48 Hours on the Côte Vermeille

Collioure

1 - Banyuls-sur-Mer : the works of Maillol
On arrival in Banyuls, head for the house of artist Aristide Maillol, with its forty bronze and terracotta statues, along with drawings and paintings. Back in the town, admire several of his works in the avenue which bears his name, a monument to the pacifist dead, just behind the town hall.

2 - The underwater trail at Cerbère-Banyuls
Leaving the beach at Peyrefitte takes you to the underwater trail. The Cerbère - Banyuls natural marine reserve is so highly prized by the scientific community that it has set up a laboratory there to study the marine environment. The reserve includes 650 hectares of sea between Banyuls and Cerberes, just to the north of the Spanish border, and is a protected observation site with as many as 1,200 animal species and 500 plant species.

Banyuls-Cerbère marine reserve
18 avenue de Fauntaul at Banyuls-sur-Mer.
Tel. 00 33 (0)4 68 88 09 11
Throughout July and August.

3 - Candlelit dinner at clos de Paulilles
When evening falls, leave banyuls for Port Vendres, arriving in th Bay of Paulilles, wich unwindfs through vineyards facing the sea. Until the end of september, the Clos des Paulilles farm guesthouse in Port Vendres offers a selection of delicacies for you pleasure 80 % of the products on the menu are hoem-grown. Every day except Sunday evenings from 30th May to 30th September. Reservations recommended Tel : 04 68 98 07 58
And so to bed…
Still in the Bay of Paulilles, after dinner, rent a little apartment in this charming Catalan country house, situated in the heart of the Clos de Paulilles vineyard, between Port-Vendres and Banyuls. It’s just 5 km from Collioure but there’s no need for a vehicle - the apartment is just a hop from the restaurant.

Les Clos de Paulilles Farm Guesthouse, Bay of Paulilles, Port-Vendres
Tel. 00 33 (0)4 68 98 07 58

4 - Collioure : a miniature train down to the sea
Sunday is market day in Collioure. The perfect time to take the miniature train which leaves Port-Vendres and heads along the Côte Vermeille. The first departure of the day is at 10.40 a.m.After stopping for a while at the Fortress of Saint-Elme towering over Collioure bay, the Roussillon plain and the coast, climb aboard to enjoy the panoramic view of Port-Vendres and its surroundings before passing the quays of the little fishing and trade port. Arriving in Collioure via the cornice, admire the rocky coast with its creeks and shingle beach. Don’t forget your swimming costume !
The first miniature train leaves at 10.40 a.m..
Fares : Children 4-12 : 4,50 € Adults 7 € - Last
train at 8 p.m. Think of boking your tickets
Tel. 00 33 (0)4 68 98 02 09 and 00 33 (0)6 15 15 66 04

5 - Delight your tastebuds at the Cinquième Péché
With his unusual concoctions, the fusion cuisine of young Japanese chef Masashi Iijima is a village phenomenon. While in France he has worked with the Pourcel brothers in Montpellier and Michel Bras in Laguiole. His cuisine is distinguished by its very short cooking times and its blend of raw and marinated, sweet and savoury, imported and local culinary touches. A creative combination of Japanese and Mediterranean tastes. Booking recommended.

Le Cinquième Péché
18, rue de la Fraternité à Collioure. Tel. 00 33 (0)4 68 98 09 76

6 - In search of anchovies
Before you leave, visit the Eco museum at the Desclaux house to find out all there is to know about the anchovy salting workshops. The last miniature train home departs at 8 p.m. every day from Easter to All Saints Day. In summer, booking is essential for the from Port-Vendres - Collioure leg, so pick up your evening tickets that morning. For small groups, the miniature train can be hired on reservation.

Anchois Desclaux - 3, route d’Argelès-sur-Mer
Carrefour du Christ à Collioure
Tel. 00 33 (0)4 68 82 05 25.
Anchois Roque - 17, route d’Argelès-sur-Mer à Collioure
Tel. 00 33 (0)4 68 82 04 99