Perpignan

Perpignan is the economic and cultural capital of Roussillon, at a few kilometres from the sea. The light, palm-trees in the squares, traces of its illustrious Catalan past, its traditions, and the many charms of the town signal that Spain is not very far away.

Pyrénées-Orientales, Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France

Perpignan - Towns South France

From Perpignan's station, which Salvador Dali called « the centre of the world », many of the greatest painters of the last century, such as Picasso, Miro, Matisse, Derain, Chagall, Delaunay… set out for the little ports along the Côte Vermeille.

Lovers of history will be delighted to discover the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, the Loge de Mer (seat of the Sea Consulate), the Palais de la Députation, the Town Hall, in the heart of which is proudly exhibited "La Méditerranée", the sculptor Maillol’s masterpiece...

And we mustn’t forget the Castillet, the emblem of Perpignan (built at the end of the 14th century) which was, by turns, a castle, the gate of the town and a prison. It’s a lovely city to explore on foot, strolling in the shade of palm and plane trees beside the cooling waters of fountains.

Restaurants and nightlife

Among its many restaurants of every flavour, Perpignan is a hot bed of Catalan style cooking, with more than a dozen restaurants serving Catalan specialities such as “Boles de Picoulat”, "Bullinada", “Escargots à la Catalane”, “Escalivade de Légumes” and “Ollada”.

The Palace of the Kings of Majorca

Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca at Perpignan is the oldest royal dwelling in France. It was built after Jacques le Conquérant (the Conqueror) decided to make Perpignan the continental capital of the kingdom of Majorca. The partly preserved citadel overlooks the town of Perpignan.

A suggested tour around Perpignan

It is unusual to find in one place all the stages of development of human ingenuity: the earliest touching signs of skill in prehistoric tools, the Via Domitia or fortifications by Vauban, inspiration and mysticism in all the baroque periods of Romanesque art, creative boldness in the indelible imprint of the Fauve and Cubist artists whose torch is still held high today by the best of our contemporary exponents of the creative arts.

Things to see: - The museums - the beautiful ‘hôtels’ - sumptuous and luxurious mansions of the French gentry - and 14th century ‘Julia’s House’ - Sant Vicens, a 100-year-old wine warehouse, which now houses ceramics exhibitions, tapestry, carpets, Catalan paintings and furniture - Cémoi chocolate makers, L.O.R. biscuit bakery and Tech sweet factory

Events: - ‘Procession of the Sanch’, which has taken place every Easter since the 15th century

INFORMATION - Tourist Office - Tel: + 33 (0)4 68 66 30 30 Website

Hotels in Perpignan

Campings in Perpignan