Collioure
This small Mediterranean town lies 25 kilometers from the Spanish border and has a strong Catalan culture. At the beginning of the 20th century, Collioure was a popular retreat for Paris’ artists, particularly the Fauves, and it appears in the paintings of André Derain, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque. It’s famous now for its anchovies and the annual Saint Vincent Festival in mid-August.
Public transport: Take the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Béziers and then change to a TER service the rest of the way to Collioure. The journey should take a shade under six hours.
Driving time: 8h 1m (881km)