The 8 things to do in Perpignan

Perpignan, the capital of Roussillon and the Pyrenees-Orientales: Here is a selection of the 8 things to do in Perpignan!

Visiting Perpignan is, at a priori, without great interest, so the city suffers from a bad reputation. Yet the city that is surnamed “the beautiful Catalan” has many advantages. Prefecture of the department of the Pyrenees-Orientales is the last major French city before arriving in Spain, with 121 934 inhabitants.

Perpignan, between sea and mountains, enjoys an ideal position: 13 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, 25 km from the Spanish border and 85 kilometers from the Espace Cambre d’Aze (2,400 meters above sea level), the nearest ski resort. The city grows over the decades in the plain of Roussillon, with an arm in the sea and feet in the Pyrenees, with the Pic du Canigou (2,784 meters) – that we see from the city centre – and the massif of the Albères marking the Spanish border.

Its Mediterranean climate and its 300 days of sunshine a year have something to seduce, especially since the city enjoys a very rich history and culture, tinted with a strong Catalan identity. What to do in Perpignan? There is no doubt that we will not be able to get bored at “Perpi”, as the locals say.

Cultural change guaranteed in this city to the Catalan soul more than French, between Castillet, the Palace of Kings of Mallorca, museums, bars and restaurants. This is almost Iberian perfume. Here is our selection of things to do to visit Perpignan.

1. La Citadelle, historic centre

In the heart of the city centre, is the ancient citadel of Perpignan, the old fortifications built around the royal castle, which King Jacques II of Majorca built at the beginning of the 14th century. The city of Perpignan, the theatre of the Franco-Spanish struggles, has surrounded itself with great fortifications between the 13th and 16th centuries.

Built in the form of a star – a legacy of the Vauban pencil – the Citadel is a gigantic fortified enclosure, surrounding the Palace of Kings of Majorca and its surroundings. Demolished at the beginning of the 20th century, some remains are still visible today – starting from Jacques Premier Street –, penetrating in the old gates that once allowed to enter the City.

The Citadel of Perpignan is now occupied by the Palace of Kings of Majorca and by a military barracks. As for medieval fortifications, only the emblematic Castillet and the Porte Notre-Dame subsisted. You can climb to the Donjon du Castillet – which marks the entrance to the old city – and which offers a beautiful view of the city. Just opposite, the terrace of the Galeries Lafayettes, free, dominates the city even higher.

2. Spread in the city centre

Visiting Perpignan is also wandering through the streets of the city centre, between museums, historical monuments, cafes, bars and restaurants, combining historical and cultural visits with immersion in the social life of Catalans. The centre of the old town is home to a rich architectural heritage sometimes dating from the Middle Ages, and is surrounded by narrow streets with very well preserved old houses.

No less than 34 buildings are classified as "historical monument" and 19 are listed as "cultural monument". Finally, eight buildings and five neighbourhoods are labeled "the 20th century heritage", which makes the city centre a must-see area during your visit to Perpignan. Finally, for those who like to go out, there are a lot of bars between the SNCF train station and the Bir Hakeim Square.

3. Visit the Castilet

The Castilet is the former main gate of the medieval enclosure that allowed entry into the city. Built in 1368, it is built in brick and marble of Baixas. Transformed into prison between the 17th and 18th centuries, it currently houses the Casa Pairal Museum on local history and ethnicography.

It is accessed by climbing the 142 steps that lead to its pinnacle. Open from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm from June to September, the entrance costs 2 € for over 26 years.

4. See the Sea Lodge

Built in a Gothic style between the 14th and 16th century, the Sea Lodge is the heart of Perpignan’s public life since the medieval era and houses the Hotel de Ville and the Palais de Justice.

Located on the Place de la Loge, the building is an ornamental complex embelli of arcades in the form of warheads and large carved windows. It is not a building that you visit, but you can admire it by enjoying a good coffee on the terrace.

5. The Palace of Kings of Majorca

This palace was built in the 13th century and attests to the power of the kingdom of Majorca. Started before 1274 in a late Romanesque style and completed after 1300 in the Gothic style, it shows how Perpignan was an economic, political and cultural centre of the Mediterranean during the medieval period.

Guided tours are possible and the site is open to the public every day, except January 1, May 1, November 1, and December 25. A ticket costs 2 € (minimum children), 3 € (reduced rate with Heritage Pass 66) and 4 € (adults).

6. The Palace of Deputation

This palace was built in the second half of the 15th century, on the Plaça del pa (Place of the bread), to be the seat in Roussillon of the permanent representation of the Diputacio al General or Generalitat, the political organization of an autonomous community in Spain.

7. The Hyacinthe-Rigaud Museum

The Hyacinthe-Rigaud Museum gathers a collection of paintings and decorative art, a collection of Catalan Gothic art and modern paintings where you can contemplate the works of Aristide Maillol (1861-1944) and Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). The museum is named to pay tribute to Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743), a portrait painter born in Perpignan.

8. A boat ride

Finally, it would be a shame to visit Perpignan without enjoying the coastline. Indeed, the city is only 13 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea.

Also, with its Mediterranean climate and its 300 days of sun a year, a boat ride turns out to be a great idea of outing with family or friends.

So, rent a boat during your stay in Perpignan will allow you to enjoy the landscapes of the Mediterranean coast while making the full of vitamin D!

How to get to Perpignan?

You can access Perpignan by car, train or plane. The Perpignan train station is located in the center of the city, which is quite convenient if you come to spend the day in Perpignan otherwise you have the option of the plane. Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport is located about 8km from the city centre. To find cheap flights to Perpignan, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to stay in Perpignan?

You can find a cheap hotel in Perpignan and its surroundings by searching for this Compare hotels . There are many options, make sure you prefer accommodation in the city centre to be able to walk and easily access restaurants, bars in the city.