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Top 10 Things to do in Perpignan

Perpignan is a city in the south of France on the border with Spain and near the Mediterranean Sea. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca during the 13th century, and a significant Catalan influence is evident in its medieval core.

With its convenient location, there are a number of historical sites and places to visit that date back to the medieval times. It is easily accessible by train from Gare de Perpignan train station.

Perpignan Catalnia influence can be witnessed through the many people that speak the language, the architecture, food and culture.

Here are the top 10 fun things that one can engage in while in Perpignan.

1. Visit the Perpignan Castillet

By Palauenc05 – wikimedia

Built in the year of 1368, by Guillame Gitard, Le Castillet was used to fight off intruders and served as the defensive wall of the city.

This place not only used to be the city gate but also a prison until the end of the 19th century. Today, Les Castillet often houses different contemporary art exhibitions.

The building has been declared as a national historic monument. It has 142 steep and narrow stone steps that one can climb to the top.  At the top of the structure, there lies endless views of the city and surrounding area.

2. Perpignan Cathedral

By Moreau.henri – wikimedia

This cathedral is also known as the cathedral of Saint John. It is a beautiful red-tan colored roman Catholic Church.  It has distinct Romanesque details that were added to pay homage to the ancient church it replaced.

The construction of the historical building began in 1324 and ended almost a century later. A tour of the cathedral will reveal the intricate details and skills of the architects.

One of its distinctive features is the open iron wire bell tower which sits on top of a stark white pedestal. One can take a tour inside to see the high ceilings and statues.

3. Go for a quiet walk at Sant-Vicens Park

The Sant Vicens Park is accessible to all for sports or just regular strollers. It is a recreation ground frequented by all, the old, adolescents and the little ones too.

It offers an array of vegetation and plants such as reeds, large herbs, a bunch of sycamores, poplars and aspen.

The park is formed by old grounds, eroded and irrigated by the river ‘La Cave’, the end of the irrigation canal ‘Las Canals’.

Situated around two basins, the park welcomes you to observe the flora of the Mediterranean riversides, to play with the large herbs and to run on the dyke.

4. Tour the Palace of the Kings of Majorca

Photo by Venkat Sudheer Reddy on Unsplash

There are guided tours offered to take you to places like the chapel, throne room, chancery, and dining room, and let you walk among porticoes, galleries, fortifications, and courtyards.

The palace offers excellent views overlooking the city of Perpignan. This historic palace has been in existence since 1935.

At the foot of the monument, one cannot miss seeing the magnificent architectural detail of this palace. Get to learn about the construction of the palace that began in Romanesque style and ended with a Gothic touch.

5. Enjoy a show at Theatre de l’Archipel, national scene of Perpignan

There is a diverse range of shows being offered in the theatre, including dances, circus, digital arts, contemporary and classical music, opera, and puppetry.

They run workshops for children of all ages, a fun way to keep the young ones busy while learning.

Of the six buildings at the l’Archipel, Le Grenat (The Garnet) is one of the most eye-catching, resembles a gigantic kidney bean covered in inscriptions.

It can seat up to 1100 people, and the other performance space, Le Carré (The Square), a further 400.

6. Lunch or Dine at La Galinette: fresh and organic herbs and ingredients

After all the sightseeing, the next thing that comes to mind is food. Try out the food at restaurant Le Galinette, which recently received a coveted Michelin rating.

This restaurant is a good stop for couples-dates, families with children or special occasions. The ideas man behind this successful fine dining restaurant is Chef Christophe Comes, who chooses ingredients directly from his own 2-hectare (4.9-acre) garden.

Aside from being a chef extraordinaire, his love for fine ingredients allows the restaurant to serve fresh and sumptuous food.

7. Visit Hotel Pams

Hotel la Pams Wikimedia

This mansion displays the artistic choice of the wealthy bourgeois during the 20th century, with its stunning and decorative interior.

This bourgeois house of the nineteenth century was owned by Pierre Bardou, son of the founder of the cigarette paper company Job, then his son-in-law Jules Pams.

A trip to this hotel, that is open to the public, although occasionally has free admission and will expose one to the art nouveau decor and the charming interior garden that add to this building’s splendour.

8. Good Friday at Ancien-Eveche

By Sylenius -wikimedia

The former home of the Bishop of the Diocese of Perpignan, this 18th-century building now functions as a museum committed to the Procession de la Sanch, an annual ceremony held in Perpignan and some other towns in France on Good Friday.

The ceremony was originally a means of handing over the condemned to their execution. The traditional hooded robes are still worn by today’s participants who walk in the same creepy silence as their predecessors did centuries ago.

The museum contains information and artefacts relating to the Procession, including antique costumes.

9. A taste of North Africa in South of France

After spending the morning touring the 13th century St Jacques Church and the peaceful La Mirada garden, stop at the quarter, a lively daily market at Place Joseph Cassanyes. It is a testament to Perpignan’s cultural diversity.

There you will find North African cafés and bakeries, narrow twisting streets, and countless stalls selling a whole lot of trinkets, clothes, and jewellery to kebabs, spices, herbs, and baklava.

10. Evening Street Festival in Perpignan

If you happen to be in Perpignan in July or August, then this cultural event will be on your list.  The event is held each Thursday from mid-July to late August.

There is an assorted anthology of cultural events such as; street theatre, parades, circus acts, artists, fanfares, troupes of dancers, and bazaars.

Over 800 musicians play at various venues over the course of the summer, treating those in attendance to jazz, traditional Catalan dances such as flamenco, Occitan, batucada and many more.

The shows begin at 6 pm through to midnight.   comes to an end each night at the Allée Maillol fountain, where 217 water jets are illuminated by a fantastic array of colourful lights.