Just about a 5 mile drive from Banyuls sur Mer is the fashionable, trendy yet affordable town of Collioure. This bay on the "Cote Vermeil" provides docking for Catalan fishing boats to deliver their catch of the day to local restaurants. Knowing that these same streets were once strolled by the likes of Picasso, Maillol,
Matisse and many others is enough to thrill even the most jaded traveler. Everywhere you turn you encounter a scene pretty enough to paint. A simple, self-guided tour directs you to the exact sites painted by these artists. (They make great photo ops). Several high quality art galleries, including one featuring Carol Wattanabe and local watercolorists are tucked away in a charming side street. Making a decision on a watercolor was the toughest job I had all day! Inviting restaurants and cafes abound here as well. Since the fish are practically caught in front of you, you definitely want to go with seafood. Sit at
an outside table to enjoy the balmy ocean breezes while you share a bottle of the delicious local wine. Collieure is a town to which visitors wish a return. I know I do!