. Tuck in to delectable fare at the town’s many little eateries, or at the Michelin-starred La Balette, part of one of the best places to stay in Collioure.

The Best Places to Stay in Collioure

For a Historic Gem

• Hôtel Les Templiers is a Collioure gem. Owned by the same family for almost a century, this charming hotel has the feel of an eclectic private art gallery, with pieces by the early 20th-century artists who came to be inspired by this corner of the Vemillion Coast. Choose an elegant room in the original hotel — just 50m from the sea — for heaps of quirky character, or book the apartment for a family trip. The restaurant is not to be missed, and the owners are fascinating.
• La Casa Païral is another historic, family-run hotel, this time tucked within a gorgeous 1870-built townhouse. Unwind in splendid gardens with a refreshing pool, or retreat to rooms filled with vintage finds and family heirlooms. A charming, indulgent choice for discovering the magic of Collioure.

For Foodies

• Relais des Trois Mas is a chic coastal spot on the southern side of the bay. Airy, contemporary rooms and suites have private terraces with ocean views, there's a great swimming pool and direct access to a pebble beach. The highlight, however, is Chef Laurent Lemal's Le Balette Restaurant, awarded a Michelin star for its creative flavours. Seven-course 'Curiosité' is a lunchtime favourite.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Perpignan International Airport, 35 minutes from Collioure by car or bus. Visitors from regional hubs — such as Paris, Toulouse or Marseille — can travel to Perpignan by train, and change at the station for the train to Collioure, which takes just under 30 minutes.
• The Pyrénées-Orientales region is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit between June and September for temperatures ranging from 24°C - 28°C and excellent water sports, but do be aware that this is also peak season. For fewer crowds and great hotel deals, travel outside the school holidays in April, May or late September. Expect much cooler water for swimming.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Argelès-sur-Mer.
• Check out all our recommended hotels on the Vermillion Coast
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.