Collioure

About an half and hour south of Perpignan is Collioure. It is set on the Mediterranean coast just before the Spanish border. Mountains frame it on one side and the ocean on the other. As you walk into the village the smell of the ocean sweeps over you with cool gusts and the scent of the wind changes to fish. Although many tourists flock to Colioure it retains a very french presence. Restaurants line the shoreline and are packed the French dining and enjoying their wine. The clouds fall over the mountains giving the shore a dramatic effect.

The main attraction are the 13th century fortresses and 17th century church that are placed dramatically against the ocean.

Collioure was made famous by Matisse and Picasso who loved the play of light against the village. The colors seemed enhanced as the sun breaks through the clouds and dances across the village. The village is known as where Fauvism originated.