The small French city of Perpignan, with its colorful architecture, Mediterranean weather, and gorgeous natural beauty, is an absolute gem that offers striking contrasts – its situated only 9 mi from the sea, 55 mi from the ski slopes of the Pyrenees, and a few short mi from the Spanish border.
And if that alone isn’t inviting enough, let the scenic train route through the nearby Pyrenees mountains be the reason you visit Perpignan.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Daniele Schneider. Image Location: Perpignan, France
Best things to do in Perpignan, France
The city center
First, get lost in the quaint city center, which dates to medieval times. Pink, yellow, and blue facades, along with religious architecture, will delight photographers.
Le Castillet
The most famous monument in Perpignan, Le Castillet was built in the 14th century to protect the city against invaders, later becoming a prison. It now houses the Catalan Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions. On Thursdays during the summer, the square by Le Castillet becomes a scene for musicians and other live arts.
Perpignan Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Perpignan Cathedral was built between the 14th and the 16th century. Its construction took so long due to the Black Death (plague), which devastated the city’s population and economy. As a result, the Cathedral encompasses different historical architectural styles, blending Romanesque and Gothic elements.
Palace of the Kings of Majorca
The Palace of the Kings of Majorca, serving as the residence of these rulers, was an epicenter of power over Perpignan in French Catalonia, Aragon, and the Balearic Islands. This elegant building, decorated with tiles and frescoes, feels like a journey back in time.
Musée d'Art Hyacinthe Rigaud
This museum showcases collections by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin, as well as its namesake, Rigaud. It features four significant movements through history: Gothic, Baroque, Modern, and Contemporary. Renovated in 2017, it offers free entry for all under 26.
Visa pour l’Image
In August/September, journalists and people from across Europe flock to Visa pour l’Image, the world's leading photojournalism festival.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Walter Bibikow. Image Location: Perpignan, France
Best restaurants in Perpignan, France
For a small city, Perpignan offers plenty of options. For traditional Mediterranean food, try Le Figuier or Le VIP. Celebrating something special? La Galinette and L'Intermède are your best bets for fine dining with a touch of originality. L'Apothicaire wine bar boasts an endless wine list.
Don’t miss out on the bakeries for delicious breakfast and casual meals throughout the day. Le Levain d’Hélios offers award-winning éclairs and baguettes, and Le Pain de mon Moulin is another excellent choice.
For those who fall in love with French pastries (and would like to bring back some of that expertise to the US), the International Pastry School in Perpignan offers classes for both professionals and amateurs, even children as young as 7 years old. Olivier Bajard, the school’s founder and a renowned pastry chef, sometimes even teaches the classes himself.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Allard Schager. Image Location: Collioure, Perpignan, France
Things to do near Perpignan, France
There’s a lot of hiking to be done near Perpignan. The summit of the Canigou, which is around 9,000-feet high, offers unforgettable mountain and sea views.
A less strenuous way to admire the surrounding nature is to jump aboard the century old Le Petit Train Jaune (or “the little yellow train”). It takes you over a railway suspension bridge and through multiple towns in the French Pyrenees.
Buses in the area cost only 1 euro and allow you to discover the region’s charms in an eco-friendly way. The beach-town of Collioure is a must-see.
Ready to explore Perpignan? The train ride from Barcelona can get you there in as little as 1h 21m. On the other hand, a trip from Paris in the north of France to the south will take about 5h 2m on the fastest service. This gives you plenty of time to read a book, watch a couple of movies, or simply sit back and admire the fantastic scenery. For the best deals and times, use Trainline, your go-to app.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Daniele Schneider. Image Location: Perpignan, France