Perpignan

Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
Perpignan
Jorge Franganillo, Wikimedia Commons

Perpignan, nestled between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, offers a distinctive blend of French and vibrant Catalan culture, characterized by its historical architecture, colorful old town, and a sunny, inviting climate. It serves as a compelling destination for those seeking a rich cultural experience combined with easy access to both mountain landscapes and coastal beaches.

The city's old town is a lively area for social interaction, featuring a strong café culture within its narrow streets and charming squares. Visitors often gather at Place Arago for coffee and people-watching, and Les Halles provides vibrant markets and food stalls for social enjoyment.

Top 7 Things to do in Perpignan

The city offers a range of experiences, from exploring ancient historical sites and artistic collections to indulging in local gastronomy and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of its pedestrianized old town, with optional access to nearby Mediterranean beaches.

1. Palace of the Kings of Majorca (Le Palais des Rois de Majorque)

This formidable medieval fortress transports visitors back to the 13th century when Perpignan served as the continental capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. Exploring the palace reveals its impressive Gothic architecture and the history of its royal inhabitants. Climbing to the ramparts provides sweeping panoramic views of the city, the Roussillon plain, and the distant Pyrenees mountains. It is a highly recommended monument in Perpignan.

Cost: Adult admission is typically €7-9, with free entry for those under 25 years old. Free admission is also available on the first Sunday of each month from October to June.

Transport: The palace is situated on a hill south of the city center and is reachable by a 10-minute bus ride from Gare TGV to the "Arago" stop for approximately €2. A taxi ride takes about 3 minutes and costs between €7-€9. It is also accessible by walking from the city center.

2. Le Castillet and Casa Pairal Museum

This iconic red-brick gate tower, dating back to 1368, is a prominent symbol of Perpignan's history, having served as a city gate and a prison. Within its walls, the Casa Pairal museum showcases Catalan folk art and traditions, offering insights into the region's cultural heritage. Ascending the tower provides visitors with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across the city, the Pyrenees, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Cost: General admission is €4.50 for adults. A reduced rate of €2.50 is available for children under 12, students, and seniors. Entry is free for individuals under 26 and on the first Sunday of every month.

Transport: Le Castillet is centrally located and easily accessible on foot within the city center. Public transport also serves the area, with a designated "Castillet stop" for Sankéo buses.

3. Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

This magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral, a national monument of France, is a masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture, with construction commencing in 1324 and largely completed in the 15th century. Visitors can marvel at its wide nave, short transept, and apse, adorned with seven cross-vaults. The cathedral houses remarkable religious altarpieces, including those depicting the life of Saint John the Baptist. The adjacent Campo Santo, the oldest and largest medieval cemetery in France, is also a significant historical feature.

Cost: Free to enter.

Transport: The cathedral is located in the heart of Perpignan and is easily reachable on foot.

4. Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum (Musée d'art Hyacinthe Rigaud)

Housed within two renovated city-center mansions, this art museum presents exceptional collections spanning from the 14th to the 21st century. Visitors can explore a rich permanent collection featuring masterpieces by artists such as Hyacinthe Rigaud, Aristide Maillol, Pablo Picasso, Raoul Dufy, and Jean Lurçat, reflecting Perpignan's Gothic, Baroque, and Modern periods. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions related to artists connected with Perpignan.

Cost: Full price admission is €9, with a reduced price of €6 outside of summer exhibition periods. During summer exhibitions, the full price is €11 and the reduced price is €8. Free entry is available for individuals under 18, disabled visitors, job seekers, and students with valid documentation.

Transport: The museum is centrally located and can be reached on foot. Nearby parking is available at "Parking Arago" and "Parking République," both within a 2-minute walk. The "Place François Arago" bus stop is also nearby.

5. Les Halles Vauban

Les Halles Vauban offers a vibrant gastronomic experience within a covered market, hosting over 20 food artisans. Here, one can discover a wide array of local produce and international flavors, perfect for shopping for fresh ingredients or enjoying a meal. The lively atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or an aperitif with family and friends, featuring diverse culinary options from traditional French to Italian and Moroccan dishes.

Cost: Costs vary depending on purchases and dining choices.

Transport: Situated centrally on Quai Vauban, this market is easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city center.

6. Exploring the Old Town

Wandering through Perpignan's Old Town is an experience of its own, with narrow, charming streets, historical buildings, and a pervasive Catalan atmosphere. Key areas include Place de la Loge, a square flanked by historic structures like the Loge de Mer, and Rue Paratilla, known for its food shops and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy the lively café culture, browse boutiques, and soak in the unique blend of French and Catalan life. The city centre is compact and largely pedestrianised, making it ideal for exploration on foot.

Cost: Free to explore, with optional costs for food, drinks, or shopping. Guided historical walking tours are available, with public tours costing around €7 for adults and private tours starting from €79 for 1-2 people for a 1.5-hour tour.

Transport: The Old Town is best explored on foot due to its pedestrian-friendly nature.

7. Canet-en-Roussillon (Optional Beach Trip)

Just a short distance from Perpignan, Canet-en-Roussillon offers a popular coastal escape with expansive sandy beaches ideal for relaxation and swimming in the Mediterranean waters. For those seeking activity, water sports such as windsurfing and paddleboarding are available. The area also features beachfront restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood.

Cost: Bus fare is approximately €2 per trip.

Transport: Canet-en-Roussillon is about 12-13 km from Perpignan. A direct bus (line 3) from Perpignan's St-Jacques station to "Avenue du Roussillon" in Canet Plage takes approximately 25-40 minutes and costs €2. Taxis are also an option, taking around 12 minutes and costing €29-€35.

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