Mick and I both love Collioure.

We have been here twice before, once in December 2016, and again with Michael and Jeanie in January this year. So both visits have been during winter.

Today we went there with Derek and Helen, in the middle of high season, and it was so busy. But it was definitely worth it.

For €1 each, we had been able to catch two buses, one from Caudiès to Perpignan and then a second one from Perpignan to Collioure.

Mick wore a red shirt to ensure we did not lose him, and it was very helpful because our friend who lives in Fenouillet had suggested we dine at a restaurant called Le Clocher, named after the most famous icon in Collioure.

I successfully made us a reservation, just before I heard the waiter say to other waiting hopefuls that the restaurant was now full. We had to have an early sitting, but that was fine because we had had an early start this morning.

Meanwhile, Mick and Helen and Derek wandered up to where we thought the markets would be on. But, there were no markets, and that was probably a good thing. Thanks to the red shirt, I spotted them and we continued to wander around people watching.

When we arrived at the restaurant, the owners offered to take our photo and then gave us a complimentary glass each of the local wine – Banyuls.

Mick hit it off really well with the owner who insisted she have her photo taken with him.

We had beautiful seafood for lunch – of course. And although the boys had said that morning they were not going to have any alcohol with lunch today – they had been given a free glass of Banyuls (well it wasn’t free ….. because this lady ended up with a great fat tip – very clever really), they each decided that a cold beer would be great with their sardines.

We spent an hour or so after lunch wandering around the seaside town, watching people and listening to some great busking.

We made it back to Caudiès just before 5.30pm and decided to dine at our chambres d’hôtes for dinner. A great meal and great company with dinner ending at 11.00pm.

We’re off to Perpignan tomorrow as we catch a plane to the UK for an important party and a mini family reunion.

More fun ahead.