Collioure, France

Over the centuries Romans, medieval Catalan kings and the French Royal Navy have all sailed into the deep, natural harbor of Port-Vendres in Roussillon – the French part of Catalonia. Just up the coast from this working fishing port, you’ll find the colorful seaside village of Collioure, which has inspired artists like Henri Matisse and Picasso and is one of the most picturesque resorts on the Côte Vermeille. To the east you’ll stumble across some spectacular coastal views on the trails of the untamed Cap Béar headland; while to the south you’ll see vineyards planted on the vertiginously steep terraces of Banyuls-sur-Mer. Back in Collioure, take a seat in one of the historical center’s many wine bars and sample some of the rich-red wines that are produced in this fabulous region.