Look up toward the hills, just above the bay. There, on the ridge, you can see an impressive stone star: Fort Saint-Elme. Even from a distance, its massive outline stands out, like a silent guardian watching over Collioure and the entire Côte Vermeille. Built in the 16th century on the remains of a medieval tower, the fort was strengthened first by Emperor Charles V, then later by Vauban. Its distinctive star shape, clearly visible from above, was no accident—it was designed to deflect cannon fire and to keep watch over the border between France and Spain. For several centuries, soldiers and sentinels guarded the Catalan coast from this very spot. But the fort has had a few surprising moments in its story. In 1913, not long after it was demilitarized, Pablo Picasso himself took an interest in it. Fascinated by its isolation and the sweeping view, he dreamed of turning it into his studio. The idea caused quite a stir in Collioure… though it never came to life. Even its name carries a touch of poetry. It pays tribute to Saint Elmo, the patron saint of sailors, believed to protect them in storms. According to legend, his spirit sometimes appears as a flicker of blue light—the famous “St. Elmo’s fire”—dancing on ship masts. It’s as if the fort itself shared in that same mission, watching over both sea and shore. Today, Fort Saint-Elme is open to visitors. You can walk or drive up to it and take in an unforgettable view over Collioure, the sea, and the mountains. And even from down here by the water, its silhouette still commands the horizon—a witness to history, legend, and the timeless inspiration of artists.