Guillaume Apollinaire

Château La Tour Apollinaire is more than a name. It is a stamp of pride. Our mysterious charm is inherited from one of France’s greatest poets - Apollinaire. Born in Rome to a Polish mother of the lower nobility and an unconfirmed father, Apollinaire’s early life remains obscured. It is in his adulthood that he came to be the brilliant poet, novelist, critic and friend that he is remembered for. Assuming his fifth name, Apollinaire channels Apollo, the god of poetry, in his work, traversing and overstepping the contemporary visual and literary boundaries by developing and popularising the poetic style ‘Calligram’. Some of his most famous works include ‘The Stabbed Dove and the Jet of Water’ and ‘The Tie and the Watch’. Apollinaire is known to have moved in circles of some of the greatest contemporary artists, including Picasso, Braque and De Chirico. Together, they redefined the boundaries of art, with Apollinaire creating the term ‘surrealism’, while his friends developed the artistic style. However, such boundless minds were inevitably prone to mischief, and Apollinaire and Picasso are alleged to have conspired in the plot to steal the Mona Lisa in 1911. Serving as a soldier in World War I, his friend De Chirico was to surreally foreshadow his fate in his 1914 Premonitory Portrait of Guillaume Apollinaire. Its dark tones, bottomless eyes and lurking figure represent Apollinaire’s deep and thoughtful criticisms that remain relevant to the present day. But it is the head injury painted that ultimately ended Apollinaire’s military career two years later, and he died shortly after in 1918. As one of France’s literary greats, Apollinaire’s legacy and memory deserve to be celebrated. Château La Tour Apollinaire continues to not only honour his memory in name, but his daring through its unapologetic architectural blend of the post-modern and classic French and Catalan details, his mystery through our enchanting gardens that await exploration, and his strong sense of friendship through our amazing team of colleagues.

Calligrams

Calligrams are a timeless form of art and expression that span centuries, inking emotion into its curves. In honour of our namesake Apollinaire, Château La Tour Apollinaire would like to dedicate some space to showcase this unusual artform. Derived from the Greek words for ‘beauty’ and ‘letter’, calligrams combine calligraphy and ideograms to animate an artist’s thoughts and visualise unmistakable symbolism in their work. Long before the term was coined, civilisations have been using this form of expression to convey what words alone could not. Many interpret ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics as an early variant of this art. Calligrams add a deeper dimension in the conveyance of emotions that is inadequately represented through words and entrances viewers with its shapes. Centuries later, calligrams were championed and popularised by Guillame Apollinaire. His Calligrammes (pub. 1918) saw a major contribution to the development of this genre and marked Apollinaire as someone unafraid to break the conventions of contemporary literature. Sculpting many important themes such as love, longing and war, present day readers can find resonance with his works, overcoming cultural and perhaps linguistic differences. The visual beauty of the prose and unconventional flow of words allows readers to build their own relationship with the poems. Do you have a favourite calligram?

October in Perpignan

October in Perpignan is a transitional month, marked by the balance between lingering summer warmth and the first signs of autumn. Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees and along the Mediterranean coast, this southern French city enters a quieter period after the peak tourist season, while maintaining a dynamic local culture.

The climate in October is one of Perpignan’s defining advantages. Daytime temperatures frequently reach around 20°C, offering ideal conditions for exploring the city’s historic center. The narrow streets of the old town, lined with ochre façades and iron balconies, remain bathed in sunlight, while evenings bring a mild coolness suitable for relaxed outdoor dining.

The rhythm of the city shifts noticeably in October. With the summer crowds gone, public squares and cafés are once again spaces for locals. A glass of muscat on a terrace at Place de la République provides the opportunity to observe daily life, where Catalan and French coexist naturally. On Saturdays, the Marché de la Place Cassanyes showcases the seasonal harvest, featuring figs, grapes, chestnuts, and early clementines. The market reflects the transitional character of the city, bridging the abundance of late summer with the earthy tones of autumn.

Cultural attractions continue to flourish in this period. Perpignan embodies a dual identity: administratively French, culturally Catalan. Landmarks such as the Castillet, the city’s red-brick emblem, are particularly striking under the softer autumn light. Museums, including the Hyacinthe Rigaud, offer a more tranquil experience, presenting collections of Catalan art and Spanish masters without the crowds of summer. Visitors may also encounter local traditions such as the sardana, a Catalan circle dance, performed informally in public squares.

October is an excellent month for excursions outside the city. The Roussillon vineyards are active with harvest, offering picturesque views across hillsides in shades of copper and crimson, alongside opportunities for wine tastings, including rich reds and vins doux naturels. Along the Mediterranean, Collioure remains accessible for coastal walks, its pastel façades reflected in calm waters, while the artistic heritage of the town continues to attract painters and visitors alike.

The city’s smaller-scale autumn festivals provide refined experiences. Food fairs and local fêtes celebrate seasonal produce such as chestnuts, grapes, and pumpkins, often accompanied by regional music and wine. These events offer insight into Perpignan’s heritage, highlighting the city’s traditions and community life rather than large-scale tourist spectacles.

October in Perpignan is defined by measured luxury: time outdoors, seasonal produce, cultural engagement, and regional exploration. It is a month that combines Mediterranean climate, Catalan identity, and sophisticated local culture, offering visitors an experience of understated elegance and authenticity.

Jean Terles – Colette, La Chatte

At Château La Tour Apollinaire, we take pride in our curated collection of exceptional artworks that reflect the richness and diversity of French artistic heritage. One of these treasures is a delicate watercolour by Jean Terles, created for the cover of one of France’s most famous female writers, Colette, and her 1933 novella, La Chatte.

Born in Burgundy, Colette’s passionate and complex stories are semi-autobiographical reflections of her life. Her works often explore themes of love, identity and female independence in early 20th-century France. Living from the Belle Epoque, through the Second World War, and into the modern world as we know it, Colette’s works remain relatable and emotive for audiences.

La Chatte follows the story of Alain and his marriage to Camille. What should have been a story of intense newlywed bliss transforms into a story of emotional rivalry, as Alain struggles with his emotional obsession with his childhood cat, Saha, who symbolises the nostalgia he feels towards his early youth. This novella is short, but intense, describing a relatable struggle between the nostalgic past and uncertain future.

This piece can be found in our Cuisine Elena kitchen. Colette’s La Chatte is painted with a mixture of ink, watercolour, and gouache, combining transparency and opacity to create soft, warm nuances, evoking nostalgia and intimacy. Saha is painted in the white of untainted memories, resting atop a golden pedestal of obsession. Framed in a classic cadre Montparnasse with deep griffe markings mimicking cat scratches, the frame itself contributes an experience of stimulating texture to observers of this watercolour. As with every piece of art, every choice is intentional at La Tour Apollinaire.

Through its warm tones, Terles’s painting reflects the château’s constant warmth and heartfelt memories. It is also a playful tribute to our feline friend, Croquette, who enjoys visiting the Château, and earned her name from her greatest interest – food!

If you are fortunate enough to spot the elusive Croquette, let us know if you feel the spirit of Saha in her presence!

Our Blog

Guillaume Apollinaire

Calligrams

October in Perpignan

Jean Terles – Colette, La Chatte