Medieval castles, stone houses, picturesque cobbled streets and a bohemian atmosphere can be found in Perpignan. The capital of the Eastern Pyrenees region in southern France is located just 30 km from the French-Spanish border. It was the capital of the kingdom of Mallorca, a Mediterranean power that stretched north to Montpellier and included all the Balearic Islands. The Palace of the Kings of Mallorca dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most important monuments of medieval architecture in southern France. The traveller will tour the gothic galleries and gardens of the palace and will see up close the royal hall with the triple fireplace.
What to visit in Perpignan
Arriving in Perpignan, the interest shifts. Browse the historic buildings, the abbeys and the bistros, and at night sitting next to the bohemian locals in Pl. de la République, and let the atmosphere captivate you. You will discover the city starting from the main alley that starts from Castillet Square. Next, you will stroll through the historic Place de la Loz, with the town hall with its imposing iron doors built of stone from the riverbed. Worth visiting is Le Castillet, a 14th-century gate that also served as a prison and now houses the Museum of History and Tradition, as well as the renowned International Festival of Photojournalism.
In Perpignan, people make a living from wine production and agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, trade, and tourism. The road from the station to the city centre is shaded by tall trees and passes through Catalonia Square with its fountain and many benches, which surround the majestic, listed building that houses the Fnac store.
Exploring the magic of the city
From the top of Castile, we look all over the Old Town and west of the Canigou horizon, the highest mountain in the Pyrenees. The main alley that starts from Piazza Castille passes through the historic Piazza de la Loz, with the architectural gem of the town hall with its imposing iron doors, which is built of stone from the riverbed. The surrounding streets are crowded.
Dishes of Catalan, Basque, Arabic, French, Cuban and Asian flavours keep their groups captive. The Cathedral of St. John appears at the opening of Gabetta Square, in one of your many wanderings in the tangled alleys of Perpignan. You probably do not need the map. Firstly, because you will definitely get lost, since the Old Town is a labyrinth, and secondly because getting lost and discovering impressive building facades, portraits of ancient times or distant places, such as Algerian, Portuguese or Egyptian immigrants, is a challenge.
Showcases are another attraction, not so much because of their goods as because of their imagination and unique decorating ideas. Ask how you will get to the palace of the kings of Mallorca, one of the most important monuments of medieval architecture in the South of France (it began to be built in 1276). Take a tour of the Gothic galleries, the temples and the royal hall with the triple fireplace. Lie on the lawns and in the palace gardens, overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Going down the straits from the palace, the scenery changes. There, in the vibrant neighbourhood of thousands of Roma and Gypsies, sit in the bazaar or on the terraces under the floating laundry of their unfortunately dilapidated homes. A neighbourhood that every photographer walks around to find that perfect click. The French say that in this place, the sun shines 2,500 hours a year. It is a place with a dual personality: French and Catalan.
In summer, residents take a dip in the nearby beaches and rocky coves of the picturesque villages of Bonneuil and Collioure. For your travels, ideally, you should have in your possession a car that will allow you to move easily without restrictions. In case you have not travelled with your own car, it would be a good idea to rent from the company Enjoy Travel, which provides you with very affordable prices. Driving east, in ten minutes, you’ll find yourself in their colourful old houses inside the stone walls, surrounded by mountain slopes overgrown with vineyards and peaks adorned with castles. In these villages, the Gothic churches coexist with fish taverns known for their seafood and world-famous wines, creating an awe spiring background.
