Perpignan, a city of 120 inhabitants and two rivers, has been an economic and educational center for years, and it shows. The city sits at a cultural and linguistic crossroads between France, Spain and Catalonia. It sits in the heart of the Roussillon plain, about 10-15 kilometers from the Côte d'Améthyste coast of the Mediterranean. It is located between the Corbières and the Albères Massif, at the foot of the Pyrenees and the iconic Pic du Canigou mountain can be seen to the southwest.
It is a city steeped in history and Gothic architecture. The old town offers pleasant walks, especially the maze of narrow streets around the Palais des Rois de Majorque – the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. The palace is the city’s main attraction, and its symbol is a massive structure, which sits on a hill south of the city center. Some of the original structure still exists, but the outer defenses were built by Louis XIII and Richelieu after they captured the city from the Carthaginians in 13.
In the center of Perpignan’s old town you’ll find another palace – the Palais de la Deputation, the 16th-century Hôtel de Ville and the XNUMXth-century Loge de Mer, which used to be the regional stock exchange. You’ll also find Le Castillet, a red brick tower that once served as the main gate in the city walls.
Flights and directions
There are no direct flights from Israel to Perpignan. To get to the city, you have to Fly to Marseille, and from there you can reach Perpignan by train (about 4 hours), bus (nearly five hours) or car (about 3 hours, which is of course the most expensive option).
Weather
the spring Perpignan is characterized by moderate temperatures, usually ranging between 10 degrees and 20 degrees Celsius. The city occasionally experiences rain, which refreshes the air.
In the summer Perpignan warms up considerably, with temperatures hovering around 20-30 degrees. Rain is a rare occurrence during these months, making summer a great time for beach activities. The beaches of Canet-en-Roussillon, in particular, attract a large crowd seeking sun and sea. The proximity to the coast ensures that there is often a pleasant sea breeze, providing some relief from the heat.
Autumn Brings a significant change in temperature, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The frequency of rainfall increases during this period. The vineyards surrounding Perpignan, especially in the Rivesaltes area, become a hotbed of activity, as this is the best time for grape harvesting. Wine lovers will enjoy learning about local wine production in the fall.
the winter Perpignan is cooler, but not as freezing as elsewhere in Europe. Temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. Of course, it can rain, and sometimes even snow lightly. Palais des Rois de Majorque is probably the most prominent attraction during the colder months. The historic architecture attracts visitors, and it is probably more pleasant to walk around built-up areas in winter.
Accommodation in Perpignan
The apartment where I lived in Perpignan
During my visit to Perpignan, I stayed in a simply wonderful apartment, located about a 10-minute walk from the city center. The apartment has 2 spacious bedrooms (one with an en suite bathroom) and a huge living room. It is equipped with everything you could possibly need (including a huge screen and super fast fiber internet).
The apartment has parking, but it is based on availability (and it is usually not available), but don't worry, right next to the apartment you can park for free on weekends and evenings, and the price of parking per day is not particularly high, so it's not too bad.
In short, if you are coming with a family and are interested in a spacious and luxurious apartment, take it without thinking twice.
If you are looking for hotels, here are some good options that I chose for you:
Dali Hotel Perpignan
Hotel located opposite the Palais des Congrès square, a 5-minute walk from Perpignan city center. It offers free Wi-Fi and a fitness center. All rooms are air-conditioned, soundproofed and equipped with a TV. The rooms offer views of the city and the park.
For reservations and additional information
Kyriad Prestige Perpignan Center del Mon
A hotel in the heart of the city, a 10-minute walk from its historic center. The hotel has a bar, patio and underground parking for an additional fee. The rooms come with air conditioning, for the most part, and have a TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has three types of breakfast (for an additional fee) - in the dining room or in your room.
For reservations and additional information
Hotel PB – Paris-Barcelona
A small hotel with a friendly atmosphere, right opposite the Perpignan train station. The rooms are comfortable and friendly, the location is lovely (between the mountains and the Mediterranean) and it is a modest, cozy and quiet hotel. There is a bar, free Wi-Fi and the rooms are non-smoking.
For reservations and additional information
Villa Duflot Hotel & Spa Perpignan
If you want to really pamper yourself on your vacation, try this hotel, spread over a huge park in Perpignan, a 25-minute drive from the sea. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a gastronomic restaurant.
At this boutique hotel you will enjoy air-conditioned rooms decorated in an Art Deco style, with unique artwork. Each room has a balcony overlooking the garden and pool. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Breakfast can be enjoyed in the restaurant, on the terrace or in your room. The restaurant serves a quality menu made from local ingredients and has an impressive wine selection. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from Spain, so you can hop between countries very easily.
For reservations and additional information
Are all the hotels and apartments I recommended unavailable?
You can find all sorts of other good options atLink this.
Events in Perpignan
The city is relatively small, but there is no shortage of things to do in it – in every season. You can enjoy concerts, guided architecture tours, ceramics workshops, and more. There are events related to the vineyards surrounding the city, the SAINT MARTIN Fair that lasts from the end of October to the end of November (with a variety of facilities for children), parades, and more. In the spring and summer, Perpignan hosts book fairs and a film festival. In the summer, the city also hosts the Eté 66 festival, while in September, the city hosts the photojournalism event Visa pour l'image. During Christmas, you can enjoy a special Ferris wheel that will be installed in the city.
Calendar of events in Perpignan