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Collioure or Sete?

Somerset, United...
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130 posts
117 reviews
110 helpful votes
Collioure or Sete?
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Hi we're flying into Beziers the end of August and spending a few days in Villefranche de Conflent and then heading back towards the coast. Collioure sounds lovely but I am worried it will be packed with tourists and so I wondered if Sete would be a better place. We're looking for good walks, scenery, good food and ambience. We don't want to stay anywhere too big or that is too full of tacky tourist shops.

Val-de-Marne, France
Level Contributor
9,779 posts
1. Re: Collioure or Sete?
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Collioure will definitely be packed although the last week of August already starts quieting down compared to mid-August. Despite being so touristy I wouldn't call it tacky at all, it's rather posh and elegant. And it's a village whereas Sète is a larger town with less charm than Collioure IMHO. All seaside resorts are busy in August anyway. Been to both and would return to Collioure any time whereas I don't particularly care to return to Sète even though I did not dislike it.

Edited: 12 years ago
Somerset, United...
Level Contributor
130 posts
117 reviews
110 helpful votes
2. Re: Collioure or Sete?
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Thanks, interesting. We will be leaving Villefranche de Conflent 3rd September. Collioure does look beautiful. Is there anywhere you would recommend we stay in Collioure that doesn't break the bank?

Val-de-Marne, France
Level Contributor
9,779 posts
3. Re: Collioure or Sete?
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Early September is perfect! That's exactly when we were there. Still busy enough that it is lively but school holidays are over so it isn't crowded.

I can't make any recommendation as we just drove to Collioure one day with no plan/no hotel reservation and got a room in the only hotel that had one available after trying a couple that were fully booked. It was the hotel overlooking the beach at the very southern tip of the cove. I can visualize its exact location but don't know the address or name. I will check on google street view to find it and get back to you. Our room was small and charmless but affordable and it worked for us. Since you are planning ahead you will have a far better choice.

Val-de-Marne, France
Level Contributor
9,779 posts
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Found it: Le Triton: http://www.hotel-triton-collioure.com/chambres.htm

There is no English version for the website. I recognize our room: the 5th from the top at 62 €, the ugliest one :) I am pretty sure we paid more than that (probably close to 80 € a few years ago), those must be the off season fares. Other rooms overlooking the bay look a little prettier. Great location. My husband could give you advice on where to park, I have no memory for driving directions.

Edited: 12 years ago
Somerset, United...
Level Contributor
130 posts
117 reviews
110 helpful votes
5. Re: Collioure or Sete?
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Thanks for that. I did look at the Triton and thought much the same as you - charmless but convenient. Will google for a bit and see what comes up. Cheers

Val-de-Marne, France
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9,779 posts
6. Re: Collioure or Sete?
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I just looked at the reviews for the Triton and they're rather bad on average :):) As I said, not making any recommendation. We were just happy to find somewhere to sleep in Collioure at the last minute and couldn't afford to be picky. I am sure you can find much better. Here is the tourist office website: http://www.collioure.com/gb/index-gb.htm

Good luck in your search!

Edited: 12 years ago
Paris, France
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23,854 posts
6 reviews
12 helpful votes
7. Re: Collioure or Sete?
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I liked this hotel so apparently that's why I could never be a hotel critic.

Perpignan, France
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7,306 posts
80 reviews
72 helpful votes
8. Re: Collioure or Sete?
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Collioure is an easy day trip from Villefranche de Conflent. Both are small villages. After some time in the Roussillon area I would chose Sète to have a different experience - that of a bigger town - but of course it is a matter of taste.

Expect hilly hikes around Collioure.

Early September will be fine in both places.

Somerset, United...
Level Contributor
130 posts
117 reviews
110 helpful votes
9. Re: Collioure or Sete?
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Thanks for all the replies (even more confused now). I am a bit put off by the lack of availability of hotels & B & B's in Collioure which would suggest that it will be busy in early September (considering I'm looking early January). I think my biggest problem is there are so many beautiful places to go in a short period of time and we would like to get to see as much as possible without hiring a car. What we are looking for is a truly authentic experience of this region. It doesn't have to be on the coast. Last September we stayed in Uzes and travelled by public transport all the time and loved it but would now like to try something else.

Harstad, Norway
Destination Expert
for Bergen, Norway
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48,815 posts
38 reviews
36 helpful votes
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I think the lack of available accomodation reflects that there is not a great deal of accomodation on offer. The main crowds in peak season rent self catering units by the week. I have been to Collioure for a day trip in July and it did not feel crowded. And it does not get more beautiful. Sete can hardly be called beautiful but it is certainly authentic and well served by trains for getting around. The area by the canal is charming. It is a working port and can be a little rough at the edges. One article I read in the British press not too long ago said something like Sete is too busy to care about beauty. Some love the place, some have described it as a dump. Personally, I happen to land in the middle. One may have to learn to like Sete, Collioure is love at first sight. A car would add greatly to your experience by enabling you to reach the beautiful landscapes and historical sights inland like cathar castles, listed villages etc.

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