The Côte Vermeille (Vermilion coast) stretches from Argelès-sur-Mer to Cerbère via Collioure, Port Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer. This part of the coastline covers a mere 15 kilometres but the winding road from Port-Vendres to Cerbère makes it feel much longer, despite the superb views ! Take a sick bag for the folk in the back seat !
Thuir, lively little town in the Aspres, is probably most famous for the Caves Byrrh.
Henri Matisse arrived in Collioure in May 1905 at the age of 36, depressed, full of self doubts and very short of money. André Derain soon followed.
Perpignan’s art deco heritage, ‘curvitecture’, rivals Miami, Royan and Vichy. Here it’s showcased in all its glory by Henry Shaftoe
Gilbert Brutus, rugby union player, referee, coach, politician and resistant, was born in 1887 in Port-Vendres.
Just 14 months after their victory, Aimé Giral died alongside seven other members of the team at the outbreak of WW1.
A delightful and very interesting circuit of 3 hours, with 460 metres of ascent. Most of the route is in forest and offers good protection from the sun.
A day out in the High Vallespir is always a pleasure.
This year, 2023, marks the 78th anniversary of VE Day, the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Allies.
A simplification of the convoluted military history of the Cote Vermeille
