David's Diary: Sunday, December 9, 2001

Collioure, France

Sunday morning saw us up and out as we climbed through the hills of Port Vendres to the nearby town of Collioure. Our walk took us through the urban development of Port Vendres, up into the hills, where we spied a footpath heading North. We walked over a rise and before us was the town of Collioure.

Looking like a toy at our feet, it took more than twenty minutes to walk down the hillside, through the apartments lining Collioure, down to the main beach looking up at the Château. Collioure looks like a picture postcard which has attracted both tourists and painters through its history. From Matisse to Picasso, they have all painted the village. Rather than viewing it on a canvas, we get to explore the village with our own senses.

Allen Enjoys the Beach

Before we could blink, Allen was off to the beach. The fishing harbour breakwater was an irresistible treat to a six-year old and within seconds he was joined by Kevin. While both were exploring they didn't notice the waves, which crested the breakwater and chased them back happy and wet.

Château Royal

We explored a little more and then stopped on the beach for lunch. The sun was bright and we were joined by many people out for a Sunday outing. After lunch we visited the Château Royal just across the beach from where we had lunch.

Château Royal was a great place for all of us to spread out and explore. Its imposing bulk was built right over the sea to provide a holiday home in the summer for the kings of Majorca (one of the Balearic Islands) from 1276 to 1344. The Château today provides a glimpse into it's past, but it also includes displays of what makes Colliure successful today. In addition to tourism, Colliure is known for its anchovies, with factories for salting and semi-processing them. And where do the anchovies come from? From the fishing boats in Port Vendres which we climb back to through the hills to finish a satisfying Sunday exploring the countryside.