An Unbelievably Cheap Day Trip to Collioure, France

It’s always nice to finish a trip on a high note. At the tail end of my month in France in 2019, I was staying in the southern city of Perpignan. With not much planned there, it was only good fortune that led me to make excellent use of my last day in the country. Recommendations are always useful in this situation and when both my Airbnb host and a friend suggested a Collioure day trip from Perpignan, how could I resist?

Before that trip, I’d never even heard of Collioure in France, a small seaside town on the Mediterranean just up from Spain. But for two different people to heartily suggest it, convinced me to substitute more time in Perpignan for a sea change. It helped that it had been weeks since I was last on the coast in Marseille, as both Beziers and Narbonne are a little inland.

Even better was that I lucked out with good weather for mid-November. All of this, together with the undeniable charms of Collioure and how absurdly affordable it turned out to be, made it a day trip to remember.

How to Do a Cheap Collioure Day Trip

One of the most appealing parts of planning a day trip to Collioure is just how accessible it is. I say accessible because it’s not only easy but also probably the cheapest day trip in France you’ll find. To reach Collioure from Perpignan, you simply take the #540 bus from Perpignan. You can take the bus from the Perpignan Mercader bus stop and get off 50 metres from Collioure Beach.

While the journey takes around 1 hour, the good news is that tickets cost just 1€ each way!

Honestly, I can’t get over how insanely cheap that is for somewhere like France which isn’t always super affordable. But 1€ is cheaper than almost anywhere else in Europe, except in parts of the Balkans. Now, there is also the option to take a quicker train, but the bus is the cheapest option.

The Bay Waterfront

A great place to start when exploring the town is the waterfront area of Collioure. Many of the main sights to see in Collioure are found along the waterfront of Ansa de la Baleta Bay, making it the quickest way to see how special the town is.

From the bus stop, you’ll quickly reach Collioure Beach, which is sure to charm you straight off the bat. Its shallow beachfront is backed by a row of palm trees that are a reminder you’re in the South of France.

Having seen the beach, follow the waterfront to the north past the mighty stone walls of Château Royal de Collioure. This large castle complex is impossible to ignore, as it’s a towering obstacle between the beach and the centre of town.

Fortifications have existed here since the early Middle Ages, but this castle’s origins are tied to the Knights Templar and Kings of Majorca.

As there are only two guided tours each day to see the castle, I settled for walking around its walls. Continue past the chateau and you’ll reach the marina and centre of town. The whole area by the water feels so gentle and relaxed, that you’ll likely feel yourself slow down to match the mood.

Streets of Collioure

While it may sound straightforward, wandering around the town streets is one of the best things to do in Collioure. Just back from the city beach, there are some narrow streets with old-fashioned shutters and colourful homes.

But you’ll find the real deal over in the hilly town centre. There little alleys and staircases find their way between the traditional homes and are lined with plants and greenery. Even visiting in late autumn it was colourful and full of life, but also probably much more peaceful than in high season.

Church of Our Lady of the Angels

Back down on the main waterfront of the town by the Plage des Pêcheurs lies the Church of Our Lady of the Angels. This historic church is perhaps the most famous landmark of Collioure but for quite a fascinating reason.

Collioure has long been a favourite haunt for artists of French and Spanish artists, with this church the subject of many works. For instance, several paintings by acclaimed artist Henri Matisse feature the church, including the celebrated Les toits de Collioure.

As for The Church of Our Lady of the Angels, it was built to replace the town’s medieval church in the 17th century. Interestingly, it incorporated the old lighthouse in its building, giving the church its signature look. Make sure to look inside, if only to see the magnificent altarpiece gleaming in gold.

Headland Coast

Past the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, you reach a small headland sticking out into the bay. On either side of it are simple beaches, with the small Chapelle Saint-Vincent alone out on its rocky point. Protecting the bay you’ll find a small breakwater with the rather interesting-looking (new) Collioure Lighthouse on the end. You’re treated to one interesting landmark after another, all the while being buffeted by strong winds.

The main appeal of venturing out there and enduring the wind is to see the incredible coastal scenery of the bay and beyond. But I must admit, the old-fashioned lighthouse intrigued me. Rather than what you expect from a lighthouse, it looks more like an oversized candle, which makes it more memorable.

Moulin de Collioure Windmill

Walking about town, it was hard not to notice the sight of a windmill on a hill near to town and the fortress even further up from that. I’d pretty much spotted them both soon after arriving and knew I wanted to visit. Having finished exploring the town centre, I set off for the windmill without any idea how to get there.

Luckily, at the far end of the beachfront, I spotted signs to Fort Saint-Elme, whose path passes the windmill en route. Stepping off the main street, you soon reach a series of staircases that lead up the hill. As you go you’ll pass the Musée d’art Moderne, which was another attraction I missed but looked interesting. The stairs take you through terrace gardens full of olive trees and it’s hard work but well worth it when you reach the top.

This historic grain mill, the Moulin de Collioure, dates back to the 14th century and is the oldest in the entire department. There’s no denying its charms or the impressive results of its 20th-century restoration.

With one hilltop landmark down, next it was over to the looming Fort Saint-Elme much higher on the hillside. The hike up was possibly my favourite part of my day trip to Collioure in France. Even though the town wasn’t busy, the solitude on the trails here was perfect, as were the views.

While the windmill was surrounded by olive trees, the walking trail soon led past some local vineyards. It’s hard to think of anything that could have improved that view really, especially as the entirety of Collioure came into focus. Even before reaching the top of the hill, the panorama right over the town and bay was just phenomenal. I reckon that vantage point is where you get the best Collioure photos from.

What’s funny is that once I did reach Fort Saint-Elme it seemed closed although it probably wasn’t. It’s a museum now and a landmark with a distinguished history. But having enjoyed the hike and scenery so much, I wasn’t the least bit disappointed. Just add it to the list of attractions to include next time I visit Collioure in France.

Have you ever heard of or seen photos of Collioure France before? Are you surprised that you can visit such a pretty seaside town for so little? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.