- Collioure is a pretty port town in the Region of Pyrenees-Orientales of southeastern France, and is located a few miles from the Spanish Frontier.
- The area produces red, white and rose wines called Collioure AOC and a dessert wine called Banyuls AOC. Collioure is noted for its massive fortress and an annual firework display held every August.
Chateau Royal de Collioure
- Collioure harbour is dominated by a massive fortress which has existed under four different regimes since at least the 13th century CE.
- In 1209 CE The Knights Templar built a fortress.
- During the 13-14th century, the fortress belonged to the Kings of Majorca.
- In the 16th century, Charles V, King of Spain rebuilt the fortress.
- In 1642, the French King Louis XIII besieged and conquered the fortress and it has remained in French ownership ever since. The real life D’Artagnan, who was Captain of the King’s Musketeers, fought in this siege along with an army of 10,000 men.
Roman Roads
- The Romans conquered the area in 121 BCE and built the Via Domitia, first Roman Road in Gaul which ran for 482 miles (777km) from Italy to Spain.
- Roman Collioure was on the coastal section of the Via Domitia leading to the Spanish Border.
Collioure