Perpignan

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Perpignan

Located in the deep south of France, Perpignan is the capital of the Pyrénées Orientales. Its geographical and cultural identity is directed naturally toward Spanish Catalonia since it's a border city, looking out onto the Mediterranean coast and the highest mountains of the French Pyrenees at once. Perpignan is a busy place greatly influenced by Mediterranean cultures and benefiting from 2,500 hours of sun per year. No wonder Salvador Dali saw it as the “Centre of the World”.

The City

Perpignan, often referred to as the "Catalan Perpignan," stands as a testament to its rich history, having once been the capital of French Catalonia between the 10th and 17th centuries. Its golden era can be traced back to when it was the crown jewel of the Kingdom of Majorca. The city's architectural marvels, many of which were conceived during this period, continue to captivate visitors. Nestled between the Pyrenees and a stone's throw from the Mediterranean Sea, Perpignan is a melting pot of Catalan, Roman and Mediterranean influences. This rich tapestry of cultures is evident in its language, traditions, and the harmonious blend of ethnicities. Landmarks like the Palace of Kings de Majorque offer a window into the bygone era of the Majorcan Kingdom, while the Old Town, with its historic charm, is a walk down memory lane. In additions to its deep-rooted history, Perpignan pulses with modern vibrancy and extends a warm invitation to international guests. Positioned in the Roussillon plain and serving as a gateway to the Iberian Peninsula, it's more than just its picturesque setting. The city plays host to the International Festival of Photojournalism and the medieval Trobades festival, and boasts a longstanding garnet industry.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

There are many things to do and see in Perpignan, including cathedrals, castles, thermal springs and world-class museums. If you are looking for an adrenaline-packed holiday, the region offers a wide range of challenging outdoor activities like skiing, hiking or nautical sports.

Palace Of Kings of Majorca

Built in the 13th century, the Palace Of Kings of Majorca is one of the most remarkable examples of medieval civil and military architecture in southern France. The main courtyard and its ensemble of Gothic buildings, as well as the garden, are worth your attention, but this majestic palace is worth a visit even …

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

This beautiful building was first named a church in the 14th century and later given the status of Cathedral in 1601. It's a Gothic masterpiece, where the atmospheric darkness, the presence of an organ and countless statues create a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. Admission is …

Hyacinthe-Rigaud Art Museum

Situated in a typical 18th-century townhouse, the Hyacinthe-Rigaud Art Museum displays rare and rich collections of art and cultural artefacts of the Oriental Pyrenees from the 13th century to the present, displayed in the permanent collection or in occasional temporary …

Loge De Mer Town Hall

Loge de Mer, or "Sea Lodge" in English, is one of Perpignan’s finest and oldest historical sites. Made of river stones, it represents the typical architecture of the region. It used to be a stock exchange and the maritime consulate, as symbolized by the hard-to-miss iron …

Le Castillet

Standing at the crossing between the old and the modern city, this stunning castle used to be not only a city gate, but also a prison. Built by Guillame Gitard in the 14th century, today it isn't only an architectural monument, but often houses various temporary …

Casa Xanxo

This beautiful private mansion in the heart of the Old Town is one of the few Gothic houses conserved in Perpignan, characterized by the grotesque depictions of the seven deadly sins. The house was built in 1508 by a rich cloth merchant and went through numerous alterations thought the centuries. In this way, it's …

Around Perpignan

The countryside has many interesting spots and villages worth a visit, such as Elne and its 2,700-year-old citadel, Riversaltes, renowned for its vineyards, or Saint Estève with its beautiful landscape at the edge of the Pyrenees chain. The coast has also some best-kept secrets, like the typical Catalan village of …

Doll Museum

At this museum, you'll discover a collection of 500 dolls, complemented by posters and photographs of artists and television stars. While the staff warmly welcomes visitors, it's essential to schedule an appointment for your …

Natural History Museum

At this museum you can enjoy a permanent exhibition with rare and/or extinct animals of the Eastern Pyrenees including different bird species, great mammalians and African ethnological objects. Explore the exposition, and do not miss the Egyptian mummy from the XXIII …

Campo Santo & Chapelle de la Funeraria

By the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, you can find the only cloister-cemetery in France that has been classified as a historical monument since 1910. Built in the beginning of the 14th century, it also has an ossuary and the current building consists of 4 galleries about 54 metres long …

Parc Sant Vicens

The garden on Rue Sant Vicens is a delightful place with shaded walking paths, a duck pond, exotic flowers, orange trees and oleanders — a pleasant green oasis within walking distance from Perpignan's major …

Couvent Des Minimes

Couvent Des Minimes (Minimes' Cloister) was built between 1585 and 1620 in the ancient Jewish district of Perpignan. Here you will find a church with a courtyard and convent buildings. Exhibitions are held in the cloister all year …

Canet-en-Roussillon

Plan a field trip to the seaside town Canet-en-Roussillon, located only 12 km away from Perpignan. Here you can enjoy 9 km of beaches of fine sand, discover ancient ruins and a castle or stroll around in the old town. In addition, there are some water sport activities available here such as windsurfing, beach …

Castelnou

You should not leave the Pyrénées Orientales until you have paid a little visit to this charming medieval village called Castelnou. It is located approximately 20 km southwest of Perpignan and is nestled at the base of Les Aspres foothills and the Canigou. Castelnou is truly a beautiful village with cobbled streets that offers …

Centre de Sculpture Romane Maître de Cabestany

Close to Perpignan, you will find the commune of Cabestany. One of its main attractions is the Centre of Roman Sculpture. If you're an art and history-lover you simply must stop by to see the reproductions of pieces by a celebrated, yet anonymous, sculptor from the 12th century — Master of …

Deversud

If you are the kind of traveller who doesn't feel like sitting back while on holiday, check out Deversud. Here, you can go climbing, canyoning and explore a via ferrata in an enchanting setting guided by a professional instructor who will take good care of you and make you enjoy the experience no matter …

Dining

In Perpignan, the food has Catalan influences and is always accompanied by great regional wines. Among the most popular items are snails smothered in garlic, salted smoked hams, and richly stuffed sausages. Of course, fresh Mediterranean-style seafood is also available. The Old Town is packed with lively venues. Beside the canal, Quai Vauban attracts those who look for a more romantic evening. Restaurants often offer good value set menus (carte du jour), but reservations may be necessary.

L’Assiette Catalane

L’Assiette Catalane is one of the best places to try the Catalan style gastronomy at a reasonable price. The restaurant, serving succulent tapas, paella, seafood, and more, offers also a great selection of wines, especially from "Côtes du Roussillon". Set menus are …

La Roma

La Roma is highly praised, not only because of the pizzas traditionally cooked with wood fire and the great selection of house wines, but also for the friendly staff and the central location that makes this restaurant a convenient place to stop by for lunch when touring …

L’Arago

L’Arago is a friendly place with good pizza and typical brasserie-style cuisine. You will find this restaurant on Place Arago, upon which you will look while having your meal on the lovely outside terrace during summer time, relaxing and watching the world go …

Café Vienne

Primarily a restaurant, Café de Vienne is also popular for its nice, refreshing terrace on Place d’Arago, ideal for an espresso or a refreshing drink. Here, you can also enjoy a fresh salad — a light meal perfectly suited for the …

Le Divil

You will find Le Divil only three minutes away from the Castillet. This brasserie is often full of locals and provides a laid back atmosphere. The attentive staff serves high quality fish and meat dishes, including special cuts cooked just …

Le Napoli

With more than 40 years of experience, the restaurant Napoli, serves mouth-watering Italian dishes. The food is prepared with quality products and the restaurant team is friendly and extremely service-minded. The comprehensive menu offers something for everyone, including vegetarians and …

La Thailande

Eat as much as you can from the Thai buffet, where the variety of dishes offered is enviable. The staff might not speak perfectly fluent English, but the warm welcome and the tasty food will definitely compensate for …

Les Saisons

Serves French cuisine that is perfectly cooked by the chef Adrien Joly. The atmosphere is elegant and slightly formal. This is a great place to have dinner with colleagues, but also friends and …

Le Tartard

Le Tartard might be the best restaurant in the city to sample tartare, as well as other kinds of particular dishes such as the "tuna profiterole", accompanied by delicious French fries or vegetables. A must-try place that specializes on tartare, which always constitutes the main …

Le Clos des Lys

Le Clos des Lys is perfect for every occasion. Classy atmosphere outside as well, where there's a romantic fountain just in the centre of the colourful garden. Make sure to leave room the dessert …

Casa Sansa

A wide selection of traditional Catalan dishes is served by the attentive staff in a warm environment that perfectly represents the Catalan culture. Generous portions and affordable prices make it a very popular place, so make sure to book a table, especially during the …

Crêperie du Theatre

In the very centre of Perpignan, there is a charming crêperie where you can spoil yourself with different kinds of sweet or savoury delights (for the eyes and senses) such as the classic crêpe with chocolate or rich salads prepared with fresh, local and ecological …

Cafes

The coffee culture in France is pretty impressive; most people start their day with an espresso shot and finish their lunch with a coffee. Of course, Perpignan is no exception. Many of the cafés offer an outside terrace where you can people-watch and enjoy your fresh coffee.

Le Grand Café de la Poste

Le Grand Café de la Poste is housed in a lovely, old building in a prime location, right next to Le Castillet. Here you can enjoy a coffee in a friendly Mediterranean atmosphere. Their shaded outdoor terrace is particularly pleasant when the weather is …

La Cafetière Catalane

A little hidden paradise for every coffee-lover, where you can enjoy your coffee indoors or at one of the picturesque tables positioned just outside the café. Have a look inside even if only to buy coffee or tea to take home with …

Cafés La Tour

The coffee enthusiasts will be delighted to pay a visit to Cafés La Tours, located in the northeast of Perpignan. Here you will find dozens of different kinds of artisan coffee from Guatemala, Peru, Ethiopia, and many other places. Have coffee on the spot or purchase beans to …

Café Léo

Right in the heart of Perpignan, Café Léo offers a unique coffee-tasting experience. Embracing a minimalist and essentialist design, the all-white interior exudes sophistication. This isn't just about aesthetics; their limited but exceptional offerings, from the aromatic richness of their espresso and filter coffee to the perfectly balanced taste of their cold brews, speak …

Cafe Tanger

Cafe Tanger is not your typical Third Wave coffee spot. Instead, think mint tea and Arabic desserts drowned in honey, and hot aromatic coffee at more than fair prices. Enjoy your drink with a famous Moroccan donut — Sfenj — on their breezy …

Bars & Nightlife

Although Perpignan is busier over the summer, there are plenty of great bars for all tastes in a buzzing atmosphere year around. The streets radiating from Place de la Loge offer a higher concentration of bars and clubs than any other part of the town. Discos usually open at 11 pm. During the summertime, the beachfront strip near Canet Plage is very popular with its seasonal venues.

Place de la Loge

Since many of the bars and venues that are worth a visit for the nightlife are located in the same area, locals usually start their nights out walking around Place de la Loge and enjoying not only the fresh air (especially in the summer), but also the vibrant atmosphere that Perpignan has to …

Habana Bodeguita

Habana Bodeguita offers the best cocktails in town in an exotic atmosphere. This is a great place where you can relax with a tasty Mojito in your hand, dance all night to long Latin music, or even take a salsa course. Food is served indoors and at tables …

The New Ascot

This music bar located in the heart of the city is the favourite evening venue for jazz lovers. Great local bands play every week, which makes coming here a good way to get to know the local music scene in a friendly yet elegant setting. May get crowded as the night …

O'Shannon Perpi

The wide range of beers with an Irish accent is the main attraction of the Shannon bar. The atmosphere is warm and traditionally Irish, and the interior design is adorably rustic. Enjoy a pint of beer or a whiskey at this lively bar located to the north of …

V&B

Just outside Perpignan, in the area of Cabestany, you'll find this venue that operates both day and night. At V&B you'll be offered an incredibly wide variety of beer and whiskey and during the weekend visitors are entertained by some live band …

Vinochope

Have a beer or a glass of wine chosen from the great variety of drinks that you will find on the menu, and listening to some jazz or acoustic guitars sweetly playing. The genre always changes, so check the Facebook page before deciding when you want to give Vinochope a …

Shopping

Perpignan is the largest Catalan city (after Barcelona and Lleida) and is situated just outside of Spain. Consequently, the indigenous style of Catalan is greatly reflected in both textiles and pottery, which are among the most popular items for travellers to buy. For fresh produce, visit some of the local markets, and explore the fragrant and flavourful regional wines.