Perpignan, a city of 120,000 people with two rivers, was an economic and educational center for years, and that is still evident today. The city sits at a cultural and linguistic crossroads between France, Spain, and Catalonia. It lies in the heart of the Roussillon plain, about 10 to 15 kilometers from the Côte d’Améthyste coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is located between the Corbières region and the Albères Massif, at the foot of the Pyrenees, and on a clear day you can see the iconic Pic du Canigou to the southwest.
This is a city overflowing with history and Gothic architecture. The old town offers pleasant walking routes, especially through the maze of narrow streets around the Palais des Rois de Majorque, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. The palace is the city’s main attraction, and in fact its symbol: a massive structure that sits on a hill south of the city center. Part of the original building still stands, but the outer fortifications were built under Louis XIII (r. 1610-1643) and Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642), after the French captured the city in 1642 (it officially became French under the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659).
In the heart of Perpignan’s old town you’ll find another palace, the Palais de la Deputation, the 16th-century Hôtel de Ville, and the Loge de Mer, which once served as the regional stock exchange. You’ll also find Le Castillet here, a red-brick tower that once served as the main gate in the city walls.
Getting there
Perpignan has a small airport with only a handful of routes, so many travelers fly into Marseille first, and from there you can reach Perpignan by train (about 4 hours), by bus (nearly five hours), or by car (about 3 hours, though that is of course the most expensive option).
Weather
Spring in Perpignan brings mild temperatures, usually ranging between 10°C and 20°C. The city gets occasional rain, which freshens up the air.
In summer, Perpignan heats up considerably, with temperatures ranging around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Rain is rare during these months, which makes summer a great time for beach activities. The beaches of Canet-en-Roussillon, in particular, draw large crowds looking for sun and sea. The proximity to the coast often brings a pleasant sea breeze, offering some relief from the heat.
Fall brings a noticeable shift in temperature, ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Rainfall becomes more frequent during this time. The vineyards surrounding Perpignan, especially around Rivesaltes, become hubs of activity, since this is the best time for the grape harvest. Wine lovers will enjoy learning about local wine production in the fall.
Winter in Perpignan is cooler, but not as freezing as in other parts of Europe. Temperatures range between 5°C and 15°C. Rain is common, and sometimes you’ll even get a light dusting of snow. The Palais des Rois de Majorque is probably the standout attraction during the colder months. The historic architecture draws visitors, and it’s naturally more pleasant to explore indoor sites in winter.
Where to stay in Perpignan
The apartment where I stayed in Perpignan
During my visit to Perpignan, I stayed in a simply wonderful apartment, about a 10-minute walk from the city center. The apartment has 2 spacious bedrooms (one with an en-suite bathroom) and a huge living room. It’s equipped with everything you could need (including a giant TV and super-fast fiber internet).
The apartment has parking, but it’s on a first-come, first-served basis (and it’s usually taken). Don’t worry though: right next to the apartment you can park for free on weekends and evenings, and the daytime parking rate isn’t too high, so it’s not a big deal.
In short, if you’re traveling as a family and want a spacious, indulgent apartment, book it without a second thought.
If you’re looking for hotels, here are a few solid options I picked for you:
Dali Hôtel Perpignan
A hotel located across from the Palais des Congrès square, a five-minute walk from the center of Perpignan. The hotel has free wireless internet and a gym. All rooms have air conditioning, are soundproofed, and come with a TV. From the rooms, you can see views of the city and the park.
Kyriad Prestige Perpignan Centre del Mon
A hotel in the heart of the city, a 10-minute walk from its historic center. The hotel has a bar, a patio, and underground parking for an extra fee. Rooms come with air conditioning (to everyone’s relief), a TV, and free wireless internet. The hotel offers three types of breakfast (for an extra charge), served in the dining room or in your room.
Hôtel PB – Paris-Barcelone
A small hotel with a friendly atmosphere, right across from the Perpignan train station. The rooms are comfortable and charming, the location is wonderful (between the mountains and the Mediterranean), and it’s a modest, pleasant, and quiet hotel. There’s a bar, free wireless internet, and all rooms are non-smoking.
Villa Duflot Hôtel & Spa Perpignan
If you feel like really indulging on your trip, try this hotel, which spreads across a huge park in Perpignan, a 25-minute drive from the sea. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant.
At this boutique hotel you’ll enjoy air-conditioned rooms designed in Art Deco style, with unique works of art. Every room has a balcony overlooking the garden and the pool. Free wireless internet is available throughout the hotel.
You can have breakfast here in the restaurant, on the terrace, or in your room. The restaurant serves a high-quality menu made from local ingredients, and it has an impressive wine selection. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from Spain, so you can easily hop between countries.
All the hotels and apartments I recommended are booked up?
You can find a few more good options at this link.
Events in Perpignan
The city is relatively small, but there’s no shortage of things to do, in every season. You can enjoy concerts, guided architecture tours, ceramics workshops, and more. There are events tied to the vineyards surrounding the city, the Saint Martin fair that runs from late October through the end of November (with plenty of attractions for kids), parades, and more. In spring and summer, Perpignan hosts book fairs and a film festival. In summer, the city also hosts the Été 66 festival, while September brings the Visa pour l’image photojournalism event. During Christmas, you can enjoy a special giant Ferris wheel set up in the city.
Attractions in and around Perpignan
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