Protestant Temple of Collioure

The Protestant church of Collioure, discreet elegance in Roussillon

Also known as the Reformed Church of France, the Protestant church of Collioure surprises with its restrained elegance. Its plain, refined façade contrasts with the Catholic, Catalan image of the village and recalls the vitality of a Protestantism attached to culture and openness. The Collioure audio-guided tour reveals here a lesser-known side of the town, inherited from the turn of the twentieth century.

A church inaugurated in 1906

The building was designed by the Danish architect Viggo Dorph Petersen and inaugurated on 4 March 1906, shortly after the law separating Church and State. It reflects a republican Protestant current, present in Roussillon, attached to heritage and encounter. For more than a century it has remained a living place of worship and culture, today a recognised part of the local heritage.

What to see

The church appeals through its plainness: fine architecture, balanced lines and a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the bustle of the harbour. Through the year it hosts services, concerts and cultural gatherings. Its very presence, in the heart of a deeply Catalan town, tells a story of tolerance and spiritual diversity that few visitors suspect.

Practical information

The Protestant church stands on Rue du Temple, in the centre of Collioure, reachable on foot. Worship is held on Sunday mornings, and the place may open for concerts or cultural events. As opening hours vary with the programme and the season, it is advisable to enquire before visiting. The building can also be admired from the outside, while strolling through the village streets.

Who built the Protestant church of Collioure?

It was designed by the Danish architect Viggo Dorph Petersen and inaugurated on 4 March 1906, shortly after the separation of Church and State.

Can you attend a service or visit the church?

Worship takes place on Sunday mornings and the church also opens for concerts and gatherings; as hours vary with the programme, it is best to enquire before coming.