South of France Tour — Perpignan & Collioure

Perpignan is a truly French city, yet one with deep-rooted Catalan traditions.
The end of the Thirty Years’ War had far-reaching consequences for Spain. The Treaty of the Pyrenees transferred several strategically important territories to France, including two places that are central to our journey:

• Perpignan, the “eastern gateway” to the Pyrenees;
• Collioure, the jewel of the Côte Vermeille — the Vermilion Coast.

The city's Catalan heritage is still visible at every turn. Catalan flags, Perpignan's official status as a centre of Catalan culture, and the careful preservation of its historic heritage all remind us of the city's fascinating past.
Among the highlights are:

• the works of the legendary military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre, Marquis de Vauban;
• Le Castillet, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks;
• the 14th-century Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist;
• works by the renowned sculptor Aristide Maillol;
• Galeries Lafayette;
• and much more.

You will enjoy approximately one hour of guided walking through the heart of the old town, covering around 1 km², followed by at least 1.5 hours of free time.
French shops, cafés and the welcoming atmosphere of the city will be entirely at your disposal.
After our introduction to Perpignan, we will meet our guide again and continue our journey to Collioure, the jewel of the Côte Vermeille.

The old saying that artists believe the world is imperfect and therefore add their own colours to it certainly does not apply to Collioure.
The extraordinary combination of land, sea and human creations — its fortifications, castles and historic buildings — has captivated generations of artists. Collioure became one of the birthplaces of Fauvism, or the “Wild Beast” movement, and inspired the landscapes of Henri Matisse and André Derain.
Derain would later express the feeling that, if paradise existed on earth, it could well be found in Collioure.
You will enjoy approximately 40 minutes of guided exploration, including an introduction to the town and detailed stories about:

• Fort Saint-Elme (Fort Saint-Elme)
• the remarkable Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges
• the Templar Castle
• the former residence of the Kings of Majorca
• the town's former naval military base

And, of course, there will be around 2 hours of free time to discover Collioure at your own pace — with its restaurants, cafés and bars overlooking the bay.
Collioure is a place that is difficult to remain indifferent to.

Comfortable transportation
Professional guide

Personal expenses