Collioure …

 

DSC_0488 (Medium)With a population of only 3,000 in the winter time, it is said that Picasso once set up his easel in this artist town. You can understand why it would attract artists … at every turn there are great views of the vineyards and the mediterranean sea, even on an overcast day. 

 

We drove up a rough and narrow road to reach the summit where Fort St. Elme stands. DSC_0505 (Medium) We weren’t sure whether cars are even allowed to drive up and we were relieved to see another car parked when we finally reached the top! There are some great  views from this vantage point.

 

DSC_0557 (Medium)The tour book notes this is how St. Tropez used to look before it was overrun with tourists.  It’s hard to say whether this place will become as popular. You can see new construction project are underway. It would be interesting to see what some of these properties sell for!

The town has its share of medieval fortifications and centuries old churches.  What makes DSC_0554 (Medium)Collioure unique is that it has a windmill which appears to be intact. We’ve come across a variety of windmills in our travels, but usually all that remains standing is the structure without the  rotating arms.

Tomorrow we are heading north east stopping in Nice, Monaco and northern Italy!

 

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