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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Fort Saint-Elme Collioure
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A star-shaped fortress offering breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into military history.
"Breathtaking views across the bay, well worth the visit."

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Fort Saint-Elme
Getting to Fort Saint-Elme
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Check Opening Hours ⏰
Fort can be closed without prior notice. Best to confirm before your visit.
Combine with Town Tour 🎟️
Look for combination tickets with the Petit Train for a guided experience.
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.
Walk Down Through Vineyards 🍇
Spectacular views and scents on the descent. Allow about an hour.
Check Opening Hours ⏰
Fort can be closed without prior notice. Best to confirm before your visit.
Combine with Town Tour 🎟️
Look for combination tickets with the Petit Train for a guided experience.
Great for Drone Shots 🚁
The fort and surrounding bay offer stunning aerial perspectives.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. Walking back down through the vineyards is also a popular option for enjoying the views.
Yes, the access road is described as very narrow and winding. It's advisable to take your time if you choose to drive.
Yes, you can walk up to the fort, though it's a hike. The descent through the vineyards is particularly recommended for its views.
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.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but driving up implies some parking availability. However, due to the narrow road, it might be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees are around £8 per adult, which is considered good value for the visit and the historical significance.
Yes, a combination ticket with the local 'Petit Train' from Collioure is available, which often includes a local guided tour.
Unfortunately, the fort can be closed without prior signage. It's advisable to check for current opening status before your visit.
Specific opening hours can vary and are not always clearly posted. It's best to confirm directly or check recent visitor information.
While the surrounding views are beautiful and accessible, entry into the fort itself requires a ticket.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The hilltop terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Côte Vermeille and Collioure bay, making them prime spots for photography.
Yes, the fort and its stunning coastal location are excellent for drone photography, capturing unique aerial perspectives.
Fort Saint-Elme provides a fantastic vantage point to watch Collioure's fireworks displays, offering a memorable experience.
Expect dramatic coastal landscapes, the charming town of Collioure from above, and the historic fortifications themselves.
Generally, photography is allowed, especially for personal use. Drone usage might have specific regulations, so it's wise to check locally.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
The fort houses a military museum with exhibits on local history. The architecture itself is a significant draw.
Visitors find it an interesting and great value visit, especially for the historical insights and the spectacular views.
Allow ample time to explore the fort, especially if you take the train up. The train only stops briefly, so walking around is recommended.
This refers to fortifications designed to withstand artillery fire, characterized by thick walls, bastions, and star-like shapes for better defense.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Fort Saint-Elme
The 'petit train' is not just about convenience; it's part of the experience, winding through vineyards and offering glimpses of the Mediterranean. 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.
The Historical Significance of Fort Saint-Elme
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. 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.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography at Fort Saint-Elme
Beyond the sweeping landscapes, the fort itself provides excellent subjects. Its star-shaped architecture is visually striking and offers unique angles for photography. 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. Furthermore, the fort is a prime spot for viewing local events, such as the Collioure fireworks, offering a spectacular backdrop for memorable shots.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit