Below is a selection of churches and abbeys near Collioure

Less than 30 minutes away: Notre-Dame des Anges Church in Collioure, Saint-Génis des Fontaines Abbey, Elne Cathedral and Cloister,
Less than 1 hour away: Saint-Jean Baptiste Cathedral in Perpignan, Saint-Jacques Church in Perpignan, Sant-Pere de Rodes Monastery (a must-see!), Saint-Michel du Cuxa Abbey, Serrabone Priory, Sainte-Marie Abbey in Arles-sur-Tech
Less than 1 hour and 30 minutes away: Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey (a must-see!), Marcevol Priory, Girona Cathedral, Sant-Feliu de Girona Basilica

For each of these sites, we’ve listed the distance in kilometers and travel time from Collioure below.

If you’re planning to visit Barcelona and the surrounding area, we recommend: the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona, the Monastery of Poblet, the Sanctuary of Montserrat, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll, and the Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses.

Saint-Martin-du-Canigou Abbey, the suspended jewel of the Pyrenees

Saint-Martin-du-Canigou Abbey is one of the most spectacular religious sites in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Perched on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Canigou massif, it seems to hang suspended above the valley.

Its seclusion is part of its charm. You don’t just visit an abbey here—you make the climb up to it. The hike from Casteil lends the experience an almost initiatory quality. Once there, the Romanesque architecture, the bell tower, the crypt, and the cloister come together to form a remarkably understated ensemble.

Distance : 90 km - 1h20 + walk

Saint-Michel de Cuxa Abbey, a major Romanesque site in Conflent

Near Prades, at the foot of Mount Canigou, Saint-Michel de Cuxa Abbey is another major landmark of Catalan heritage. Its thousand-year history, Romanesque bell tower, pre-Romanesque and Romanesque church, crypt, and cloister make it one of the great monastic complexes in southern France.

The site is both an architectural and spiritual destination. The current monastic presence helps preserve an atmosphere of contemplation, far beyond a mere tourist visit. Cuxa is also linked to the history of Roussillon Romanesque art and the great Benedictine tradition.

A visit here pairs very well with Prades, Villefranche-de-Conflent, or the Abbey of Saint-Martin-du-Canigou for a day dedicated to the heritage of the Conflent region.

Distance : 76 km - 1h

The Priory of Serrabona, a Hidden Gem of Romanesque Art

Set amid rolling hills, holm oaks, and scrubland, the Priory of Serrabona is one of the most beautiful Romanesque sites in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Less well-known than Saint-Martin-du-Canigou or Cuxa, it charms visitors with its tranquility, seclusion, and the delicacy of its sculpted decorations.

Its pink marble gallery is one of the great treasures of Catalan Romanesque art. The carved capitals, plant motifs, and symbolic figures lend the site great artistic richness.

Serrabona is an ideal destination for those who enjoy less-visited sites, Mediterranean landscapes, and monuments best savored at a leisurely pace.

Distance : 53 km - 1h

The Abbey of Sainte-Marie in Arles-sur-Tech: A Testament to the Vallespir

In the Vallespir, the Abbey of Sainte-Marie in Arles-sur-Tech is one of the major landmarks of Catalan religious heritage. Founded during the Carolingian period, it is often described as one of the oldest abbeys in Catalonia.

Its Romanesque church, Gothic cloister, and historic organ form a fascinating ensemble. The site is also known for the “Holy Tomb,” a sarcophagus associated with the relics of Saints Abdon and Sennen, around which a unique local tradition has developed.

A visit here fits easily into a day trip around Amélie-les-Bains, Arles-sur-Tech, the Vallespir, and Céret.

Distance : 45 km - 45 mn

The Former Abbey of Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines

In Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines, the former Benedictine abbey preserves a major example of Romanesque art: its famous carved lintel, dating from the early 11th century. It depicts Christ in Majesty surrounded by sacred figures and is one of the great masterpieces of Romanesque sculpture in Roussillon.

The cloister, built at a later date, provides a pleasant conclusion to the tour. While the site is less spectacular in terms of its location than Saint-Martin-du-Canigou or Sant Pere de Rodes, it is of great importance for understanding the origins and development of Catalan Romanesque art.

Distance : 17 km - 20mn

The Cathedral and Cloister of Elne

Elne was long a major religious center in Roussillon. Its Cathedral of Saint Eulalie and Saint Julie and its cloister bear witness to this historical significance.

The cloister of Elne is one of the most beautiful in the department. Its galleries, carved capitals, and marble elements come together to create a very harmonious whole. The cathedral, with its simple yet imposing architecture, reflects Elne’s former role as a bishop’s seat.

Distance : 16 km - 20 mn

The Priory of Marcevol, Facing Mount Canigou

The Priory of Marcevol is one of those places that leave a lasting impression as much for their architecture as for their surroundings. Situated on a plateau overlooking the Têt Valley, it offers a magnificent view of the Canigou massif.

The Romanesque church, the restored buildings, and the natural surroundings lend the site a peaceful atmosphere. Marcevol is less imposing than the great abbeys, but its balance of stone, light, and panoramic views makes it a truly charming stop.

It is also a vibrant cultural hub, hosting tours, exhibitions, and events throughout the year.

Distance : 75 km - 1h10

The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges in Collioure

In Collioure, the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Built right on the seashore, it forms—along with the bell tower, the beach, the royal castle, and the colorful facades—one of the most famous silhouettes of the Côte Vermeille.

Its bell tower, built on the foundation of a former lighthouse, gives the church its unique character. The interior, often more ornate than one might imagine from the outside, offers a glimpse into the Baroque religious heritage of Roussillon.

Distance : 500m - by foot

St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Perpignan

Located in the heart of Perpignan’s historic center, St. John the Baptist Cathedral is one of the city’s major religious monuments. Its Southern Gothic architecture, spacious nave, and religious furnishings make it an essential stop on any visit to Perpignan.

It’s best explored alongside the Campo Santo, the nearby former cloister-cemetery, and the narrow streets of Old Perpignan. The cathedral helps put the city into context as the historic capital of Roussillon and a city linked to the Kingdom of Majorca.

Distance : 30 km - 35 mn

The Church of Saint-Jacques in Perpignan

The Church of Saint-Jacques is another important site in Perpignan’s religious heritage. Located in an old neighborhood of the city, it is closely linked to the tradition of the Sanch, a religious procession that plays a significant role in Perpignan’s Catalan identity.

Its significance is therefore as much historical as it is spiritual and cultural. It offers insight into a living aspect of religious heritage: not only the stones and architecture, but also the rituals, brotherhoods, and traditions.

Distance : 30 km - 35 mn

Sant Pere de Rodes, the Great Romanesque Monastery of the Empordà

Just across the border, the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes is one of Catalonia’s most beautiful religious sites. Perched on the heights of Cap de Creus, overlooking the Mediterranean, it combines Romanesque architecture, the raw power of the landscape, and spectacular views of the sea.

The site is particularly impressive because of its setting. Like Saint-Martin-du-Canigou, it gives the impression of being a place apart—removed from the world, yet open to a vast landscape.

It is one of the most beautiful cultural excursions to take from the Pyrénées-Orientales, particularly from Collioure.

Distance : 50 km - 1h

Girona Cathedral

Girona Cathedral overlooks the old town from its grand, monumental staircase. It is famous for its immense Gothic nave—one of the widest in the world—as well as for its Romanesque cloister, its treasury, and its spectacular location in the heart of the historic center.

A visit to the cathedral pairs perfectly with a tour of Girona’s Jewish quarter, city walls, Arab baths, and medieval streets. It’s one of the most beautiful cultural days you can have in Spanish Catalonia.

Distance : 100 km - 1h15

The Basilica of Sant Feliu in Girona

Just a short walk from the cathedral, the Basilica of Sant Feliu is also worth a visit. It is one of Girona’s major religious monuments and houses, among other things, early Christian sarcophagi and a wealth of ancient artifacts of great value.

Its architecture blends elements from different periods, giving it a unique silhouette. It serves as an excellent complement to a visit to the cathedral and offers a deeper understanding of Girona’s rich history.