The Best Travel Guide to Perpignan (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

All Travel Guides

France

Perpignan

Provided by: Jorge Franganillo/cc by 2.0/Flickr

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Europe France Perpignan

Overview

Perpignan The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

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”.

Facts

Population:	118,032
Currency:	1 Euro = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	17 (Police/emergency) 15 (Samu/ambulance) 18 (Fire)
Newspapers:	Dépêche du Midi — www.ladepeche.fr Midi Libre — www.midilibre.fr
Website:	www.perpignantourisme.com/en
Opening hours:	Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, but smaller shops may close at lunchtime (from noon to 2 pm). Stores are usually closed on Sunday and public holidays, except for annual sales events.
Tourist information:	Office du Tourisme de la Ville de Perpignan Place de la Loge, Perpignan +33 4 68 66 30 30 contact-office@perpignan.fr Open Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–1pm

Read more

Section in Perpignan

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

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 just for the views of the city.

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

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 free.

Hyacinthe-Rigaud Art Museum

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 exhibitions.

Loge De Mer Town Hall

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 vessel.

Le Castillet

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 exhibitions.

Casa Xanxo

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 an architectural representation of Perpignan's complex history.

Around Perpignan

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 Saint-André.

Doll Museum

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 visit.

Natural History Museum

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 dynasty.

Campo Santo & Chapelle de la Funeraria

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 each.

Parc Sant Vicens

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 attractions.

Couvent Des Minimes

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 long.

Canet-en-Roussillon

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 volleyball, kayaking and jet skiing.

Castelnou

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 amazing views from the Castle.

Centre de Sculpture Romane Maître de Cabestany

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 Cabestany.

Deversud

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 your level.

Load more