The sheltered pebble-and-sand coves beneath the Royal Castle and Fauve-painted harbourfront houses of Collioure are among the most photographed scenes on the French Mediterranean coast. The water is crystal clear and warm; the setting is extraordinary. Multiple small beaches (Boramar, Saint-Vincent, Port d'Avall) each have a distinct character.
Collioure occupies a uniquely beautiful stretch of the Côte Vermeille — the Vermilion Coast — in the Pyrénées-Orientales at the southern edge of Occitanie, where the Pyrenean foothills descend directly into the Mediterranean just a few kilometres from the Spanish border. The beaches are technically several small coves rather than a single long beach: the most celebrated are Plage Boramar, beneath the towers of the Château Royal de Collioure; Plage Saint-Vincent, framed by the bell tower of the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church rising directly from the sea; and Plage Port d'Avall to the south of the castle headland. Each cove is relatively small — a few hundred metres at most — backed closely by the colourful painted buildings and terraced restaurants that have made Collioure internationally famous as an artists' destination since Henri Matisse and André Derain painted here in 1905. The beach surfaces are a mix of dark pebbles and coarse sand; the Mediterranean at Collioure is shallow, exceptionally clear, and often a striking blue-green. The water warms quickly in spring due to the sheltered aspect and is among the warmest on the French Mediterranean coast by July. The clarity and cleanliness of the sea make Collioure outstanding for snorkelling around the rocky outcrops and castle foundations, where marine life is abundant. Kayak hire is available along the waterfront, allowing exploration of the sea cliffs and small caves between the coves. The surrounding town is compact and highly walkable. The Chemin du Fauvisme trail links 20 replica canvases placed at the precise spots where Matisse, Derain, and other Fauvist painters set up their easels, creating an engaging combination of art history and coastal walking. The harbour anchovy fishing tradition — Collioure's anchovies are among the most prized in France — and the wine cellars producing Banyuls and Collioure AOC wines add further depth to a visit. Collioure is reached from Perpignan by train (around 20 minutes) or by the D914 coastal road (approximately 25 km). Town centre parking is severely limited; arriving by train or parking on the outskirts and walking is strongly recommended in summer.
Amenities
- restaurants surrounding beaches
- showers
- toilets
- sunbed rental
- kayak hire
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, snorkellers, photographers, swimmers, families
Highlights
- Three distinct small coves — Boramar, Saint-Vincent, and Port d'Avall — each beneath the medieval Château Royal
- Exceptionally clear, warm Mediterranean water ideal for snorkelling around rocky outcrops and castle foundations
- Chemin du Fauvisme art trail links 20 replica canvases at the exact spots where Matisse and Derain painted in 1905
- Collioure anchovies — among the finest in France — available in restaurants and specialist shops throughout the town
- View of the Romanesque-influenced Notre-Dame-des-Anges bell tower rising directly from the sea beside the beach
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by train from Perpignan (20 min) rather than by car — town centre parking is extremely scarce in summer
- Plage Port d'Avall, south of the headland, is the quietest of the three main coves and receives less direct afternoon sun
- Snorkelling gear can be hired from waterfront operators; the rocks around the castle foundations support diverse marine life
- The beach is crowded from 11 am onwards in July and August — early morning visits offer the best light for photography and calmest water
- Water shoes are recommended for pebble entry on Plage Boramar and Saint-Vincent; they are widely sold in town
When to visit
Late May through June and September offer warm, clear water with far fewer visitors than the July–August peak. The town is most atmospheric in the early morning light before day-tripper crowds arrive from Perpignan.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main beaches at Collioure?
The three main beaches are Plage Boramar beneath the Royal Castle, Plage Saint-Vincent beside the church bell tower, and Plage Port d'Avall south of the headland. Boramar is the most photographed; Port d'Avall is the quietest and the largest.
Is the water suitable for snorkelling at Collioure?
Yes — the clarity and cleanliness of the water around Collioure's rocky shores make it an excellent snorkelling destination. Marine life is particularly rich around the foundations of the Château Royal and the rocky outcrops between the coves.
How do I get to Collioure from Perpignan?
Direct regional trains run from Perpignan to Collioure in around 20 minutes. By car the journey is approximately 25 km via the D914 coastal road. Parking in the town centre is very limited; visitors are advised to use the signposted peripheral car parks and walk.
What is the beach surface like at Collioure?
The beaches are a mix of fine dark pebbles and coarse sand. The pebble sections require water shoes for comfortable entry. The sandier patches are found mainly on Plage Boramar. Water shoes are widely available in the town's shops.
What else is there to do in Collioure besides the beach?
The Château Royal, the Chemin du Fauvisme art trail, anchovy cellars and tasting rooms, and the old harbour with its colourful fishing boats are all within easy walking distance. Tasting Collioure AOC and Banyuls AOC wines at local cellars is also a popular activity.