COLLIOURE Lonna Coleman

COLLIOURE Lonna Coleman captures the ambiance of the colourful southern French town in photos.... The French Mediterranean village of Collioure is nothing short of enchanting. Travel guru Rick Steves refers to it as “paradise reclaimed” – it’s hard to disagree. Collioure is everything that describes an idyllic postcard-perfect retreat from modern stresses… cobblestone pedestrian streets, colourful narrow houses that are centuries old, a plethora of vine-covered dining patios and bars, sandy (though sometimes rocky) beaches with clear almost turquoise water, quality wine made nearby from local grapes, and a vibrant history dotted with the great and the famous including Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and British author Patrick O’Brian. Add gorgeous summer sunrises over the water and a pace of life that seems to be from times gone by, and Collioure is worth a detour from any South-of-France itinerary.