A paradise for walkers and sports enthusiasts

With 1,250 kilometres of Grande Randonnée (GR) trails and 5,300 kilometres of Promenades et Randonnées (walks and hikes), Aveyron is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Ask at your campsite reception. They’ll be able to tell you which are the most beautiful walks around you. The region is also a delight for lovers of white-water sports and the great outdoors. The hiking trails are ideal for mountain biking, while the Dourbie, Tarn and Lot rivers are ideal for canoeing. The cliffs and rocky outcrops of the region are also renowned among rock-climbing enthusiasts. At the confluence of the Tarn and Dourbie rivers, Millau is famous for paragliding. In the evening, as the sun sets, it’s not unusual to see dozens of sails colouring the blue skies of southern Aveyron.

Camping le Muret, between the Viaur and Aveyron gorges

Camping Le Muret is a small campsite with 44 places, including 34 camping pitches, in the heart of the Ségala countryside. This is authentic countryside, nicknamed the land of 100 valleys because of its location between the Aveyron and Viaur valleys. The small lake at the heart of the campsite adds to the charm of the place, especially at the end of the day when the rays of the setting sun are reflected on its surface. The campsite restaurant serves local produce to remind you that Aveyron is also a land of good food.

Camping le Val de Saures between Lot and Truyère rivers

Situated at the confluence of the Lot and Truyère rivers, Val de Saures campsite awaits you in the village of Entraygues in Aveyron, a delightful medieval town. It offers 103 places on 96 pitches spread over 2.6 hectares of shady grounds. Close to the shops, it’s the ideal destination for motorhome users, who won’t need to move their vehicle to get to the village.

Campsite Via Natura les Cerisiers near Millau

At the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn, Les Cerisiers is a delightful campsite on a human scale with 80 places, including 70 camping pitches. A member of the Via Natura association, this campsite nestles in an exceptional natural setting at the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn. It is set in 2.5 hectares of wooded grounds. There are some 300 trees of around fifty different species. The Tarn, which borders the campsite, offers a pleasant swimming beach for all the family.

Campsite in Aveyron with heated swimming pool: Les Prades in the Gorges du Tarn

Camping Les Prades enjoys an idyllic location in the spectacular Gorges du Tarn. It has two private beaches where you can go swimming or children can play in the river. Although it has a unique natural environment, this 4-star campsite also has all the comforts you could wish for, with a heated swimming pool, spa, bar and restaurant.

Camping le Roc qui Parle in the Dourbie valley

Le Roc qui Parle campsite nestles in an exceptional setting in the heart of the unspoilt Dourbie valley. The campsite slopes down to the river Dourbie, where campers can enjoy a refreshing swim. Two kilometres away, the village of Nant offers shops and restaurants in the shadow of its medieval covered market. The campsite offers 70 spacious, green pitches.

Campsite with swimming pool in the dourbie valley: les 2 Vallées at the gates of the village of Nant

Just outside the village of Nant, in the Dourbie valley, you’ll find Les 2 Vallées campsite. This campsite has a heated swimming pool and access to the Durzon river which runs alongside. The village of Nant is within walking distance of the campsite. It is a charming medieval village with shops (butcher’s, baker’s, supermarket, etc.) and several restaurants around the medieval covered market in the centre of the village. It will be particularly attractive to motorhome owners, who won’t have to move their vehicle during their stay in Aveyron.

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Touring pitches in Conques in Aveyron

You reach Conques by following the winding road that runs alongside the river Dourdou. The village suddenly reveals itself to you at the bend in the road, clinging to the hillside. It is easy to imagine the admiration of the pilgrims who once followed the road to Santiago de Compostela when they first discovered this magnificent village, all in red stone. Conques has been attracting pilgrims on their way to Spain for a thousand years. Its Romanesque abbey of Sainte-Foy was built between the 11th and 12th centuries. It can be seen at the end of the long pedestrian street that crosses the village from one side to the other. It is at sunset that it takes on its full majesty, when the sun illuminates its western tympanum. This sculpture representing the Last Judgement through 124 characters is one of the masterpieces of Romanesque art. When night falls, from May to October, it is highlighted by a polychromy that reminds us that in the past it was enhanced with bright colours. So enjoy the show during your camping holiday in Conques in the Aveyron.

“Tresor” and stained glass windows by Pierre Soulages in the abbey of Sainte-Foy in Conques

In addition to its sumptuous façade, the Sainte-Foy de Conques Abbey is a treasure trove. It houses 250 chapiteaux spread over two levels and beautiful stained glass windows by the painter Pierre Soulages. The painter was born in Rodez, a few kilometres from Conques, and he admits that his love for art was born when he discovered the abbey. If you want to learn more about the painter during your camping holiday in Conques in the Aveyron, you can also visit the museum dedicated to him in Rodez. After the stained glass windows of Pierre Soulages, you can go and admire the Treasure of Conques. This collection of religious silverware is the most complete in France. Its masterpiece is the reliquary statue of Sainte-Foy which dates from the 9th century.

Stroll through the medieval streets of Conques

If the abbey is the highlight of any visit to Conques, you should not forget the rest of the village. As you wander through a maze of narrow cobbled streets, you will discover the secrets of this small town: timber-framed houses with lauze roofs, bread ovens, fountains, etc. Once fortified, Conques has preserved several defensive elements such as an enclosing tower or the Vinzelle gate. On the heights of the village, the château d’Humières is a very fine example of 15th and 16th century civil architecture.

Medieval bridge over the Dourdou

Leaving the village centre and following the GR65, the route taken by pilgrims to Conques, you will come to the medieval bridge over the Dourdou. This bridge dates from the 14th century. It is composed of 5 arches and is 40 metres long. It was an obligatory passage for pilgrims. On your way you will see the Sainte-Foy chapel. Traditionally, pilgrims ring a bell here and hope for a response from the monks of Conques.

Touring pitches in Aveyron

Une sélection de campings à Conques pour vos vacances en caravane, tente ou camping-car en Aveyron.

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A selection of campsites near the Ars waterfall.

A waterfall that must be earned

Nestled at the bottom of a valley at 1380, the Ars waterfall is a waterfall that must be earned. It can only be reached after a 4-hour round-trip walk and a 600-metre climb. And yes, we are in the mountains! It is necessary to foresee walking shoes to go and admire this beauty which is longed for. The route starts in the thermal village of Aulus-les-Bains, in the Garbet valley. You will find a car park near the tourist office. The path is pleasant and offers nice views well before you reach the Ars waterfall. Although it is a steep climb, the hike is accessible to all, provided you are well equipped and walk at your own pace. Even though the trail is mostly shaded, after 2 hours of hiking, you will love the spray from the waterfall. A real refreshing shower!

The Ars waterfall is divided into three levels. It first cascades down the mountain in a fairly narrow waterfall before widening and forming curtains on the rocks on the next two levels. Spectacular from a distance, it is well worth getting close to. It is at its feet that it expresses all its power.

A waterfall at its best in spring

Like many waterfalls, the Ars waterfall is at its most beautiful in spring, when it is fed by the melting snow from the Pyrenean peaks. If you have the opportunity to stay on a campsite in the Ariège at this time of year, take the chance to admire it at its peak. However, even if you come to the Ariege during the summer, the Ars waterfall remains spectacular in all seasons.

Our campsites in Ariège near the Ars waterfall

A selection of campsites around the Ars waterfall for a holiday in a motorhome, tent or caravan.

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Discover our campsites in the Cévennes

Camping in the Mont Lozère massif

It is in Lozère that the Cévennes have their highest point. In the Mont Lozère massif, the Finiels peak rises to 1699 metres. Although the sides of the massif are wooded, its heights are covered with heather. During the summer, the heather forms a mauve carpet as far as the eye can see. The ascent of the Finiels peak will require some effort, but what a reward at the top! The Finiel peak offers a sumptuous panorama that encompasses the Cévennes valleys and, if the sky is clear, the Mediterranean and the Alps in the distance. If this part of the Cévennes is especially renowned for its natural riches, its heritage also deserves your attention. The medieval village of Génolhac in the north of the Cévennes is well worth a visit during your camping holiday in the Lozère in the Cévennes. The narrow streets of this 11th century village tell the story of the Camisards. In the 18th century, following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV, Protestant peasants from the Cévennes went to war against the government. There are many memorial sites in the Cévennes that proudly bear witness to this fight for freedom.

Camping around Mont Aigoual

The other summit of the Cévennes is the Mont Aigoual. This peak reaches 1567 metres. It is the link between the Grands Causses and the Cévennes. As on the Mont Lozère, its wooded slopes contrast with its bald summit topped by a weather observatory. It must be said that the Aigoual is situated on the watershed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the first rocky buttress on which the clouds coming from the Mediterranean crash. Besides, Aigoual means “water” in Occitan! So many reasons to set up a weather observatory here. From the tower of the latter, you can enjoy a superb panorama. Mount Aigoual is a protected natural area and an invitation to practice outdoor sports. With the Pôle nature 4 saisons du massif de l’Aigoual, you will have access to a wide choice of activities to try during your camping holidays in the Gard or in Lozère. Interpretation trails, mountain biking, horse riding, orienteering or geocaching in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.

At the foot of Mont Aigoual, from the village of Meyrueis, you can visit the Jonte gorges, which have their source on its slopes. Less known than their neighbours of the Tarn in which the Jonte flows, these gorges are just as much worth a visit. Especially if you like bird watching. Many vultures nest in their cliffs. The subsoil is also worthy of interest with the magnificent Dargilan cave and its 2000 m² petrified waterfall, unique in the world.

Following the Corniche des Cévennes road

To drive from the Lozère part of the Cévennes to their southern slope in the Gard, nothing beats the Corniche des Cévennes road between Florac and Saint-Jean-du-Gard. This road was built at the request of the king during the Camisard war in order to monitor troop movements. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that it offers so many beautiful views of the Cévennes valleys. Don’t miss those of Saint-Laurent-de-Trêves, the Col des Faïsses or the Col de Saint-Pierre which are among the most beautiful. If you have time, stop in the picturesque medieval village of Barre-des-Cévennes.

Camping in the Cevennes in the Gardons valley

The Corniche des Cévennes road leads you to Saint-Jean-du-Gard following the route taken by Stevenson and his donkey. You are now in the Gardons valley. The Gardons are in fact 7 rivers which constitute a complex hydrographic network. They have their source in Lozère and cross the Gard before flowing into the Rhône. They are often named after villages built on their banks: Gardon de Saint Jean du Gard, Gardon de Sainte Croix Vallée Française, Gardon de Saint Martin de Lansuscle, Gardon de Saint Germain de Calberte, Gardon de Saint Etienne Vallée Française, Gardon de Mialet, Gardon d’Anduze and Gardon d’Alès. Between Anduze, Miallet and Saint-Jean-du-Gard, there are many opportunities for fishing and swimming in white water. No doubt you will appreciate the pure waters of the Gardons to refresh yourself during your camping holidays in the Cévennes and the Gard. The Cévennes steam train from Saint-Jean-du-Gard to Anduze is an original way to discover the landscape of this beautiful region. This authentic steam train will take you on a journey through time, stopping off at the Bambouseraie in the Cévennes. This is an opportunity to visit the largest bamboo garden in Europe. This botanical garden is home to more than 1000 varieties of bamboo, trees and remarkable plants. A real haven of greenery and tranquillity.

To learn a little more about the Cévennes, the Maison-Rouge, in Saint-Jean-du-Gard, is a museum dedicated to the Cévennes identity. Housed in a former spinning mill, it looks back at the Cévennes of yesterday and today.

A show to admire at night while camping in the Cévennes

One of the advantages of camping is living in the open air. A real plus in the Cévennes. Indeed, once night falls, a real spectacle is offered to you. Since 2018, the park has been labelled an International Starry Sky Reserve. With 3,560 km², it is even the largest of the 13 European reserves. Thanks to this label, a sustainable and non-polluting public lighting system has been put in place, allowing you to fully enjoy the magnificent starry skies during your camping holidays in the Cévennes. The show at the door of the caravan!

Our campsites in the Cevennes

A selection of campsites for holidays in a caravan, tent or camper van in the Cévennes.

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The Gorges du Tarn is a magnificent winding canyon drawn by the Tarn between the Causse Méjean and the Causse du Sauveterre. In the limestone soil of the Grands Causses, the river has taken its time to dig a deep gash. Bordered by a road which connects Millau to Florac without ever leaving the river, the Gorges du Tarn can be discovered by car, on foot or by canoe. Hiking trails allow you to play tightrope walkers on the ledges which overhang the high cliffs, real stone walls which surround the Tarn. The Gorges road is a superb route to be completed by car. Never boring, this itinerary takes you from village to village through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the gorges. By canoe or during a boat trip, you will be offered another view of the gorges. You will discover the cliffs on the right bank which can only be seen from the road.

Going up the Tarn Gorges

Castelbouc

During your walk in the Tarn Gorges, take the time to stop and visit some of the villages which are dotted along the river. If you discover the Gorges du Tarn by following the current, from the Lozère to the Aveyron, then make a first stop at Castelbouc. On the left bank of the Tarn, this semi-troglodytic hamlet seems to be suspended from the cliff, in the shade of the ruins of its medieval castle set on a steep rock 60 metres high. Legend has it that a lord who remained alone among his subjects during the Crusades lived a life of lust. At the time of his death, the silhouette of a goat is said to have been seen flying over the castle, giving the village the name of Castelbouc (Bouc is goat in french).

Sainte-Enimie

Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this village spreads out in terraces at the foot of an old Benedictine monastery in a meander of the Tarn. Legend has it that Princess Enimie, affected by leprosy, came here to treat her illness at the source of the Burle river. She withdrew to a cave to live as a hermit in the heights of the village. A chapel now protects the cave. A path that starts opposite the bridge of Sainte-Enimie leads to this hermitage (about 3/4 of an hour round trip). There you can enjoy a beautiful view of the village.

Saint-Chély

On the left bank of the Tarn, the charming village of Saint-Chély nestles at the bottom of a circus surrounded by high cliffs, at the foot of the Méjean causse. In addition to its very beautiful church with its square bell tower, its old bridge and its medieval houses, the village is especially worth visiting for this magnificent setting. Two resurgences which cascade down into the Tarn river magnificently complete the picture. Below the village, the beach of Saint-Chély is one of the most beautiful of the Gorges du Tarn.

La Malène

Although La Malène is a pretty village with medieval buildings, it does not have the charm of Sainte-Enimie or Saint-Chély. It is however an important stopover in the Gorges du Tarn. It is indeed the starting point of many canoe descents as well as the base of the boatmen of the Malène. The latter offer you boat trips on the emerald waters of the Tarn de la Malène to the Baumes cirque through the Détroits. The morning is the best time of day for a boat or canoe trip from the Malène. The route benefits from beautiful sunshine during this part of the day.

Les Détroits, the most spectacular part of the Tarn Gorges

The straits are the most beautiful and narrowest part of the canyon. Here, the Tarn is enclosed between vertiginous cliffs which plunge steeply into the river. In some places, the canyon is barely more than 30 metres wide at the bottom of the gorges and 100 metres at the top of the cliffs, between the Causse Méjean and the Causse du Sauveterre. A boat or canoe trip remains the best way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the straits. It is also the best way to appreciate the depth of the gorges which sink in certain points 600 metres below the plateau.

The Cirque des Baumes

The straits come to an end in the Cirque des Baumes. Here, the canyon widens and composes a circus hollowed out of caves, baumas in Occitan. Many birds nest in its red-coloured cliffs. With these cliffs but also its ruiniform rocks, the cirque des Baumes is a particularly popular climbing spot.

The “Point Sublime”

Arrived at the village of Les Vignes, let us leave the Gorges for a moment to join the Causse du Sauveterre which culminates here at 870 metres altitude. Following the signs, go to the belvedere of the Point-Sublime. There, you will remain speechless in front of an exceptional panorama which encompasses a large part of the Gorges du Tarn, the Tarn which winds 400 metres lower and the steep cornices of the Méjean causse. If you only have to take one photo when you visit the Tarn gorges during your camping holiday in Lozère, this is the place to take it!

Hiking on the Corniches of the Tarn and the Jonte from Le Rozier

Back in the valley, the road leads us to Le Rozier. This village is situated at the confluence of the Tarn and the Jonte rivers and at the meeting of the Méjean, the Causse Noir and the Causse du Sauveterre. Nothing justifies a visit to Le Rozier. However, at the exit of the village the rock of Capluc awaits you. At the top of this rock, accessible by ladders, is one of the most beautiful points of view of the region as it allows you to admire both the Gorges du Tarn and the Gorges de la Jonte. Be careful however: climbing the rock with ladders can be difficult if you are prone to vertigo. From the Capluc rock starts one of the most beautiful hikes in the region. This loop takes you first of all to the ledges of the Tarn, before turning to the ledges of the Jonte, famous for the Sèvre and China vases, rocks with surprising shapes. During this hike, raise your eyes to the sky. You should see vultures which are numerous to nest in the Jonte Gorges. Count between 3 and 4 hours of walking for this tour.

Once past the village of Le Rozier, the Gorges widen. The Tarn river, the Jonte, forms a valley where vines and cherry trees grow. Less spectacular, the landscapes are no less beautiful. And there are plenty of excuses to make a stopover, starting with the medieval village of Mostuéjouls with its cobbled streets or the castle of Peyrelade. The latter is a perched medieval fortress (12th century) which watches over the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn. During the summer season, the visit of the castle is enhanced by medieval animations. Consult the castle’s website to find out the exact dates of these events.

Our campsites in the Gorges du Tarn

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Pézenas, a perfectly preserved city centre

The city centre of Pézenas has been perfectly preserved since the 16th century. This is what makes it one of the prettiest cities in Languedoc.

Although traces of Pézenas are already found in the writings of Pliny the Elder, it was in the 16th and 17th centuries that the city experienced its heyday. At that time, the Montmorency, governors of Languedoc, choosed Pézenas as their place of residence. From this period, the city has preserved a rich heritage with elegant bourgeois mansions that are discovered along a maze of cobbled streets. While strolling through Pézenas, don’t hesitate to take a look in the courtyards of these mansions when access is possible. Some are real hidden treasures with majestic stone staircases. Among the most beautiful mansions in Pézenas, check out the Hotel d’Alfonce, a beautiful 17th century building, the Hotel de Malibran (18th century) or the Hotel de Lacoste (15th century). In Gambetta Square, the former consular palace, with its fountain in front, is arguably the most emblematic of these great mansions of Pézenas. It is now home to the “Maisons des Métiers d’Art” (crafts house).

In addition to its elegant bourgeois buildings, Pézenas also has an interesting religious heritage. The Chapel of the Black Penitents, in particular. Transformed into a theatre in the 19th century, the only remains of the chapel are its façade and envelope. The chapel of the Ursulines convent is worth for the quality of its furniture. In Saint Jean Collegiate Church you will discover its treasure which presents liturgical and religious works.

Pézenas, city of art and crafts

Despite its perfectly preserved historical centre, Pézenas is not a museum city. It has retained a tradition of art and crafts. The old Pézenas is full of craftsmen’s stalls that perpetuate the tradition of ancient crafts: cabinetmaker, cutler, weaver, ironworker, enamel, marbrier, jewelry designer, etc. Forty craftsmen are settled in the heart of the city. The former consular palace now houses the house of crafts. A space of 300 m2 is dedicated to handicrafts. Works of nearly 200 craftsmen are permanently on display for sale, in unique pieces or limited series.

If you like to hunt for old or rare stuff, the antiques road (along the D613), outside the historic centre, has about forty shops and galleries where you will find art objects, precious furniture as well as vintage objects. For amateurs, the only limit will be what you can bring back in your car or campervan from your HOLIDAY ON A CAMPSITE IN THE LANGUEDOC.

The city of Molière

Molière was born in Paris, but it was in Pézenas that his career really began. In 1650, while Molière walked the roads of Languedoc with his troupe, theIllustrious Theatre,the assembly of Languedoc was held in Pézenas. Molière’s troupe was then selected to entertain the representatives of this assembly. This allows him to meet the Prince of Conti, a theatre lover and third character of the Kingdom. An encounter that will lead him to court with the success we know. It is said that from his Languedoc years and in Pézenas in particular, Molière found inspiration for some of his best-known characters. The city has not forgotten Molière’s passage. Itineraries allow you to walk in the footsteps of the most famous French actor. You can discover his chair at the Vulliod Saint-Germain Museum and, every year, in June, a theatre festival pays tribute to him. Since Molière’s passing, theatre has occupied an important place in Pézenas. Its theatre, built at the beginning of the 19th century, evolves until the beginning of the 20th century. Even though it was restored in 2012, it is therefore the same as the beginning of the last century that this theatre is open to us. It’s a real gem. If you like theatre, don’t miss the opportunity to see a play during your camping holiday in Languedoc.

Our campsites near Pézenas

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The history of the Templars on the Larzac

The Order of the Templars was established in 1129, 30 years after the first crusade. This religious and military order was intended to protect pilgrims who were travelling to the Holy Land in Jerusalem. In order to carry out and finance its missions, the Templars founded throughout Christian Europe, a network of monasteries called “commanderies”. The most important in France is located on the Larzac following the donation of the church of Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon to order by the abbot of Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert. In addition to the village of Sainte-Eulalie, five fortified sites were created on the Larzac: La Cavalerie, Saint-Jean-d’Alcas, Le Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux and La Couvertoirade. The influence of the Templars, however, extended beyond these walls as they strongly influenced the Larzac plateau, developing sheep farming in particular. From this period has survived the tradition of the “lavognes”, these artificial ponds with a stone bottom intended to collect rainwater on this arid plateau where water is scarce. You can admire one near the Couvertoirade, the most emblematic of the Templar cities of Larzac. When the Order of the Templars was dissolved by Pope Clement V, following the conflicts between the King of France and the papacy, his property was given to the order of the Hospitaliers who took over from the Templars. It was the Hospitaliers who built the ramparts of the Covered in the 15th century.

The village of La Couvertoirade, a dive in the 15th century

When the Templars settled on the Larzac in the mid-12th century, the seat of the order command was located in Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon. However, if your visit was to be limited to a single Templar site on the Larzac, choose La Couvertoirade. Of all the Templar sites of the Larzac, it is the one that has best preserved its medieval character. The village has changed little since the 15th century. It did not extend outside its ramparts and it has preserved, behind them, period buildings with lauze roofs.

You can see the village of La Couvertoirade away. He stands alone in the middle of the Larzac. Several (paying) car parks are accessible outside the city, fully pedestrianised, except for the few people who live there. The car parks are about a hundred metres from the ramparts. As you approach, you will have the opportunity to admire this stone wall 12 meters high and 400 meters long and pierced by two doors. No sooner have you entered the walls than you will find yourself immersed in the middle of the Middle Ages. Here, everything has indeed retained its authentic character with traditional stone houses. The ground floor is often composed of a vaulted room that was once used as a sheepfold, while the first floor, accessed by an external staircase, served as a dwelling. You will notice during your visit, thistles hanging from the doors of houses. They are cardabelles, the emblem of the region. It was hung at the doors in order to ward off evil, but also to use it as a barometer. Their hearts open and close depending on the level of humidity in the air. You’ll find cardabelles on the Larzac. However, do not plan to take one home. Now protected, it is forbidden to pick them.

You can visit the Couvertoirade by strolling through its old alleys lined with craft shops and restaurants (personally, we love the Crêperie, take the time to enjoy a pancake!), but also following the round path on the top of the ramparts (3 euros per person). You can access it by way of the house of the Scipione which houses the reception point of the village as well as an exhibition hall. To learn more about the village, you can also choose to take part in a guided tour or use an audio guide (5 euros for a walk of about 1 hour and a half). Whichever way you visit the village, you’ll easily understand why La Couvertoirade is listed among the most beautiful villages in France and why Larzac is part of the Great Causses territory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Templar Castle of La Couvertoirade

The Château de la Couvertoirade, built straddling the 12th and 13th centuries, is unique in two ways. It is first of all the only Templar castle built in France at this time and its romanesque dungeon with an unusual shape has no equivalent on the Larzac. If you have time, you can visit it (5 euros per person for the guided tour).

To learn more about the Cover: http://lacouvertoirade.com/

Our campsites near La Couvertoirade

Whether you are travelling in a tent, a motorhome or a caravan, we offer a selection of campsites near La Couvertoirade and the Larzac.

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Fisherman’s village and fortified port

Collioure’s visit usually begins with its port and its iconic Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, nestled in the harbour, between two of the beaches of downtown Collioure. This is the inevitable souvenir photo of Collioure. Of course, this is THE photo that everyone has already taken, but it must be recognized that the view is pretty with the fortified church and the traditional Catalan boats in bright colors. These boats bear witness to a time when anchovy fishing was in full swing. Collioure anchovies remain very famous and remain an important component of Catalan cuisine. Be sure to enjoy it during your visit to Collioure. If you want to bring back salty anchovies from your stay in Collioure, you can go and buy them at Desclaux,a real Collioure institution.

Built at the end of the 17th century, the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges (“Our Lady of teh Angels”) owes its nickname to the statues of angels that surround the statue of the Virgin. His real name was Our Lady of the Assumption. Its bell tower, with its recognisable shape, was once the lighthouse of Collioure. Take a few minutes to admire its interior and in particular its nine beautiful wood-carved retables.

Collioure Castle stands on a rocky outcrop that separates the harbour into two coves. Once the summer residence of the kings of Mallorca in the 13th and 14th centuries, this castle was transformed into a citadel under Charles Qunit and Philip II before the architect Vauban razed the upper town of Collioure that surrounded the castle and built the outer walls. Vauban added to his defensive system the fort of Saint Elme, on the heights of Collioure. Classified as a historical monument before being turned into a prison, Collioure Castle is now visited and regularly houses temporary exhibitions. You can discover its underground, its round path or its chapel during guided tours.

After visiting the Church of Our Lady and the castle, discover the old district of Mouré, once the fishing district, which stretches over one of the hills of Collioure. With its steep streets lined with flowery balconies, this historic district is a delight. It is nice to stroll through the cobbled streets among the brightly coloured facades. In the summer season, it is also a bubble of tranquillity compared to the tumult of the seaside.

The city of Fauvism

With its bright colors and the lights that bathe the Côte Vermeille, Collioure had everything to seduce the painters. Under the spell, the first renowned painter to settle there was Henri Matisse in 1905. He was then joined by his friend André Derain. Collioure’s mix of colours and lights inspires them. Here, they invent a new trend, Fauvism marked by the use of bright hues. They are then joined by Braque or Friesz. Along the path of Fauvism (Chemin du Fauvisme) that runs through Collioure, 17 reproductions of Matisse and Derain await you in the old town. Other thematic tours are also organized by the House of Fauvism. To complete this colourful walk, the Collioure Museum of Modern Art will allow you to admire the works of great modern and contemporary painters such as Henri Matisse, Claude Vialla, Henri Martin, Jean Louis Vila or Jean Capdeville. Among the walks offered by the House of Fauvism, a playful interactive walk has been specially designed for children. An original way to discover Collioure with your family.

The beaches of Collioure

You can swim downtown in Collioure. The city offers several bathing spots just a stone’s throw from the NOtrde-Dameèdes-Anges church or the royal castle of Collioure: St Vincent’s Creek, a sandy and pebble beach with a beautiful view of the castle, Boramar Creek, between the castle and the Notre-Dame church, the beach of the Port of Avall, a sandy beach south of the castle , the balette creek or the Batteries Creek.

To learn more about Collioure, please visit the city’s website: https://www.collioure.com/

Our campsites near Collioure

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We discover it first, at the turn of a bend, following the road that runs along the Lot. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France,Saint-Cirq-Lapopie plays the balancers at the top of a cliff, a hundred meters above the waters of the Lot. This stone jewel is set in green landscapes of hills, among which the Lot meanders.

A village with 13 historical monuments

As soon as you enter the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, you dive into the middle ages. Walking through the narrow cobbled streets, you can admire stone houses dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries, but above all 13 monuments classified as historical monuments including a superb church of the 12th-15th centuries, the Bordes house of the 14th century, a pigeon loft or even a water mill.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a village of artists

As you walk through the streets of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, you will discover many shops located where the village’s artisans once worked. The village is now home to more than a dozen artists who were inspired by the exceptional setting of this perched village. The tradition of hosting artists is not new. During prehistory, the walls of the Pech Merle cave, near the village, were decorated by the artists of the time. Be sure to admire them during your visit to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. The most famous artist who lived in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie was probably André Breton, french poet and writter, who contributed to the popularity of the village. The Daura houses, international residences of artists, still highlight the artistic character of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. This former 13th century hospice now houses a centre of contemporary creation. From Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, you can also follow the contemporary art course in the Lot Valley. Works by contemporary artists follow the route that connects Daura houses to the contemporary art centre in Carjac. You will be able to admire the works in villages or in the heart of natural sites. A great way to discover contemporary art.

Discover Saint-Cirq-Lapopie from the Lot

One of the most pleasant ways to discover Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is probably from the Lot. Cruises are indeed organized on the Lot. They offer you an absolutely stunning view of the perched village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.

Our campsites nearby

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Our campsites nearby

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