New Year's Eve At Coulliore

Steve&Julie · Post by **Steve&Julie** » Sun 20 Dec 2009 22:35

Hi everyone,

I know there are fireworks etc. but does anyone have any details ie. what time does it start, where to go, do we have to get tickets, what is parking like, are restaurants packed or is it easy to get food and any other tips?........

Many thanks!

collioure_bee · Post by **collioure_bee** » Sun 20 Dec 2009 22:47

I don't know about the restaurants but most seem to bring packed lunches to eat on the promenades by the beach.

Parking, as always with Collioure will probably be a nightmare but it is free in all car parks at this time of year.

They have a theme night and this year the theme is the sea and lots of people come dressed up to the theme, last year was 20's night and there were some impressive costumes.

Bring your own champagne as the various champagne bars dotted around are quite dear. Last year there was live jazz in the main square by the Tourist Information bit and oompah bands just wandering around playing so I assume it will be the same this year.

All in all it's a lovely atmosphere, the fireworks are at midnight and very impressive.

Santiago · Post by **Santiago** » Mon 21 Dec 2009 10:16

Probably wise to book a restaurant. Arrive early if you want to park within a mile of the front.

We talked into a DIY lunch in Collioure 2 years ago but as there is hardly any public seating and it was cold and windy, it was a pretty miserable way to save a few euros.

Besides, the town puts on the entertainment in the hope that people will come and spend a bit of money in the local bars and restaurants.

Damian · Post by **Damian** » Mon 21 Dec 2009 12:55

Normally, there is a large marquee on the sea front, where you can book a table and bring your own food - try the Towns' web-site for details. The marquee also has a dancing area. Various stalls selling champagne etc (by the bottle of the glass). These are all run by local community groups as part of their fund raising activities. Would urge, therefore, that you buy drinks from them.

Always a very nice atmosphere and fantastic fireworks at midnight. Well worth a visit.

Damian

Mimmi · Post by **Mimmi** » Wed 23 Dec 2009 08:11

We have been there for the last three years and always enjoyed it. We generally do our traditional fondue at home and arrive in Collioure around 22 h. So far we found parking near the train station even at that time. The tent where the band is playing opens for everybody around 22.30 h when people have finished eating and tout le monde can dance and enjoy the music. We buy our drinks from the local stalls - too much bother to bring our own stuff. We are quite happy to contribute something as we are getting everything else for free including the marvellous firework.
There is only one thing missing: the French don't seem to have the custom of counting or ringing the bells or SOMETHING to let us know it is midnight. There is always a bit of confusion under the uninitiated foreigners "is it? - is it not??". Anyway we can recommend Collioure for a nice New Years Night out.

Steve&Julie · Post by **Steve&Julie** » Sat 02 Jan 2010 13:32

We didn't get there in the end, mainly because nobody could resist drinking wine and two of us would have had to have driven! It was very quiet in custouges but we let the New Year in by shouting Viva La France and Bonne Annee outside in the streets and opening champagne. We wondered if we had got the time wrong it was so quiet and that maybe all the French were thinking 'Oh there go the Brits again - they always get it wrong!' Great time had by all and the weather has been fantastic - sunbathing on New Year's Day - whoever heard of that!

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