Perpignan
Perpignan preserves traces of its Catalan heritage while showcasing French elegance. Its Gothic cathedral, medieval palace, and bustling promenades offer a mesmerizing experience. If you love the Mediterranean vibe but want to avoid Barcelona’s crowds, Perpignan is the perfect destination!
History lesson:
I must admit, I didn’t read the relevant literature today, so I won’t bore anyone with lengthy details. The gist is: this land was already inhabited during Roman times. In the first half of the second millennium, the city belonged to the Catalans. Later, around the 15th century, it became a city first under the King of Mallorca and then under the French King. It’s no surprise that the spoken language, architecture, and everyday life still reflect Catalan traditions.
Where is it located?
Perpignan lies along the main road between Barcelona and Montpellier, in the southwestern corner of France, near the border and close to the seaside. It’s easily accessible, with stops for international trains and buses. The city has around 60,000 inhabitants, but surprisingly few are native French speakers. You’ll often get by more easily with Catalan or Arabic.
What do the magazines recommend?
- Saint Jean Cathedral: A beautiful Gothic building, one of the finest examples of its era. Its patterns and style are reminiscent of Prague Cathedral.
- Palais des Rois de Majorque: The medieval palace of the King of Mallorca is just a ten-minute walk from the city center. With thick medieval walls, a moat, and fortifications, it encloses a courtyard surrounded by medieval buildings. It’s not in ruins, as it has been reconstructed several times, particularly during the Renaissance. It’s a very pleasant one-hour program.
- Museums: The city boasts significant art collections, such as the Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum, though I didn’t have time to explore these.
Tourist tip:
Wherever you go in France, always locate the Office de Tourisme! In Perpignan, they offer maps and pre-arranged walking routes, ranging from short, half-hour programs to full-day excursions. These are often available via mobile apps as well, which update in real-time and function as walking navigation tools. In Perpignan, there are three thematic walking tours: two focused on Renaissance architecture and one on medieval military constructions. The office is conveniently located next to the town hall.
What did I enjoy?
- Cathedral: The richness of colors and the beauty of Gothic architecture. Having been rebuilt multiple times over centuries, it’s an exciting experience.
- Graphic exhibitions: In the courtyard of Campo Santo, a charming chapel showcased the city’s atmosphere, art, and music in every image. Another exhibition on the hill displayed graffiti art in a palace room. Seeing graffiti framed on Renaissance walls was a unique experience. You can also spot high-quality murals on several city walls.
- 3D Cinema: In another palace room, a 360-degree projection covered all six walls, creating an astonishing spatial experience. The film focused on the city’s history and was truly captivating.
- Promenade: The idea was simple: they removed the road alongside the creek and replaced it with greenery. Restaurants and terraces sprang up along the path, becoming a lively spot for locals and tourists alike. This change was a brilliant move for the city’s life.
Why do people return?
- It resembles Barcelona but is closer.
- It’s cheaper than Barcelona or Montpellier.
- There’s no disruptive car traffic.
- I stumbled upon a spontaneous karaoke party – and it was just a regular Sunday night.
Perpignan, October 27, 2024.
