If you’ve ever wondered whether Perpignan is worth stopping off to visit, the answer is a resounding yes. This charming city invites you enjoy every corner of its pleasant atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Set aside a day (or more) to explore the city and you won’t regret it!
Located in the south-east of France, Perpignan is the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department and is close to the Mediterranean and the Spanish border, creating a unique blend of French and Catalan cultures.
The cultural and geographical jewel of the Pyrénées-Orientales
A city where borders are blurred, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere that, together with its privileged location, guarantees a truly enriching experience. Perpignan’s rich heritage is reflected in its monuments and buildings, which tell the story of a city that has been influenced by many different civilisations over the centuries.
A day in Perpignan: the must-sees
Our favourite pastime in Perpignan is strolling freely around the city centre. Its colourful neighbourhoods and palm-lined streets of this beautiful Catalan city will astound you. Do not miss the Saint-Jean district in particular, where the magnificent Saint-Jean Baptiste Cathedral stands tall as a symbol of the city’s religious history. The surrounding streets are lined with beautifully restored private homes, including the Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum and its impressive art collection.
The Place de la Loge is another essential landmark. This outstanding architectural ensemble is the perfect place for a gourmet stop-off at the Halles Vauban food market. From there, you can walk along the esplanade to the Palais des Congrès and the Bir-Hakeim garden, where you’ll be amazed by the exceptional variety of unusual plants and towering trees growing there.
The Palais des Rois de Majorque dominates the city with its lofty silhouette and offers breathtaking views of the Canigó mountain. Its majestic façade is a masterpiece not to be missed, as is the Campo Santo, a medieval funerary cloister that is a symbol of the Kingdom of Majorca and one of Perpignan’s main attractions.
The Castillet, an early fortified city gate, now houses the Casa Pairal museum, where you can delve deeper into local history.
Do not miss other historical sites with temporary exhibitions, such as the Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Anges and the Maison de la Catalanité, both centres of cultural exchange.
Finally, the Place de la République, with its cafés and market, is the perfect place to end the day: enjoy an aperitif, relax and watch the locals go about their daily lives in Perpignan.
When to visit Perpignan
Thanks to its proximity to the mountains and the beach, Perpignan is a city you can visit all year round.
However, if you have the opportunity, we recommend that you plan your visit during the Visa pour l’Image festival, an internationally renowned event dedicated to photojournalism. Held every year at the beginning of September, this three-week festival offers the chance to visit free exhibitions and attend screenings, conferences and meetings with photographers from all over the world.
All in all, a day in Perpignan will allow you to experience a unique blend of cultures and is the perfect gateway to some of the most stunning scenery the South of France has to offer.
