Collioure, a day at the Mediterranean
Collioure is the gem of the Roussillon coast (Côte Vermeille). A charming little port, it has been a magnet for artists since Matisse settled there in 1905. As I am an artist - alas non performing - I wanted to visit this pretty village myself.
Narrow cobbled streets, now crowded with galleries and souvenir shops. lead back from its much-painted harbour and the small Notre-Dame-des-Anges church whose tower, which has a small pink dome, was once a lighthouse. Along the quay. colourful fishing boats tie up to deposit their catch, mainly the anchivies for which the town is renowned. The château-royal, the imposing fortress founded by the Templars, dominates the harbour. Two fortifications overlook and enclose the town; Fort Saint Elme from the south and Fort Miradou from the north.
