Although Nice and the French Riviera coast certainly are more famous travel destinations than Collioure, this small town shows a lot of style. If you follow the Mediterranean coastline in France towards Spain, you will find Collioure just before the border between two countries.

A castle built in the 13th century by the King of Mallorca is an impressive sight next to the port and the central beach. The origins of the town as a fishing village are still there to be explored along narrow alleys. Art galleries, cafes and small shops line the streets – the town has been a preferred place to work for many artists.

Vineyards above the town on the slopes of the Pyrenees mountain range produce local reds and whites. This is a favorite region of cyclists and hikers who may follow coastal routes, and many also like to ascend to the Pyrenees, although near the Mediterranean Sea the mountains don’t rise that high.

A special feature in this region are signs that in many cases are written in three languages: French, Catalan, and Spanish.