Collioure - Port Vendres: 4 days of freedom over New Year's
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationPyrénées-Orientales / Collioure
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions39.07 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Between the Vermilion Coast and the Spanish border, the end of the year takes on a unique character. This coastal hike in Northern Catalonia invites you to disconnect amidst contrasting landscapes, where Mediterranean light enhances the rocky terrain.
The self-guided adventure begins in Collioure or Port-Vendres , jewels of Catalan architecture, for immediate immersion. Along the way, you'll hike along scenic trails that hug the clifftops, linking the rocky coastline to Cerbère . The route winds between sea and mountains, revealing spectacular panoramas of the surrounding headlands and cliffs. You'll discover exceptional sites like the Paulilles cove and Fort Saint-Elme , precious witnesses to local history and heritage.
Designed to combine mild weather with the pleasure of hiking, this itinerary promises a refreshing New Year's Eve celebration , far removed from everyday life. The stay concludes with a final breakfast overlooking the sea, bringing this rejuvenating four-day getaway to a close.
The highlights
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New Year's Eve on the beach in Collioure
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Mediterranean cuisine
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Wine tasting in Collioure
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This route is accessible to most people and does not require any particular physical abilities. The hike may include short sections off-trail, but no major difficulties. Approximately 4 hours of walking per day (excluding breaks).
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 425 m
- Average daily descent: 425 m
Management
You will be undertaking this hike independently. Our "freedom" package allows you to travel without the constraints of group logistics.
We will provide you with all the necessary information for the smooth running of your hike; you must follow it.
Program
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December 29: Arrival and check-in at the hotel
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After settling into your hotel around 5pm in Collioure, Port Vendres or elsewhere in the surrounding villages, depending on the option chosen, you will directly enjoy the city of painters.
From Henri Matisse to André Derain, by way of Picasso, Chagall, and so many others, this charming town will lead you through its narrow streets along the paths of Fauvism. Take a break on the small black pebbles, feet in the water, and admire the royal castle; we'll also suggest you taste Banyuls and Collioure wines at our favorite spot!
Day 1 -
December 30: From Cap Béar to Collioure via the Anse de Paulilles and Fort St Elme
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The coast is rocky, the mountains and the sea blend together, and mimosas and orange trees are in bloom. The colors of midwinter are here. The grape harvest is over, and the naturally sweet wine is now beginning to mature in the sun in enormous demijohns. The mild climate year-round is perfect for swimming in the natural coves that dot your route.
You will go along the paths overlooking the sea and return in the late afternoon to the port of Collioure on foot.
Day 2 -
December 31 - From Banyuls to Cap Cerbère and the Spanish border!
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Morning transfer by train (or bus) to Banyuls (6 minutes). Between vineyards and the Mediterranean, the network of paths winds its way between terraces and olive groves before approaching the sea. A coastal route along the Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve takes you to Cap Cerbère and then, alternatively, to the Spanish border, which overlooks the sea, 200 meters above the water. Return to Collioure by train along the coast.
New Year's Eve party in the streets of Collioure and night in a hotel.
On the "New Year's Eve Menu" in the streets of Collioure:
In the streets of Collioure, community spaces, free food, aperitif and fanfare from 7:30 p.m., followed by a concert, fireworks and a dance until the end of the year will be on the program for this beautiful evening.
Day 3 -
January 1st - Swimming in the sea
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Happy New Year! You start with the unmissable January 1st swim in the bay overlooking the small port of Collioure or Banyuls depending on the option chosen, before calmly enjoying this first day of the year.
End of stay after breakfast.
Day 4
Note
For this trip, you will stay in either Collioure or Port-Vendres, depending on your preference. The hiking routes described are the same. The transfer to the starting point will simply be adjusted. This program and the information provided are for guidance only; we adhere to them most of the time, however, circumstances beyond our control may require changes to the order or itinerary (weather, safety, etc.). In such cases, we will take the necessary steps to ensure you enjoy your trip to the fullest in the best possible conditions.
Accommodation
Depending on the option you choose, your 3-star hotel offers quiet and comfortable rooms. The quality of the welcome and the friendliness of the staff are essential assets. And what a pleasure it is to stroll along the terrace in the evening…
Access
If you arrive the day before departure…
We can book a night in a B&B for you before (or after) your stay. You will be expected at your hotel in the late afternoon, either in Collioure or Port-Vendres, depending on the option chosen. You can arrive from 3 pm onwards and thus enjoy the charm of the villages.
Go to the starting point
The SNCF train station in Collioure or Port-Vendres, depending on your chosen option, is located in the heart of the village, near your accommodation. A regular train service connects Perpignan, Collioure, and Port-Vendres several times a day. The journey takes 20 minutes and costs approximately €6.
Collioure and Port-Vendres are villages about 30 kilometers south of Perpignan and about 10 kilometers from the Spanish border. From the A9 motorway, take exit 42 Perpignan Sud, then follow the D914 towards Argelès-sur-Mer. Allow approximately 30 minutes from the motorway exit.
For this stay, you can park your vehicle in one of the city's paid, monitored car parks. Budget approximately €15/day. Reservations are not possible.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast
- The costs of organizing and logistically managing the stay
- The Freedom File in digital format
- Our assistance throughout your stay
The price does not include
- Transportation to the place of stay
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The freedom file in paper format
- Transfers by train (or bus) (approximately €2.50 per journey)
- Entrance fees to sites and museums.
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Additional night in Collioure with breakfast in a double or twin room : CHF196.68 / person
- Additional night in Collioure with breakfast in a single room : CHF224.13 / person
- Additional night in Port Vendres with breakfast in a double or twin room : CHF105.20 / person
- Additional night in Port Vendres with breakfast in a single room : CHF132.65 / person
- Paper file : CHF32.02 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
No formalities required.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Hotels provide toilet facilities and complete bedding.
Equipment to bring
- In addition, so as not to forget anything
- Small personal pharmacy
- A lightweight flashlight (preferably a headlamp)
- An Opinel-type pocket knife
- A lighter
- Toilet paper
- A small plastic bag for the waste
- A mobile phone
Swimming:
- Don't forget your swimsuit and towel. Swimming in the sea isn't mandatory, but it's very pleasant!
Clothing to bring
Your backpack
- You hike with a small 20 or 30 litre daypack in which you will put your protective clothing, lunch, water bottle, camera, ...
- Don't overpack for this trip! With a little practice, your luggage shouldn't exceed 6kg to 8kg, all included (carried luggage + day bag).
Your personal belongings
- For the upper body, the 3-layer system allows you to manage all situations during the hike:
- A short- or long-sleeved undershirt (t-shirt) made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- A warm fleece fur jacket.
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket.
- For the lower body, a flexible and modular hiking pant (shorts/pants) also allows you to manage all situations.
