To get away from it all, there’s no need to travel miles. In France, a few picturesque villages not far from Paris, offer more than just a stroll – they’re a breath of fresh air! Among these jewels of our sweet France, there is of course the most beautiful village in the world. But on Thursday July 11, it was the “French people’s favorite village” that was elected. Do you recognize this coastal village that has inspired so many painters?
“La Cité des Peintres”: the Catalan village elected “France’s favourite village”
Last night, Stephane Bern hosted the not-to-be-missed program “Le village préféré des français” on France 3. In all, no fewer than 14 splendid communes rich in history and beauty were in the running. But a choice had to be made. And it’s the French who have chosen the most beautiful village of this 2024 vintage. To our great pride, it’s a real pearl of the Côte Vermeille that has won this prestigious title. It’s Collioure, in the Pyrénées-Orientales region (66). A Catalan port with a charm like no other, which succeeds Esquelbecq, the nugget of the Hauts-de-Flandre region elected France’s favorite village in 2023. So what wonders are there to discover in Collioure?
An inexhaustible source of inspiration for painters
Did you know? The town of Collioure was the birthplace of Fauvism, the famous painting movement that emerged in the early 20th century. A mecca for painters, this sublime coastal village has inspired many great painters, such as Henri Matisse. The French painter literally fell in love with the Catalan village, to the point of saying of it: “There is no sky in France more beautiful than that of Collioure.” And he continues: “All I have to do is close the shutters in my bedroom, and I have all the colors of the Mediterranean in my home.” Now known as La Cité des Peintres, this fishing village with its unparalleled charm captivates visitors with its light and vibrant colors. But not only that…
France’s favorite village: The beautiful Collioure, jewel of the Vermeille coast
Yes, there are a thousand treasures to marvel at in Collioure. Its steep little streets and little houses with multicolored facades, its fishing boats at the water’s edge, its sapphire-blue sea, azure in summer… A veritable postcard landscape unfolds before the astonished eyes of visitors. Smell the iodized sea spray, admire the ancient lighthouse turned bell tower, discover the vineyards… Whatever the season, it’s a pleasure to stroll through this jewel of the Catalan coast. Not to mention the richness of its gastronomy, inviting us to sample its fresh fish and the sacrosanct Collioure anchovies (a speciality of the Côte Vermeille). Collioure, France’s favourite village: a source of pride for the Pyrénées Orientales!
Just 5 hours by train from Paris.