4Collioure, France – A Hidden Jewel on the Vermilion Coast

Tucked near the Spanish border, Collioure is a Mediterranean dream that blends Catalan culture with French elegance. Pastel houses, a waterfront château, and a postcard-perfect bell tower sit beside sparkling blue waters.

The town inspired Fauvist painters like Matisse and Derain, who fell in love with its intense light and color. Today, art galleries line the streets, but the atmosphere remains delightfully local. Visitors swim in sheltered coves, sip rosé from nearby vineyards, and enjoy seafood dishes infused with Catalan flavors. Collioure feels like a secret slice of the Riviera without the luxury price tag.