Where the Pyrenees dip their last foothills into the Mediterranean, Collioure glows — Matisse and Derain invented Fauvism trying to paint its pink and orange houses. A royal castle splits the two town beaches, anchovy boats still land their catch, and the vineyards behind produce serious Banyuls and Collioure reds. Stay for the evening light on the bell tower; it's the whole postcard.
Featured in Ten lovely beach towns for lazy harbourside evenings · Beach