or Benvinguts, as the Catalans say...
The small fishing port of Collioure, located on the southwest corner of Mediterranean France, has been variously known as a centre for anchovy fishing and processing, and historically as a port for the export of linen produced in the Languedoc-Roussillon area.
With the visits by Derain, Matisse, Dufy and Picasso at the beginning of the 20th century, its popularity as a venue for painters was sealed.
Today, this small village of 3000 inhabitants has a pretty port more accustomed to leisure craft than commercial, four municipal beaches and a labyrinth of narrow, streets leading uphill to the Vauban constructed fortresses.
Part of the Côte Catalane, the homes are painted in warm red hues, often with contrasting paintwork and blessed by a profusion of verdant foliage which the benign climate favours.
There are local markets twice a week, fishermen who land their catch almost daily on the harbour, local farmers who bring their produce to the shops and, within the village, all the services you might require: post office, doctors, dentists, banks, mini-markets, taxis and, of course, cafés and restaurants specialising in Catalan dishes.
The four pebbly beaches are very popular in summer and have blue flag status. Nearby, there is the sandy beach at Le Racou - another blue flag beach - with ample parking, cafés and all the facilities you'd expect of a resort. Swimming in generally very safe in the area and for those who like snorkelling there are good places both north and south of the village. Sailing, canoeing, hiking: you name it, you can probably do it in Collioure.
Collioure has become a village for all seasons. It has major airports within 90 minutes (in Spain and France) linking much of Europe to the area, good train and bus connections and, with its relatively mild winter climate, attracts visitors throughout the year.
Go to one of the links above to see photographs of the apartment, what to do in the area, and the small print of how, when, where and who.