Perpignan Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful city of Perpignan in Pyrénées-Orientales, France. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food scene, and transportation options in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Perpignan

Perpignan is a beautiful city situated in the southern region of France, near the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food. The city has a mix of influences including French, Spanish, and Catalonian. The streets are lined with palm trees, colorful buildings, and narrow alleys. The city boasts a lovely climate with warm summers and mild winters.

List of Places to Visit in Perpignan

Perpignan is a city rich with cultural, natural and historical landmarks. The city is one of the top destination spots in France attracting both locals and tourists. Here are some of the famous places to visit while exploring Perpignan:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Palais des Rois de Majorque - Built in the 13th century by a King of Majorca, the palace features a Gothic style architecture and an impressive courtyard.
  • Cathédrale Saint-Jean - This is a stunning cathedral in the heart of Perpignan, constructed in the 14th century with Catalan Gothic architecture.
  • Musée Hyacinthe Rigaud - The museum showcases a collection of French paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • Convent Sant Domingo - A former convent that now houses an art museum with permanent and temporary exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Perpignan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Le Castillet - A fortress built in the 14th century, offers a stunning view of the city and the Mediterranean coastline.
  • Têt river - The Têt River is an excellent location for kayaking and white water rafting.
  • Jardins de Saint-Adrien - A garden and park with Roman ruins, botanical gardens, and sculptures.
  • Canet-Plage - A beach with a lively environment and a promenade lined with restaurants and cafes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Perpignan

Perpignan is surrounded by scenic routes for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • Massif de la Clape - This route is located near the coast and offers exceptional views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Les Gorges de Galamus - The route features stunning gorges and stunning natural views.
  • Canigou mountain - This trail offers scenic views of the Pyrenees Mountains and nearby areas, and is recommended for experienced hikers.

Best Things to Do in Perpignan: Activities and Tours

Perpignan has several activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the popular things to do in Perpignan:

  • Wine tours - Perpignan is host to many vineyards that arrange wine tasting and tours.
  • Boat trips - Day trips take visitors on a tour of the beautiful Mediterranean coastline.
  • Shopping - Visitors can wander around various markets that offer everything from traditional local products to branded products to take home to their loved ones.
  • Museum tours - Perpignan has several fantastic museums showcasing the city’s history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Perpignan

Here is a week-long itinerary for exploring Perpignan:

Day Activity
1 Visit Palais des Rois de Majorque and Jardins de Saint-Adrien
2 Explore Musée Hyacinthe Rigaud and see Cathédrale Saint-Jean
3 Visit Convent Sant Domingo and the Têt river
4 Spend the day at the beach and enjoy the local restaurants and cafes at Canet-Plage
5 Go kayaking or rafting along the Têt river
6 Take a wine tour of the local vineyards
7 Explore Les Gorges de Galamus and hike the Canigou mountain

Food and Drink Scene of Perpignan

Perpignan is known for its delicious cuisine and wine production. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Paella - A rice dish loaded with seafood and meats, mixed with herbs and spices.
  • Bouillabaisse - A fish stew made with various fish and seafood, garlic, onions, and tomatoes.
  • Cargolade - A typical dish of the region, made from grilled snails, flavored with various herbs and spices.
  • Fruits de Mer - A platter of local seafood, served with a side of bread and butter.

Local Beverages

  • Roussillon Wines - Produced in the vineyards surrounding the city, the wines include red, white, and rosé varieties.
  • Banyuls Wine - A fortified wine made from the Grenache grape, which pairs well with local desserts.
  • Muscat - A sweet wine that is often paired with the local dessert known as “Crème Catalane”.

Where to Stay in Perpignan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Perpignan offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of the popular options for different budgets:

  • Hôtel de la Loge - This is a classic boutique hotel with modern amenities, located in the old town centre.
  • Auberge Du Roua - This is a budget-friendly hostel that offers clean and comfortable rooms, located near the city centre.
  • La Villa Duflot Hôtel Restaurant Spa - A luxurious guest house with a spa, restaurant, and beautiful landscapes on the edge of the city..

What to Buy in Perpignan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Perpignan is home to a variety of local products and souvenirs. Some of the most popular souvenirs include:

  • Roussillon Wines - Bring home a bottle or two to enjoy with your friends and family or a gift for someone special.
  • Ceramics - The region is known for its colorful pottery, which features distinctive patterns and motifs.
  • Perpignan Honey - The honey is made in the region and is a delicious souvenir to take back home.
  • Chocolate - The Local chocolatiers produce sweet chocolates in various flavors and shapes.

Local Culture and Customs of Perpignan

Perpignan has a mixed culture of French and Catalan, which is evident in its customs and traditions. The locals enjoy their cultural festivals and events, including:

  • The Feria de Perpignan - A festival that takes place in August each year with bullfighting, music and food.
  • Grape Harvest Festival - A popular festival that occurs in September when the grapes get harvested.

Best Time to Visit Perpignan

The best time to visit Perpignan is from May to October when the weather is mild and sunny. The summer months are hot, and the beaches are lively, and ferias and festivals are all in full swing. In the off-season, you can enjoy the winter fair weather and quiet streets around the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Perpignan

Do:

  • Explore the old town - Take a walk around the old town and discover its’ streets and history.
  • Try the local food and wine - Perpignan has a rich gastronomy scene that tourists can taste.
  • Learn a bit of Catalan language - The locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language.

Don’t:

  • Expect everyone to speak English- While some locals know English, not everyone does, so bring a phrasebook or learn some basic French or Catalan.
  • Disrespect the culture or traditions - Perpignan has a unique culture, so show some respect when exploring the city.

Safety and Health

Safety in Perpignan

Perpignan is a safe city, however, like any other tourist destination, some precautions should be taken. Here are a few things to take note of during your stay:

  • Be mindful of pickpockets - Keep your belongings close to you and avoid carrying large sums of money.
  • Avoid walking alone at night - It is better to walk in groups or to take a taxi if you plan to go out late.
  • Stay informed on the local news - Before heading out, check for any local information on closures or troublesome spots to avoid.

Health in Perpignan

Perpignan has a low risk of infectious diseases. However, it is still necessary to take safety precautions, especially during summer months to avoid dehydration and heatstroke.

Getting to Perpignan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Perpignan is easily accessible through several transportation modes.

Airports Near Perpignan

  • Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport - The primary airport is located five kilometres north of Perpignan and has frequent domestic and international flights.
  • Barcelona El Prat Airport - 210 kilometers away from Perpignan that also serves many international flights.

Bus and Train Stations Near Perpignan

  • Perpignan Train Station - Located in the city centre and connects to several neighboring cities and countries.
  • Porte d’Espagne Station - Located on the eastern edge of Perpignan, bus services connect to Spain and other parts of France.

Other Options

  • Car Rental - Car rentals offices are available at Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport, and around the city, that tourists can rent and use on their own.
  • Taxis - Taxis are another transportation mode that is available within the city centre that can be used for short distances.

How to Get Around in Perpignan

While Perpignan is a walking-friendly city, public transport is also readily available. Here are some of the most popular modes of transportation:

  • Bus - The buses have a comprehensive network that covers the entire city.
  • Trains - In addition to the central train station, Perpignan has two suburban lines that reach the surrounding areas.
  • Taxi - Taxis are available throughout the city.

Where to Go Next from Perpignan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Perpignan is conveniently located near some of the most worth seeing places to visit in the region. Here are some of the popular destinations around Perpignan:

  • Collioure - Located 30 minutes from Perpignan, it is a charming seaside village known for its colorful historic sites, beaches, and great cultural scene.
  • Narbonne - A city that dates back to Roman times, 50 kilometers and is home to a stunning cathedral, museums, and beautiful natural landscapes.
  • Carcassonne - A walled, medieval fortress that is about 90 kilometers from Perpignan, with its cobbled streets and castle site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

Perpignan is a culturally rich city with a plethora of historical sites, natural attractions, and cuisine. This comprehensive guide should have given you an idea of the best places to visit, food and drink scene and transportation options. So, book your tickets now and start exploring the beautiful city of Perpignan!

Basse River in the autumn Basse River in the autumn The façade of the city hall with the flags of France, the EU and Catalonia The façade of the city hall with the flags of France, the EU and Catalonia A TGV high-speed train at Perpignan railway station A TGV high-speed train at Perpignan railway station A shopping street in quartier Saint-Jean A shopping street in quartier Saint-Jean The cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste, in southern Gothic style The cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste, in southern Gothic style Le Castillet, a fortified 14th century city gate Le Castillet, a fortified 14th century city gate Loge de Mer, a symbol of the city's economical power during the Middle Ages Loge de Mer, a symbol of the city's economical power during the Middle Ages The Majorcan royal palace is a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture The Majorcan royal palace is a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture The lobby of Hôtel Pams The lobby of Hôtel Pams Penitentes in the Sanch procession Penitentes in the Sanch procession USA Perpignan supporters USA Perpignan supporters Merchant at the Medieval market Merchant at the Medieval market Bars and restaurants along rue grande des Fabriques. Bars and restaurants along rue grande des Fabriques. ''Fideuà'' is a Catalan specialty of seafood and pasta, on the menu in many restaurants ''Fideuà'' is a Catalan specialty of seafood and pasta, on the menu in many restaurants ''Coca'', not the soft drink or coca plant, but a pie, is very popular in the region ''Coca'', not the soft drink or coca plant, but a pie, is very popular in the region Most bars serve Roussilon wine and Rivesaltes muscat wines Most bars serve Roussilon wine and Rivesaltes muscat wines Notre-Dame-des-Anges towers over the port of Collioure Notre-Dame-des-Anges towers over the port of Collioure