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We stayed here for the last 2 weeks in September with another couple. The owner, Mark, sent us a key and easy to follow directions. The house was just as described, in a quiet complex on a hill about 15 minutes walk from Collioure centre, with great views of the sea and equipped with all we needed. It is part of a terrace of houses and appartments with a shared pool - which we had to ourselves. The 2 visitor parking places were occupied but we had no problem parking on the road at the top of the steps down to the house. You can relax on the balconies and watch the old fishing boats, wind surfers, or local commandos practicing - will take binoculars next time! The weather was hot and dry except for one stormy day and we walked into Collioure or Port Vendres (about 25 mins to the harbour) every day. Collioure is breathtakingly beautiful by day and night - famed for anchovies and as an artists' haven. It has pebbly beaches, clear warm sea full of fish, shops, galleries, a fortress, bars, restaurants and the clocktower. Eating out in Collioure wasn't as expensive as we expected. There is a huge choice - we enjoyed amazing fish platters in Coco Liberis, tapas in Le Clocher and moules frites and crepes in St Elme but our favourite was Le Templiers hotel bar and restaurant where the walls are covered in paintings and we shared huge portions of whitebait and calamares at lunchtime and had a really good 3 course evening meal for 18 euros. Loads to see and do in the area - galleries, local wines (visit Cellier de Templiers in Banyuls - tour + wine tasting 10 euros), markets twice a week (try 6 oysters and a glass of wine 5 euros), cliff walks, St Elme fortress above the house (amazing views and tours on the hour), hilltop Cathar castles about an hour away by car. There is a small sandy cove near to the house (10 mins stroll) with a car park above it and there are bigger sandy beaches about 20 minutes by car in either direction. No need for a car - walk or take the little train which also goes to Banyuls, Port Vendres and Argeles or the 1 euro bus - or try a boat trip. Lidl is 15 mins by foot towards Port Vendres, where there are good restaurants next to the harbour. We prepared some simple meals at home with really fresh ingredients - spaghetti with clams, chicken tagine, fish and tapas. The whole experience was brilliant - and we returned fitter and relaxed. Thank you Mark. We hope to visit your lovely house again and have recommended it to friends and family.
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