A visitor views the seaside resort and harbour of Collioure in the south of France
The picturesque harbour of Collioure in the Languedoc-Roussilion region of France is just north of the Spanish border on the ‘Vermeille Coast.’ During the early 20th century many artists including the Fauves, Matisse, Braque, Derain and Charles Rennie Macintosh were attracted by the quality of the light there. Hundreds of canvasses were painted during this period invariably depicting a summer season with boats, bathers and the historic architecture. The latter includes the bell tower and the castle. The distinctive tower was once a lighthouse in medieval times until the adjacent church was built in the 17th century. The castle overlooking this Catalan port was first established in 1673 and has had many uses over the centuries including a home to kings, a fort and a detention centre. Today it functions as a space for art, concerts and shows. The seaside resort continues to attract the art crowd and tourists en masse. During the summer season the beaches, restaurants and historic buildings are very busy with visitors. Late September can be a good time to visit. The sun is often still hot enough to sunbathe but the harbour beaches and streets are relatively quiet and unpopulated.© Nigel Noyes
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Collioure, Southern France
Photo credit: © Nigel Noyes / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: Yes
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