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Located between the Pyrenées and the Mediterranean Sea, near the Spanish border, the city of Perpignan is one of the most vibrant cities in Southern France. Perpignan is the capital of French Catalonia and the historical region of Roussillon.
Nowadays part of the Occitanie region, this beautiful city boasts 300 days of sunshine annually, which enhances its charm. With its rich Catalan heritage, elegant palaces, numerous historical monuments, and a unique blend of culture, Perpignan is a fantastic destination in Southern France.
Keep reading to discover more about this colorful French city and what to do during your trip to Perpignan.
Are you planning a trip to Perpignan last minute?
Below, are some of the best Perpignan tours, hotels, and more!
Looking to travel around Perpignan independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Perpignan
Top Experiences and Tours in Perpignan
Top Perpignan Accommodation and Lodging
- Villa Duflot Hotel & Spa (luxury, with a beautiful pool)
- Dali Hotel (mid-range and stylish)
- Ibis Styles Perpignan Centre Gare (budget and perfectly located)
Don’t leave for Perpignan without your travel insurance!
SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
What to Do in Perpignan
So, what to do in Perpignan? This Perpignan things-to-do list includes the best places to visit in Perpignan, tourist attractions, and some ideas for a day trip. If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick summary:
- The Center of the World (Perpignan’s Train Station)
- Castillet
- Perpignan Old Town
- Cathedral and Camposanto
- Palace of the Kings of Mallorca
- Hotel de Ville
- Loge de Mer
- Take a Day Trip from Perpignan
1. The Center of the World (Perpignan’s Train Station)
Perpignan’s train station, officially known as Gare de Perpignan, is the first contact you will have with the town if you arrive by train.
Opened in 1858, it is known as the Center of the World thanks to Salvador Dalí. According to him, the universe would be similar in structure to Perpignan train station.
Since it inspired such a great artist, you should stop by Gare de Perpignan for a quick look!
Perpignan Train Station is well-connected to the rest of France and Catalonia. You have direct trains to Perpignan from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Narbonne, Barcelona, Girona, and Figueres.
2. Castillet
Built at the end of the 14th century by King John of Aragon, this fortified gate is the symbol of Perpignan. Castillet means “little castle” in Catalan, and it was once the main gate of Perpignan’s medieval walls. Made from bricks and Baixas marble, it has a beautiful color when the sun shines.
In the following centuries, the Castillet was used as a prison, and it now houses the Casa Pairal Museum, dedicated to local history and Catalan culture.
Once you have visited the museum, climb the 142 steps to reach the Castillet’s terrace to enjoy panoramic views of the Old Town.
Address: 1 Place Verdun. Opening hours Musée Casa Pairal: from 1 October to 31 May, Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; From 1 June to 30 September, daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
3. Perpignan Old Town
At the heart of Perpignan lies its Old Town, built within the former city walls. Enjoy leisure walks on its narrow and winding streets, lined with typical, well-preserved houses and nice-looking Gothic buildings.
Perpignan Old Town is also an active commercial area where you can find a variety of shops, as well as some unmissable attractions, such as the Palais des Rois de Majorque, the Hotel de Ville, and the Cathedral complex.
4. Cathedral and Camposanto
A must-see while in Perpignan is the Cathedral and the Camposanto.
Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the Perpignan Cathedral is a masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, it features an impressive 70-meter-long nave and exquisite religious artworks, including those depicting the life of Saint John the Baptist.
TIP: When facing the main façade, on the left, don’t miss Saint-Jean-Le-Vieux, a 10th-century parish church built in the Romanesque style. It is closed to visitors, but you can admire its beautiful decoration on the main façade.
Next to the Cathedral is the Camposanto. This is a 14th-century burial site that served as the final resting place for Perpignan’s elite until the 19th century. It is the largest and last remaining medieval cloister-cemetery in France, and its big courtyard, encircled by elegant white-marbled porticoes, is today a venue for concerts and other cultural events.
Address: 1, Rue de l’Horloge; Opening hours: The Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Camposanto Opening hours: The Camposanto is open for visitation from January to May, Tuesday through Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In the other months, it is open only during special events.
5. Palace of the Kings of Mallorca
One of the best things to do in Perpignan is to visit the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca. As the name of this building suggests, it was the official residence of the Kings of Mallorca in the 14th century.
Built a century before, this fortress boasts a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its impressive architecture highlights Perpignan’s importance as a medieval Mediterranean hub of culture, politics, and trade.
Get inside to explore the king and queen’s chambers, the grand banquet hall, and the serene Sainte Croix chapel.
Once you have finished visiting the palace’s interior, take a relaxing stroll through its gardens, filled with Mediterranean plants. From here, you have great views of Perpignan’s Old Town and the Canigó mountain in the background (which still had a bit of snow in April when we visited).
Address: Rue des Archers; Opening times: Sunday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6. Hotel de Ville
Another fantastic site to visit in Perpignan is the Hotel de Ville (the Town Hall). It boasts a distinctive pebbled façade made of river stones, a hallmark of Roussillon architecture, with Spanish and Moorish influences
The ground floor is open to the public. Here, you will find the two giants of Perpignan (Jaume II and his wife Esclarmonde de Foix), a must-have of any Catalan city, and the wedding hall with its fabulous 15th-century coffered wooden ceiling.
The building also houses a lovely inner courtyard with the sculpture “La Méditerranée,” made by local artist Maillol.
Address: Place de la Loge. Opening times: Monday to Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
7. Loge de Mer
The Loge de Mer in Perpignan is a beautiful Gothic building that dates back to the 14th century. It was originally the venue where the city council reunited to discuss and regulate sea trade. It changed usage over time, serving as Perpignan’s stock exchange, sea consulate office, Town Hall for a period, and also a fast food restaurant for a well-known chain.
With its distinctive façade made of intricate stonework and elegant arches, the Loge de Mer is a must-see attraction. It is also free to enter, as it now houses the tourism office and the starting point for their guided tours.
Address: Place de la Loge. Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a lunch break from 1 to 2 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
8. Take a Day Trip from Perpignan
If you have a car, you can enjoy spectacular day trips from Perpignan to the mountains or by the sea.
Another great day-trip idea is the Roussillon Wine Route, renowned for its rich Catalan heritage, stunning nature, and exceptional wines.
Last but not least, you could also decide to take one of the first trains and spend a day in Barcelona, which is easily accessible by high-speed train (AVE or TGV) from Perpignan. You can check train times and prices here.