9/10/23 - My husband and I just arrived in Collioure, France within the past hour, after a heck of a travel day with a cancelled flight to Newark, rerouting through Chicago and Munich, and onward flight to BCN, all due to the eastern cost hurricane. It’s been a long day! We are staying at the beautiful Hotel Le Relais des Trois Mas, with reservations at their restaurant La Balette this evening. As beautiful as it sounds and is, we realized we didn’t bring or copy the pages from RS France for our stay here. We incorrectly thought he had this part of France tucked into his Spain book in the Catalonia section. It’s clearly in the France book we left at home! Can anyone share what I’m missing from the guide? The section wasn’t too long. Much appreciated if you will do so! Thank you!
Posted by
Atlanta
5196 posts
Unfortunately my scanner isn't working just now. And I'm not sure I could use attachments on the site anyway. That being the case, if you have specific questions, I'm sure the folks on the board will try to help. Our info on resturants is outdated, and you already have a hotel, so can't be of help there. One thing you might consider is heading for the local TI. Pretty sure they still exist even in our digital world. Our experience with TIs in the past has been quite good for maps, places to see, and things to do. Looking at the bright side, you are in France and we're not. Boo hiss!
Posted by
France Southwest
2320 posts
Just like TC I think you will have more up to date information by going to the tourist office (it is closed today) or by visiting their website
http://www.visitcollioure.co.uk/
I'm sure you'll have a great dinner at La Ballette. You may already be there right now...:))
Whatever menu you choose, I recommend that you take the food and wine pairing version (more expensive but worth the extra)
And don't forget to eat anchovies!
Posted by
11569 posts
You are in one of our favorite places, enjoy!
Are you sure Rick Steves has Collioure in his France guidebook?
Google “ Rick Steves Collioure France” and you will be able to read some of what RS has to say about this beautiful town.
Posted by
OP
WIsconsin, USA
63 posts
Thank you, everyone! Dinner at La Balette was amazing! We absolutely included the wine pairing with our ten courses! Just fabulous! We’re hoping to hear more restaurant recommendations like it. Going to the TI for information is a great recommendation. We hadn’t even thought about that. Over tired. We located the TI during our post-dinner walk. Today, 9/11, is Catalan Independence Day! Unsure if the TI will be open today or not, but we will investigate!
Posted by
Kamarooka
420 posts
Nearly fell off my chair when I saw how much your hotel costs, WOW!! Hope it is extra nice, we stayed at Templiers Annexe (currently $USD98).
No need for a guide book in little Collioure, you have internet.
We enjoyed the Royal Castle, explored it for ages. It also had an interesting exhibition on when we were there.
Visit the Museum of Modern Art then a quick hike to the still functional 14th C windmill. From there a steep little hike through vinyards and spectacular views to wonderful Fort Elme. Great spot for a picnic lunch up there.
The church is lovely, you can't miss it. Nice little chapel and lighthouse nearby.
Explore up the narrow streets, colourful houses and gardens. Lovely views. I found a great piece of street art up near the the Fort Miradou (it's closed to the public).
The harbour area is pretty with the traditional boats moored there.
Make sure you have a poke around the Templiers Bar. It has a brilliant art collection. It was our hotel breakfast bar each morning.
I always got up pre sunrise to catch the stunning sunrise across the Mediterranean. I'd then go for a quick jog up past Fort St Elme for spectacular views then head back down and have a swim across to the church. Pretty awesome.
Plenty of good cheap food options about town, no need for fancy expensive restaurants unless you want to spend lots of money.
Posted by
France Southwest
2320 posts
It will be difficult to recommend another restaurant after La Balette, however you can have a glass of Banyuls, the regional aperitif wine and stock up on anchovies or other regional products at Roque. You can't miss the shop on the port.
https://goo.gl/maps/UJPfc7BeiMbCaiz97
You may have had a few drops of rain this morning, note that tomorrow afternoon thunderstorms are expected
Posted by
OP
WIsconsin, USA
63 posts
Yes! The hotel we are staying in is not cheap. However, it is well located and it has a semi private beach and the amazing restaurant. We are splurging to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and 50th birthdays. La Balette was also part of our celebration! It was actually a bit difficult to find a hotel with vacancy when we booked in August. The shared tips here are great! Thank you! It’s the kind of thing I was hoping for. We’ve enjoyed the breezy shade in the streets today, after the rain showers, and a tapas lunch. We’re now at the beach front with a Pastis. It is very windy! Here for another day tomorrow before moving along the Costa Brava in Spain. We think we’ll skip a trip to Ceret and stay put in Collioure with plenty to keep us entertained. Thank you for the tips!
Posted by
Kamarooka
420 posts
Good for you Crystal, congrats. Worth the splurge by the sound of it.
It's a delightful little town pretty cool place for a double celebration.
Cheers.
Posted by
France Southwest
2320 posts
Good idea to stay in Collioure.
A trip to Ceret tomorrow, a day when thunderstorms are forecast, is not recommended, and can even be dangerous in the region near rivers. Especially nowadays where unexpected weather events occur more and more.
3 years ago, torrential rains caused the Le Tech river which passes through Ceret to overflow.