What to do in Collioure? Romantic weekend in the South of France

If you are looking for an idea of romantic weekend in the South of France, so why not go 2 days in Collioure ?

Here is the story of my weekend in Collioure which could make you want to discover in your turn a perfect site to coo...

In fact, last October, I wanted to take advantage of the Mediterranean sun a little longer while combining a romantic weekend in a dream setting. And this is the village of Collioure in the Eastern Pyrenees, which I chose for these 2 days of happiness for two.

Yes, but what to do in Collioure? How organize a romantic weekend in the South of France ? Well, I'll share with you below:

  • My tourist route to visit Collioure on foot,
  • my little address of a romantic restaurant as desired,
  • ideas fromactivities for two,
  • and my ideal Airbnb plan for a romantic weekend.

Collioure for a romantic weekend in the South of France

In Catalan country, on the shores of the Mediterranean and at the foot of the Pyrenees, in Occitania more precisely, Collioure is both the pleasure of the sea and the mountains. With its wild coves with clear waters, its preserved hinterland and its architectural and cultural heritage (cradle of Fauvism), this choice was obvious!

Former fishing village located 30 minutes from Perpignan, Collioure is a charming little corner of South of France where you can spend a simply perfect romantic weekend!

Indeed, what better way to declare or maintain the flame than this decor which so inspired the painters of Fauvism with:

  • its colorful and flowery houses,
  • its picturesque alleys,
  • its small beaches very easy to access,
  • its castle dominating the city,
  • its restaurants with panoramic views,
  • its splendid sunrises which draw the ramparts with golden reflections on a sea of ​​oil ...
Romantic weekend South of France in Collioure

Romantic weekend in Collioure - Ideal location

To the extreme South of France but only 2h30 drive from my home (near Toulouse), Collioure was for me a very close destination and therefore ideal for spending 2 or 3 days.

But it is a also ideal destination for those coming from Paris or elsewhere in France because there is an airport in Perpignan (30 minutes from Collioure) and especially an SNCF station for those traveling by train.

How to go to Collioure by plane?

To get there by plane, you will need to take a flight to Perpignan-Rivesaltes. Then take a taxi or bus N ° 7 to Perpignan SNCF station and take the train or bus to Collioure.

How to go to Collioure by train?

It is surely the most practical and ecological solution to get there in weekend. Indeed, the station is located in the city center. All you need to do is book the Paris - Perpignan and then take a connection to Collioure or the direct train Perpignan - Collioure (see timetables on the site: https://www.ter.sncf.com/occitanie).

Romantic weekend in Collioure - Favorable climate

Only 26 km from the Spanish border, on the Cote Vermeille, Collioure benefits from a ideal Mediterranean climate all year round. Indeed, in Collioure, the summers are hot and dry and the winters very mild. The mid-season (spring or autumn) is perfect for a weekend in the sun without the crowds of summer visitors ...

And I was able to verify it, indeed during my weekend in mid-October we were in t-shirts, people were sunbathing on the beach and some were swimming!

My romantic weekend in Collioure in the South of France

What program for a romantic weekend in Collioure?

If you choose Collioure as the destination for your next romantic weekend, I recommend the following program:

  • 1er day: Collioure tourist trail on foot (see walking route map below) + Romantic restaurant
  • 2nd day: Hiking on the coastal path or romantic relaxation in a small secret cove ...

What to visit in Collioure - Walking tour map


What to visit in Collioure - Steps walking tour

Here in the order of my walking route, the tourist sites that you can visit in 1 day:

  • Royal castle of Collioure : Built in the 13th century, it was the summer residence of the kings of Majorca. (Parking behind the castle)
What to visit in Collioure - Steps walking tour of the must-sees of Collioure
  • La house of fauvism (more info below) + Mouré district : Cobbled streets, colorful houses, picturesque facades adorned with bougainvillea ...
Steps on foot in 1 day
MOURE DISTRICT TOUR ON FOOT
  • Port of Avall : South-east of the Royal Castle near the beaches of Boramar and St-Vincent, here is a very charming little port with the colorful boats of anchovy fishermen ...
  • Church of Our Lady of the Angels from Collioure
visit Collioure on foot in 1 day during my romantic weekend in the South of France
  • Saint-Vincent Chapel (Capella de Sant Vicenç)
  • Lighthouse of Collioure : By taking the jetty behind the Chapelle St Vincent you will reach the green lighthouse. From there you will have a nice view of the bay of Collioure.
romantic weekend in the South of France stopover at the Lighthouse
  • The Neptune Restaurant : You will then go along the entire bay of Collioure to reach on the other side the Le Neptune restaurant. Remember to book because this restaurant is very quickly full (menu at 29 € for lunch for gourmet dishes)! In addition, you can eat on the terrace and enjoy a breathtaking view of Collioure!
Romantic weekend in the South of France restaurant Le Neptune
Restaurant for my romantic weekend in the South of France
Restaurant for my romantic weekend in Collioure in the South of France
  • Modern Art Museum with nice park and sea view which presents some works from the first half of the 20th century, works of contemporary art, paintings by Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall.
  • Cortina mill : This windmill dates from the Middle Ages but has been renovated and transformed into an olive oil mill. It is accessed by a small path above the villa Pams. The walk is very pleasant and on arrival, you will enjoy a nice panorama.

Walking tour Collioure - Chemin du Fauvisme

Collioure that we call the " city ​​of painters Was the cradle of an artistic movement: Fauvism. In fact, this city by its beauty has attracted painters who were the precursors of Fauvism such as, among others, Henry Matisse or André Derain.

And if you want to discover a little more about the history of painting in Collioure, you can follow a walking tour with as stages some twenty reproductions of paintings by Matisse and Dérain. These reproductions are placed in the exact places where they were painted.

For example, you may discover sites where the following works were painted: 

  • André Derain - The Faubourg de Collioure
  • Henri Matisse - Boats at Collioure
  • André Derain - The Lighthouse of Collioure
  • Henri Matisse - Collioure
  • Henri Matisse - The Moulade

You can take this tour from the port and follow it to the pretty Mouré district.


What to do in Collioure - Hiking ideas

The customs path

For the 2nd day of your romantic weekend, why not take a nice walk for two along the coastal path ?

Also called the customs path, it is one of the most beautiful romantic walks from Collioure.

customs trail Collioure 2nd day of my romantic weekend in the South of France

Located in cliff edge, it overlooks and follows the path of the smugglers, path located at the edge of the water on the rocky coast. See itinerary on: Tourist office

Hike to Fort Saint Elme

To enjoy a magnificent panorama over the bay of Collioure, why not hike from Collioure to Fort St Elmo ? The start of the trail is at the level of modern Art Museum. You have to take the direction of the mill and follow a path that climbs a lot for about 30 minutes.

For the return, you can take the same path or follow the circuit marked in yellow which descends along the terraced vineyards.

Visit Fort Saint Elme

If you don't feel like walking, you can reach Fort Saint Elme in 20 minutes by car (parking on site). This 16th century citadel can be visited throughout the year for its historical museum and its exceptional viewpoint.


What to do around Collioure?

And if you want, on the occasion of your romantic weekend, to discover the surroundings of Collioure, I recommend that you take the car and follow the wild coast to Cerbère via Port Vendor and Banyuls (see itinerary below).

WEEK END IN LOVERS SOUTH OF FRANCE ROAD TRIP COLLIOURE

Indeed, this road is magnificent because it is punctuated by many points of view on the sea, the creeks, the mountains and the vineyards of Banyuls. In addition, you can swim in small beaches with clear coves ... A perfect program for a romantic weekend !

Romantic weekend in Collioure - Hotel

Here is the best hotel to enjoy a romantic weekend in an exceptional setting: the Hotel La Casa Pairal

Located 250 meters from the beach and the port of Collioure, the establishment has a magnificent exotic garden and a superb heated swimming pool. In a magnificent 19th century building, this hotel is located in the heart of the old quarter of Collioure.

This accommodation is ideal for a weekend because all the restaurants and shops are nearby. In a lively district, you will also be very close to the departures of the sightseeing boats to make a romantic trip along the water...

See this romantic hotel in Collioure

Need others weekend ideas in the South of France ?

Discover my good weekend plan in Marseille,

4 days in the Gorges du Verdon

or why not a little getaway in the Camargue ?

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