This route in Coulliore is one of the most varied and scenic runs along the Vermilion Coast, combining a historic castle, lighthouse, and waterside road. Coulliore is a Mediterranean coastal town known for the medieval Château Royal de Collioure, Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church, and hilltop Fort Saint Elme. 

Our main route is 5.5 km. Start in the area of the Royal Castle of Collioure (Château royal de Collioure) and head north for 1.2 km along the the waterfront path. There are great views of the water on one side and the castle walls on the other (note: lit at night). You’ll reach the Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges — a spectacular waterfront church — and lighthouse at the end of a narrow, stone-surfaced jetty path. 

Collioure Jetty. Google Street View

Retrace your steps, and then head south for 1.6 km on the waterfront road (Rte de Port-Vendres). The road climbs 30m, and features nice views of the water from above, and of the well-known windmill (Moulin de Coullioure). . There’s a good sidewalk. We turn around at the Plage des Batteries, where the road turns inland. 

  • Toward the south end you can do a ~0.6 km loop around the scenic Jardin Pams. 

Run to Fort Saint Elme

If you’d like to get the heart rate up, take the road/path to the hilltop Fort Saint Elme, the star-shaped fortress that dates to 1552. From the Rte de Port-Vendres, take the Cami del Port de Sant Telm, which passes by the Moulin (windmill) and then climbs 147m over 1.3 km to the Fort. You’ll be rewarded with great views. Note: Hilly!