Fort Saint Elme - Façade sud
1 / 10

Fort Saint-Elme Collioure

4.4
·3k reviews·Collioure, France

A star-shaped fortress offering breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into military history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Fort Saint Elme - Façade sud

Fort Saint-Elme Collioure

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A star-shaped fortress offering breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into military history.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"Breathtaking views across the bay, well worth the visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

Take the Petit Train 🚂

Easier access than driving the narrow roads. Offers a scenic ride up to the fort.

Walk Down Through Vineyards 🍇

Spectacular views and scents on the descent. Allow about an hour.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Views

Panoramic Coastal Views

Hilltop terraces

Breathtaking vistas of the Côte Vermeille and Collioure bay. Perfect for photography and soaking in the Mediterranean scenery.

Star-Shaped Fortress Architecture

Star-Shaped Fortress Architecture

Fortifications

An excellent example of a star fort built in the age of gunpowder, showcasing historical military engineering.

Vineyard Hike Descent

Vineyard Hike Descent

Path from the fort to Collioure

A scenic walk back down through vineyards, offering beautiful smells and spectacular views of the town and coast.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Fort Saint-Elme

Fort Saint-Elme offers stunning coastal views, but access can be tricky. Consider the 'petit train' for an easier ascent, especially if you're not keen on narrow, winding roads. Check opening hours beforehand, as closures can occur without notice.

Getting to Fort Saint-Elme

While driving is an option, the access road is very narrow and winding. Many visitors recommend the 'petit train' from Collioure for a scenic and less stressful journey. Walking back down through the vineyards offers spectacular views.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour views, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

WWII fort and armored cupolas of Saint Malo #History #ww2 #engineering
@simplehistory_
21.6K likes • 727.7K views

Take the Petit Train 🚂

Easier access than driving the narrow roads. Offers a scenic ride up to the fort. Instagram

Walk Down Through Vineyards 🍇

Spectacular views and scents on the descent. Allow about an hour. Reddit

Fort Saint Elme Collioure #fort#fortsaintelme#fortsaintelme🏰 #collioure#collouire❤️❤️❤️#colliourefrance#montagne#mer#randonnée#sun#
alex.travel88
206 likes • 1.5K views
Le fort saint Elme de collioure Majestueux gardien de la Côte Vermeille. Le fort saint Elme surplombe la Méditerranée, entre histoire et panoramas à couper le souffle. #photography#explorefrance#visiteurope#superfrance #hello_france#PhotographieDeVoyage #France #Paysage #exploreoccitanie#FranceTourisme #VoyageEnFrance #Occitanie #hello_worldpics #amazingshots_europa#CollioureTourisme#Perpign...
french_rasta07
360 likes • 6.4K views

Check Opening Hours ⏰

Fort can be closed without prior notice. Best to confirm before your visit. Reddit

Combine with Town Tour 🎟️

Look for combination tickets with the Petit Train for a guided experience. Reddit

Le Fort Saint Elme de Collioure ✨ . . . . #fortsaintelme #collioure #colliourefrance #colliouretourisme #tourisme #tourismefrance #drone #djimini4pro #dronereels #djiglobal #visitefrance
chloeklo_
0 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Take the Petit Train 🚂

Easier access than driving the narrow roads. Offers a scenic ride up to the fort. Instagram

Walk Down Through Vineyards 🍇

Spectacular views and scents on the descent. Allow about an hour. Reddit

Check Opening Hours ⏰

Fort can be closed without prior notice. Best to confirm before your visit. Reddit

Combine with Town Tour 🎟️

Look for combination tickets with the Petit Train for a guided experience. Reddit

Great for Drone Shots 🚁

The fort and surrounding bay offer stunning aerial perspectives. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Fort Saint-Elme for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Côte Vermeille and Collioure bay, and its historical significance as a well-preserved star fort. The scenic walk down through vineyards is also a highlight. However, some find the entrance fee a bit steep and the access road challenging.

"Fort Saint Elme is currently closed (nil signage as to why at the location), however the surrounding views are beautiful and the walk is gorgeous. Recommend walking up and back if you’re in Collioure, rather than driving."

Duncan Philip

"Tricky ride up to the fort but once there breathtaking b
Views across the bay. Entrrence to the castle was £8 per adult an well worth the visit.
An excellent example of a fort built in the age of gunpowder"

Anthony Smith (Tony)

"Really interesting visit and great value. Lots of local history. There’s a combination ticket with the local Petit Train from Collioure which gives a local guided tour. Follow the visit with a hike back into town through vineyards with spectacular views."

Chris Brierley

What People Like

Spectacular coastal views
Historical fort architecture
Scenic vineyard walk

What People Dislike

Narrow access road
Entrance fee perceived as high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can drive up the narrow, winding access road, but many visitors prefer the 'petit train' from Collioure for a more scenic and less stressful journey. InstagramReddit Walking back down through the vineyards is also a popular option for enjoying the views. Reddit

Yes, the access road is described as very narrow and winding. It's advisable to take your time if you choose to drive. Reddit

Yes, you can walk up to the fort, though it's a hike. The descent through the vineyards is particularly recommended for its views. Reddit

The 'petit train' is a tourist train that offers rides from Collioure up to Fort Saint-Elme, providing a convenient and picturesque way to reach the attraction. Instagram

Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but driving up implies some parking availability. However, due to the narrow road, it might be limited. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees are around £8 per adult, which is considered good value for the visit and the historical significance. Reddit

Yes, a combination ticket with the local 'Petit Train' from Collioure is available, which often includes a local guided tour. Reddit

Unfortunately, the fort can be closed without prior signage. It's advisable to check for current opening status before your visit. Reddit

Specific opening hours can vary and are not always clearly posted. It's best to confirm directly or check recent visitor information. Reddit

While the surrounding views are beautiful and accessible, entry into the fort itself requires a ticket. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The hilltop terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Côte Vermeille and Collioure bay, making them prime spots for photography. Instagram+2

Yes, the fort and its stunning coastal location are excellent for drone photography, capturing unique aerial perspectives. Instagram+1

Fort Saint-Elme provides a fantastic vantage point to watch Collioure's fireworks displays, offering a memorable experience. Instagram+1

Expect dramatic coastal landscapes, the charming town of Collioure from above, and the historic fortifications themselves. Instagram+2

Generally, photography is allowed, especially for personal use. Drone usage might have specific regulations, so it's wise to check locally. Instagram+1

🎫 🏛️ History & Experience

Opened in 1552, it's a star-shaped fortress built in the age of gunpowder. It served as a military stronghold and now functions as a military museum. TikTok

The fort houses a military museum with exhibits on local history. The architecture itself is a significant draw. Reddit

Visitors find it an interesting and great value visit, especially for the historical insights and the spectacular views. Reddit

Allow ample time to explore the fort, especially if you take the train up. The train only stops briefly, so walking around is recommended. Reddit

This refers to fortifications designed to withstand artillery fire, characterized by thick walls, bastions, and star-like shapes for better defense. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fort Saint-Elme offers a blend of history and stunning views that can engage families. The 'petit train' ride up is often a hit with children, providing a fun and easy way to reach the fort. Instagram Once there, exploring the ramparts and imagining life as a soldier can spark their imagination. The open spaces offer room to move, and the panoramic views are sure to impress. Consider packing snacks and water, as amenities might be limited. The walk down through the vineyards can also be an adventure, but ensure children are comfortable with the terrain.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers

For those who enjoy a good walk, Fort Saint-Elme is an excellent destination. The hike up offers rewarding views, and the descent through the vineyards is particularly scenic, filled with the scents of local flora. Reddit The surrounding Côte Vermeille coastline provides ample opportunities for further exploration and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.

📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts

This location is a paradise for photographers. The panoramic coastal views are unparalleled, especially during sunrise and sunset. Instagram+2 The unique star-shaped architecture of the fort itself provides compelling photographic subjects. Drone operators will find the expansive skies and dramatic landscapes ideal for capturing breathtaking aerial shots. Instagram+1 Don't miss the opportunity to photograph local events like fireworks from this elevated vantage point. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating to Fort Saint-Elme

Reaching Fort Saint-Elme requires some planning. While driving is an option, the access road is notoriously narrow and winding, which can be challenging for some drivers. Reddit Many visitors opt for the charming 'petit train' that departs from Collioure. This offers a more relaxed journey and allows you to fully appreciate the scenic route without the stress of navigating tight turns. Instagram

The 'petit train' is not just about convenience; it's part of the experience, winding through vineyards and offering glimpses of the Mediterranean. Instagram For those who enjoy a good walk, the descent from the fort back to Collioure through the vineyards is highly recommended. It's a beautiful way to experience the local flora and enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and the town below. Reddit

The Historical Significance of Fort Saint-Elme

Fort Saint-Elme is a fascinating example of military architecture from the age of gunpowder. Opened in 1552, its distinctive star shape was a strategic design to maximize defensive capabilities against artillery fire. TikTok This design allowed for overlapping fields of fire and reduced blind spots, a crucial innovation in military engineering during that era.

As a military museum, the fort offers insights into the local history and its strategic importance. Visitors can explore the ramparts and learn about the fort's role in defending the region. Reddit The preservation of such historical structures provides a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to step back in time and understand the challenges of defense in centuries gone by. Reddit

Capturing the Beauty: Photography at Fort Saint-Elme

Fort Saint-Elme is a photographer's dream, offering a multitude of stunning visual opportunities. The panoramic views from the hilltop terraces are simply breathtaking, stretching across the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque bay of Collioure. Instagram+2 These vistas are particularly magical during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

Beyond the sweeping landscapes, the fort itself provides excellent subjects. Its star-shaped architecture is visually striking and offers unique angles for photography. Instagram For those with drones, the fort and its surrounding coastline present incredible opportunities for aerial photography, capturing the scale and beauty of the location from a bird's-eye view. Instagram+1 Furthermore, the fort is a prime spot for viewing local events, such as the Collioure fireworks, offering a spectacular backdrop for memorable shots. Instagram+1

You may also like

1 of 2