Catalan Côte de Vermeille in southern France
2 things to do and see
Historic Catalan towns fortresses, and hiking along the Côte Vermeille in France on the border with Spain. Visiting France by train from Barcelona
Description of Cote Vermeille (France)
On the Catalonian coastline, from Argeles-sur-Mer to Cerbere at the Spanish border are historic towns and beautiful coastline for hiking. This part of France is Catalan and has changed hands between France and Spain several times.
After the merging of the Kingdom of Majorca into Aragon in 1276 the Côte Vermeille and Pyrenees-Orientales were under spanish rule with many coastal towns being fortified and hiltop forts being constructed. In 1659, the Treaty of the Pyrenees defined the border between France and Spain as it is today.
The French continued fortifying the villages and towns along the border prompting Spain to build Sant Ferran Fortress.
The response to Sant Ferran Fortress was the fortification of Collioure, the enlargement of Fort Sant Elme and fortification of Port Vendres. Fort Bear is today an active military site.
Click on one of the photos below to find detailed information about each attraction, train maps, photo gallery, walking routes, restaurant guides and much more.
Happy Exploring!
Attractions in Cote Vermeille (France)
