Perpignan
WHAT TO DO IN PERPIGNAN?
Perpignan while camping is a destination that is easy to fall in love with.
The capital of Roussillon is always sunny and enjoys a privileged location between the sea and the Pyrenees.
The city known as "la belle Catalane" attracts many families for holidays. Visitors are as interested in the city's Catalan identity as in its sumptuous panoramas and emblematic monuments (Palace of the Kings of Majorca, the Castillet, etc.)
Where is Perpignan?
Perpignan is a city in the south of France. It is located in the eastern part of the Pyrénées-Orientales, near the Mediterranean coast and the border with Spain.
Several important tourist destinations are also located in the vicinity of the capital of Roussillon.
These include Argelès-sur-Mer, Collioure, Saint-Cyprien and Le Barcarès. Nearby Spanish towns with which Perpignan shares its Catalan identity include Rosas and Figueras, which are an hour and a half and an hour away respectively.
VISIT PERPIGNAN IN THE EASTERN PYRÉNÉES
Palace of the Kings of Majorca
Located in the rue des Archers, in the heart of Perpignan, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca is a fortified palace completed in 1309 which was, for almost a century, the nerve centre of the short-lived kingdom of Majorca. Recognisable by its Gothic style, the building was listed as a historical monument in 1935 - except for the old door, which was listed in 1913.
Rue René Paratilla
Rue René Paratilla, located between Place République, Place Rigaud and Place des Poilus, is a particularly lively place, with its market where small vegetables and other local products are sold.
Hyacinthe-Rigaud Museum
Located at 21 rue Mailly, the Musée Hyacinthe-Rigaud houses a collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. These works include numerous works by Hyacinthe Rigaud as well as a collection of Catalan Gothic art and modern paintings.
Campo Santo in Perpignan
Located at 6 rue Amiral Ribel, the Campo Santo is the largest surviving medieval cemetery in France. Built against the basilica-cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, this 16th century building has been hosting shows and concerts during the summer months since 1994, making it the "beating heart of summer nights".
Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Perpignan
The origins of this cathedral in the centre of Perpignan date back to the 14th century. The building is recognizable by its gothic style. You have to look at its northern side to see the trace of the Romanesque building it replaced when it was built.
The Castillet
The Castillet was both a city gate and a state prison. The building now houses the Catalan Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions (La Casa Pairal).