Collioure
*
a spectacular, unspoilt
fishing village dating back to the middle ages.
*
50+ cafes, restaurants and wine cellars spilling out onto narrow laneways, cobbled streets and along the waterfront promenande.
* the birthplace of Fauvism in 1905. Derain, Matisse, Dufy and Picasso all lived in
various Collioure village houses.
*
where Patrick O'Brian, reclusive author, lived for more than 50 years and where he wrote his most popular novels, including 'Master and Commander'.
* where
the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean and the sun shines 320 days of the year -
the jewel of Languedoc
Roussillon.
* a heady mix of French and Catalan,
just 20 minutes from the Spanish border.
*
the Catalan influence is everywhere - in the food, language, sardane dances
and local bullfights.
*
traditional French food and festivals are an integral part of village life for Collioure's 2800 inhabitants.
* four
swimming beaches which are all close to our holiday rental cottage.
* explore the Fauvism or Rennie Mackintosh Art Trails, either self-guided or on a tour, while in Collioure.
* Collioure:
Official Site, helpful for holiday planning.
