A Defining Silhouette in the Village
You simply can’t miss the Royal Castle upon arriving in Collioure. Majestic and firmly anchored at the water’s edge, it immediately captures the eye. Nestled between the sea and mountains, right at the heart of the village, it embodies the soul of this Catalan town. From the top of its ramparts and walkways, the breathtaking views reveal the full beauty of the coastline.
A Layered Slice of History
The castle is a true architectural "layer cake", patiently built over six centuries under three different national powers: the Counts of Roussillon, the Kings of Majorca, the Spanish crown (notably Ferdinand the Catholic), and eventually, France. Its earliest fortifications date back to the time when a Roman castrum stood here, testifying to the site's long-standing strategic importance.
Used in turn as a fortress, royal residence, military prison, and defensive stronghold, the castle bears witness to the turbulent history of this borderland region. Each period left its mark—walls, styles, purposes. The result: a unique construction where history is read stone by stone.
A Monument That’s Very Much Alive
Now listed as one of France’s Historic Monuments, the Royal Castle of Collioure is anything but frozen in time, there’s something happening all year round! Concerts, dance and theater performances, temporary exhibitions, and the not-to-be-missed “Autumn of the Antique Dealers” draw both locals and visitors.
There’s also a permanent exhibition on the Retirada, recounting the 1939 exile of Spanish Republicans, adding a deeply human and memorial dimension to the site. Guided tours offer insight into the many lives the castle has lived, and perhaps a brush with the legend of the mysterious "Lady of the Angels", said to still haunt the stone corridors...
A Warm Welcome for Everyone
Since 2021, the castle has been committed to the “Tourism & Disability” national label, a mark that goes beyond mere legal accessibility requirements. It reflects the desire to welcome, offering visitors with disabilities the chance to explore and enjoy the site with freedom, safety, and autonomy. A meaningful step forward for such an ancient monument.
Practical Information: Opening Hours, Tickets & Tours
Opening Hours:
November to March: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
April to June & September to October: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
July and August: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Closed: January 1st, May 1st, August 15th & 16th, December 25th & 31st
Guided Tours: Daily at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Admission:
Full price: €9
Reduced rates, free entry and additional info available at the entrance
Parking:
Paid parking just 100 meters from the entrance
A View to Take Your Breath Away
Climb the castle’s walkways and all of Collioure Bay opens up before you. On one side, the rose-colored rooftops of the village; on the other, the deep blue of the Mediterranean. On clear days, the peaks of the Albères mountains appear in the distance. It’s no surprise that so many Fauvist painters chose this radiant landscape to capture on canvas.
A Visit Not to Miss
The Royal Castle of Collioure is far more than a relic of the past. It is a place of life, art, and remembrance, where history and the present day meet. It represents the powerful bond between heritage and contemporary creation, between stone and sea, between local stories and universal echoes.
Where to Stay Nearby?
To make the most of your visit to the castle and the region, why not choose a camping holiday in the Pyrénées-Orientales? We've selected several campsites in Collioure, located near the site, combining comfort, nature, and cultural immersion. There's nothing like waking up to a sunrise over the sea before diving into a day full of emotion and unforgettable views.