10 - Bohemian chic living in Collioure

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Located 20 km from Spain on the Mediterranean coast, this little French marvel is hardly known in the UK, but has inspired artists four corners of the globe like Braque, Picasso and Matisse. Its instantly recognisable stone bell tower overlooking the ramparts is the small town's main icon - that and anchovies!

Here is a surprising mix between French and Spanish cultures, giving rise to its own distinct Catalan identity. A place for the bon vivants among us, Collioure is ideal for a long weekend to get away from it all. There are some stunning sceneries to explore on foot or by car. Surrounding villages, like Cadaques, are well worth the drive, but make sure you have booked accommodation prior to making the journey as the handful of hotels and guesthouses get booked up very quickly, especially over the summer.

Collioure sits peacefully on the coast and has a main beach in its small bay; it tends to get very busy in the summer, so for those of you looking for a little bit more intimacy, there are a number of smaller beaches and coves to find further out.

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