Perpignan
Introduction
You will find yourself in the heart of the plain of Roussillon, where Perpignan serves as the prefecture of the Pyrénées-Orientales department. Located at the foot of the Pyrenees and just a short distance from both the Mediterranean Sea and the scrublands of the Corbières massif, this city sits within the Perpignan Méditerranée Métropole metropolitan area.
Before you go
Prepare for a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. You can expect plenty of sunshine throughout the year, as the nearby Pyrenees block much of the Atlantic rain. The local landscape is defined by diverse vegetation including olive trees, palms, and fruit trees like peach and apricot, while higher elevations feature scrubland known as garrigue.
When exploring the city, keep these points in mind:
- The historical center features narrow streets with brick houses and a vibrant nightlife.
- Exercise caution when visiting the quartier Saint-Jacques; it is best to avoid this area alone.
- Avoid wearing jewelry or other signs of wealth while moving through the city.
- Do not leave valuables in parked cars.
Getting there
You can reach the city by air via the small Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport, which offers daily flights from Paris Orly as well as from the UK and Morocco. If you prefer larger international hubs, several airports are located within a short drive, including Girona-Costa Brava, Carcassonne, Béziers, Toulouse-Blagnac, and Barcelona El Prat.
Train travelers can arrive at Gare de Perpignan, where TGV lines connect the city to Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Trains also provide connections to regional destinations such as Cerbère and Portbou, as well as onward travel to Girona, Barcelona Sants, and Madrid. For those traveling by road, the A9 motorway follows the coast from the north, while the D900 passes through the city center. If you prefer bus travel, direct routes from Paris are available, along with ride-share options for reaching neighboring Spanish cities.
Getting around
You can easily explore the compact town centre on foot, as much of the area is pedestrianised. If you need to travel further, a bus network operated by Sankeo provides routes that extend to nearby towns. Taxis are also available for your convenience at both the railway station and the airport.
Driving is generally discouraged due to heavy traffic and limited availability in central car parks, particularly during the summer months. If you do choose to drive, several parking options are available, including open-air lots and underground facilities.
Where to stay
Depending on your preference for atmosphere and location, you can find a variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly stays to more secluded retreats. For those seeking a social environment or communal spaces, a hostel offers a library and common areas to relax. If you prefer the outdoors, a well-maintained campsite provides year-round options including chalets, a pool, and a petanque ground.
For a central experience, several hotels offer proximity to local landmarks like the royal palace or the historic Le Castillet area. Some of these traditional establishments feature ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning, with some even offering views of the river. If you prefer to stay on the outskirts or near major transport links, numerous options are available in the south and north areas, including properties with pools, restaurants, and nearby highway access.
- A selection of budget-friendly accommodations includes a chain motel on the southern outskirts and a basic stopover hotel located north of Rivesaltes.
- Mid-range options include several locations near the city center and transport hubs, featuring amenities like air conditioning and private bathrooms.
- For a more secluded experience, a smart hotel at the edge of town offers spacious rooms, a spa, a pool, and a garden.
Food & drink
Experience the flavors of Roussillon cuisine, a regional variation of Catalan cooking that draws from both "mar i muntanya" (the sea and the mountains). You can enjoy local staples such as fish and seafood, charcuteries like botifarras and fuet, and fresh produce including tomatoes, peppers, peaches, apricots, and cherries. Savory dishes to look for include suquet, a fish stew with saffron and tomatoes; esesxaida, a red salad with peppers; llagostada, where lobster is simmered in olive oil with sofregit; and cargollada, which features barbecued snails. For those seeking something sweet, the region offers traditional treats such as beignets, fruit pastries like coques or cocas, crema catalana, rousquille cookies with anise, and mel i mato, a combination of honey and goat or sheep's cheese.
The local wine scene is defined by the lowlands around Perpignan, which produce high-quality table wines such as Côte du Roussillon and Collioure. You can also sample renowned sweet and fortified wines including Banyuls, Rivesaltes, and Muscat de Rivesaltes.
What to see and do
Explore the historic Quartier Saint-Jean, a lively district characterized by brick buildings, small alleys, and pedestrianized streets lined with shops and restaurants. You can visit the grand Perpignan Cathedral, which features a white marble main altarpiece and a bell tower, or walk through the Campo Santo, a 14th-century brick cloister that once served as an ossuary. In the nearby Place de la Loge, you can see "La Vénus au collier" statue and admire the architecture of the Palais de la Députation and the Hôtel de Ville. For a different atmosphere, head to the Quartier de La Réal, a calmer area featuring the Palais des Rois de Majorque, which is surrounded by ramparts and offers views of the city and Pyrenees from its principal tower. You can also visit the Castillet, a fortified 14th-century gate that now houses a museum of folk art.
The city offers several cultural sites and unique experiences:
- Explore the Catalan Gothic style at Casa Xanxo or view French and Spanish paintings at the Musée d'art Hyacinthe Rigaud.
- Visit the Natural History Museum to see collections of Pyrenean flora and fauna, as well as archaeological objects from Egypt.
- Experience local art at the Centre d'Art Contemporain Walter Benjamin or the small museum housed in the charming Hôtel Pams.
- During the warmer months, you can take a guided walking tour, ride a tourist train through the historical center, or take an electric-moted boat on the Basse river.
Three days in Perpignan
Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Perpignan. Explore the local surroundings and experience the atmosphere of the Roussillon region as you settle into the area.
Day two, venture further to explore the landscapes near the Pyrenees or toward the Mediterranean Sea. You can take in the scenery of the Corbières region while enjoying the coastal environment.
Day three, you can plan your travel beyond the local area. Consider taking a train through the Pyrénées Orientales or heading toward neighboring destinations like Girona or the Costa Brava.