Situated thirty kilometres form the Spanish border, Perpignan, city of Art and History, retains from its past as the former continental capital of the kingdom of Majorca an historic centre of harmonious architecture, predominantly in the Gothic style.
Constructed at the end of the 14th century, then modified under Louis XI, the celebrated Castillet, the terrace of which gives an uninterrupted view over the roofs of the city, is the symbol of Perpignan. Once you have passed through the imposing fortified entrance, stroll along the little streets of shops, then set off to discover the treasures of the old town: the 14th-18th century Cathedral of St John the Baptist, topped with a wrought-iron bell tower, the choir of which has a 17th century marble altarpiece and whose Devout Christ chapel holds a 14th century woodcarving of Christ; the old funeral cloister of Saint-Jean from the beginning of the 14th century - the Campo Santo - the largest and oldest of this type in France; the Place de la Loge with its remarkable Gothic style building, the Loge de Mer; a palace-fortress of the Kings of Majorca from the 13th and 14th centuries, and its gardens overlooking the town; the forecourt of the Town Hall with its bronze statue by the sculptor Maillol, "La Méditerranée"...
You can also enjoy a moment of relaxation, ambling around the heart of the Bir Hakeim square or along the majestic Promenade des Platanes, with its many statues.
The Castillet, which was a gateway to the town then a state prison before being classed as an Historic Building in 1889, is now home to a museum which traces the history of North Catalonia from Antiquity to the present day.
Each year, around 23 April, the festival of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia, is celebrated. Place Gambetta is transformed into a real open air bookshop, where the book is given pride of place by of publishers, writers and booksellers. Full of things to see and do, this special day is also that of the rose, which has been celebrated here since the 15th century!
Catalan city par excellence, Perpignan takes place in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, in the heart of the Occitania region. Situated about thirty kilometers from the Spanish border, this city of art and history is located in the center of the Roussillon plain, about ten kilometers from Canet-en-Roussillon and the Mediterranean Sea.
Former Continental Capital of the Kingdom of Majorca between 1276 and 1344, Perpignan was born in the ninth century. But it was not before the end of the 10th century that the city really took off, becoming capital of the counts of Roussillon. Long Spanish, the Catalan city will have to wait until the middle of the XVIIth century to join the kingdom of France.
Very attached to its roots and its Catalan culture, Perpignan is today mainly a tourist city. The charm of its atmosphere, its architectural heritage and its festive events make it an ideal place to spend holidays in the south of France.
Fortress palace of the fourteenth century, the palace of the Kings of Majorca dominates the plain and the valley of Roussillon. Surrounded by gardens, it has been listed in the Historical Monuments, and classified for its old door of the sixteenth century. Of gothic style under Oriental influence, it allows notably to appreciate the palace Majorcan of James II. On two levels, the gardens offer a breathtaking view of the Canigou massif, the Mediterranean Sea, Força Réal, or the plain of Roussillon. Today, the site is the scene of many festivities throughout the year.
Former entrance to the ramparts, the Castillet now houses a Catalan museum of popular arts and traditions. Classified as a Historical Monument, the 14th-century building housed a prison for a while and is a fine example of military architecture in the region.
The lodge of Mer and the town hall form a beautiful medieval ensemble. The first, in Gothic style, used to serve as a commercial court, and now houses a cafe. The town hall was built in the 14th and 17th centuries.
The religious buildings are numerous in Perpignan, starting with the cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste built between the fourteenth and the sixteenth century. In southern Gothic style, it has been classified as a Historic Monument. The oldest funerary cloister in France, the Campo Santo takes place by his side, but is unfortunately more whole. Not far from there, Saint-Jean-le-Vieux is an old Romanesque collegiate church today partly disused. Also classified as a Historic Monument, it has a beautiful southern white marble portal. The beauty of the 13th-century Saint-Jacques church, Sainte-Marie-et-Saint-Pierre church of Château-Roussillon, the Minimes convent and Notre-Dame-la -Réal which dates from the fourteenth century.
The fortifications of Perpignan are made up of all the military constructions that surround the city. In addition to Castillet, the palace of the Kings of Majorca and the Citadel, one can discover during walks the telescope of Canet, as well as part of the ramparts.
In the center you can admire the Casa Xanxo, a beautiful Gothic house from the beginning of the 16th century, or the Saint-Martin church rebuilt in the 1920s in a mixture of Art Deco and Neo-Romanesque.
Several museums take place in Perpignan, like the Hyacinthe-Rigaud Museum. It reveals beautiful collections of paintings and decorative arts, including works by Pablo Picasso. You can also discover the Museum of Natural History, as well as the Museum of Coins and Medals Joseph Puig.
The natural heritage of Perpignan is also of great interest. You will love to stroll in the square Bir-Hakeim or on the promenade of the plane trees with its beautiful statues.
Do not miss to go to the station of Perpignan, this one was designated by the painter Salvador Dalí, as the center of the world.
Perpignan offers markets every day, Monday to Sunday. Fairs are also held at various times of the year. On Saturdays, the city highlights the antique dealers in the Maillol alleys, while a medieval market is organized every October. In December, the Christmas market takes place in the city.
During Holy Week, a festival of sacred music is offered in Perpignan.
Around April 23, Sant Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia, transforms Place Gambetta into a large book market, also celebrating the rose according to a 15th century tradition.
Every Good Friday, the city offers its Sanch procession, an annual Catholic ceremony of Catalan culture.
In June, you can discover the art book and film festival.
In July and August, the city offers concerts as part of the jazz aperitifs, the musicals and the Têt en fête festival, not to mention the Live at the Campo festival!
During the summer, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca hosts the Eté 66 festival.
The start of the school year is punctuated by the international photojournalism festival "Visa pour l'image".
Dedicated to jazz music, Jazzèbre is a festival offering various concerts between September and October.
At Christmas, a Ferris wheel is installed in the town of Perpignan.