Collioure, France

Hi,

I was in Collioure for a few nights in July 2011, got there from Paris, where I took the TGV from Gare de Lyon to Perpignan. It's a five hour ride. The plan was to go directly to Collioure after changing in Perpignan to a regional train. The centre ville in Perpignan look interesting but no time was spent there.

I like Collioure, it's peaceful, relaxing, a calming effect. The hotel was ca 30 mins walk from the train station. Since this was high season, I saw mostly German and British tourists, some Americans too.

Fred, did you stay in Rick's recommended Hotel les Caranques? How was the 30 min. walk?

The walk is downhill - no problem whatsoever, nice neighborhoods, and I'm not sure it took 30 minutes. We enjoyed a little family-run tapas restaurant: El Taps. We rented an apartment (two-night stay). Collioure was VERY busy in October - we would have thought it was high season, but we got low-season rates on our lodging. I would imagine it's over-the-top in the summertime. Don't wait too long to book!

Thanks so much. My husband and I enjoy slow travel. Would you suggest 3 or 4 days in Collioure?

Hi,

I stayed at another hotel which proved to be a very nice place, good breakfast, nice rooms without being pricey. It was Hotel le Bon Port. Walking to and fro the train station was ca 30 mins, seemed shorter on the way back since you know the way. It's a good town for walking...very historical because of the fortifications. Three days is fine, a fourth if you want to linger and relax.

Well, I wouldn't spend so much time in this tiny town without a car. But Perpignan is near by train.

Or shave a day from it and spend it elsewhere on your itinerary.

I would suggest 3 days. It's a very small, compact town and you will run out of things to do. That said, you indicate that you like slow travel so if you want to take time just absorbing the town then it's very beautiful and picturesque. If you paint or draw, then all the better! It is quite crowded in the summer so keep that in mind - everyone has a different tolerance level for crowds!

I could sit for days with a glass of wine at Chez Simone and just enjoy the scene!

Janet, a glass of wine at Chez Simone sounds lovely. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!