flygirl

Good morning

I'm trying to figure out a good base for the westernmost portion of my upcoming trip.

Collioure looks so inviting, with good food, wine, scenery and hiking.

I don't want to hop from town to town, unpacking as I head east, so, would this be a good three night base from which to hike locally as well as take a road trip one day to a few of the Cathar castles and maybe even Carcassonne? Collioure looks like it's worth more than a quick day trip. I would have to do at least two nights here to visit it/hike it... if adding a third night makes a few Cathar castles viable I may just do that.

The other alternative is two nights Collioure, get in the car with luggage in the boot, visit the castles, sleep nearby, then on the road to Cassis after night three from wherever I happen to be that night. Which one would be more of a hassle?

Thank you.

albatrost

Collioure is well worth it. It's a nice city to visit. Some of the cathar castles should be possible to visit. But a lot of these castles lay quite a bit away from the major roads, so driving can take more time than it would seem from looking at the maps. I would consider staying in Carcassonne if the the Cathar castles are importent for you. The wonderful castle at carcassonne should be visited not only at day time, but also at night, when it is beautifully lit, like on this photo: http://theprovenceguide.com/cities-a...e/carcassonne/

One night in Carcassonne and two in Collioure might be a good solution. Don't forget to look at the canal du midi as well if you go to Carcassonne, it is wonderful!!

alb

Cathinjoetown

I agree with albatrost. Collioure is lovely--the petit train touristque (on wheels) is actually great as it climbs up into the vineyards off the paved roads. Incredible views. The train comes back via Port Vendres.

Two nights there is about right. We stayed at Casa Pairal in the center of the village/town. Great location with an adjacent private car park. You won't need the car until you leave.

While very little of Carcassonne dates from the time of the Cathars, it's still fascinating and was at one time their stronghold. Where are you driving from to reach Collioure or Carcassonne?

sandralist

I'm not a huge fan of Collioure, especially when it comes to wine or ambience, but that is irrelevant. What time of year are you going? In summer I would be concerned about traffic and crowds if you are planning a lot of day trips. In the area, I preferred the sleepier and far less touristic Port Vendres, but I don't think I'd pick it as a base for seeing the inland castles.

hetismij2

We couldn't visit Collioure when we were staying in the area. It was full. Absolutely jam packed full. We gave up and went to Spain instead.
We were staying inland, near St. Paul, which was a great base for the Cathar castles in that area.

We were there in early June a couple of years ago btw.

flygirl

Hi, thank you everyone!

I am coming from Barcelona on the train. I had thought of getting a car in Perpignan and driving to Collioure. I would need it to see the castles.

However, from what you are telling me, it sounds like it may be smarter to take a train to Collioure, just stay there the two nights (and hike in the middle day) and then get a car when I leave and get on the road to the castles and keep going.

I would then have the car the first day/night upon leaving Collioure to get to the castles and the second night/day to get to Cassis.

For the two nights in Cassis, which are mainly to hike the Calanques or boat to them - no car is needed, right? I could drop it when I arrive in Cassis and be done with it? Last stop would be Aix which would be three nights then home. And from Aix I hope to do a train day trip to Avignon and one to Marseille.

I am hoping this is slightly off season - after Labor Day.

Pvoyageuse

Things will be quieter in Collioure after Labor Day but it still is not a good base to visit the Cathar castles. You'll have to rent a car in Perpignan but it is an easy train or bus journey. From Perpignan drive to Maury, see Queribus/Peyrepertuse/Puilaurens on your way and use Limoux as a base to visit Carcassonne, the Minervois and the other castles.

flygirl

Pvoyageuse, thanks. Do you mean rent the car after I leave Collioure? There is no need for a car if I stay there only two nights, I would barely leave the town - I'd arrive afternoon on one day, have a full day the next, then on the road after my second night.

Once on the road from Collioure I would keep going with the car - first the castles then head east.

Pvoyageuse

Yes, rent the car after you leave Collioure. You are right, you won't need a car when you are there.
There is no rental agency in Collioure, the nearest one is in Argelès and you won't have much choice (if any !).

annhig

don't miss Perpignan - a great city and well worth spending a day or two there, IMO. ditto Toulouse but that may be a little way off your route.

whereas Collioure, whatever its reputation may be, has been swamped by tourists. we had the same experience as Hetismij - it was full. Complet - desole, madame, ma.......

flygirl

Hi

So Limoux would be a good base for my night in the vicinity of the castles/Carcassone?

Domaine St. George has a room available - any thoughts on that B&B?

Many thanks.

Cathinjoetown

By September in Collioure, all the tourists seem to have done a midnight flit. There are enough travelers around to be interesting and keep the restaurants open plus the French Marine Training Centre with luck will be doing water drills and a bit of formation practice on the square, nice eye candy.

Limoux is fun, don't know the B&B but I do enjoy the many vintners' caves and wine tasting--blanquette de Limoux is a favorite and I think their best-known product. Pretty little town square. You may not make it to any of the fortress ruins!

Pvoyageuse

"So Limoux would be a good base for my night in the vicinity of the castles/Carcassone?"
It isn't far from Carcassonne and the Minervois, it is close to Rennes-le-Chateau, Couiza and Esperaza, you can drive to Lagrasse or Fontfroide Abbeys very easily.
Domaine St Georges gets good reviews on TA. You might also check Château des Ducs de Joyeuse at Couiza www.chateau-des-ducs.com
or Château de Floure at Floure www.chateau-de-floure.com
or more simple (but excellent restaurant) : www.la-pierre-lys.fr

kanadajin

Another vote for Limoux as a base. Stayed there and did short day trips such as Montségur, Quillan, Gorges de Galamus, Peyrepertuse, Carcassone. Lovely town in itself as well. A little further afield are the Grotte de Niaux, and also Monastère St-Martin du Canigou not far from Prades.

flygirl

Thank you - I made the rez in Limoux. One lodging down, for the French part of the trip!

flygirl

I have heard from these places, so far, for availability. Does anyone have any insights as to the below please?

Hotel Les Caranques,150E a night.

Hotel Le Mas des Citronniers 119E or 159E a night

Hotel Boramar 65E or 80E (this probably isn't close to the same quality as the above but I thought I'd ask).

Thank you for any thoughts.

annhig

flygirl - it might be helpful if you posted the links.

MaineGG

We stayed a couple of nights at Les Caranques many years ago, and I see they still have mostly very positive reviews. We enjoyed sitting on our balcony with our morning coffee looking out over Collioure and the sea. I'd certainly stay there again.

flygirl

Hi everyone

Thank you so much. I also posted this on TA and have decided to go with Mas des Citronniers. Caranques sounds nice but a little ways out of town - probably not a huge deal but I won't have a car for these two days.

My hotel won't have a sea view but that is OK, I will be seeing the sea during my wanders. And I can always go sit in a cafe.

Cathinjoetown

Your hotel is owned by the same group as the one I recommended, also no sea view but convenient to everything as yours will be--the center of Collioure isn't large. You sound like a walker/hiker so guessing you could hike up into the vineyards--spectacular views. I needed le petit train!