Got Some Extra Time?
To make your time in the French Catalan city even more enjoyable, here are a few additional points of interest that will perfectly enrich your visit.
Let’s dive in!
First things first, we simply must mention the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Towering majestically from its hilltop, this Romanesque-Gothic monument was built between the 13th and 14th centuries at the request of Majorcan king James II. It’s solid proof that, for nearly a century, the capital of the short-lived Kingdom of Majorca — which spanned the Balearic Islands, the lordship of Montpellier and several Roussillon counties — was here, in Perpignan. Fortified successively by Louis XI, Charles V, and Vauban, the palace is an architectural gem with Mediterranean and Arab-Hispanic influences, nestled in a lush garden setting. The visit, which easily fills an entire afternoon, takes you through several courtyards, the grand banquet hall, the separate lodgings of the king and queen, and their magnificent stacked chapels. Don’t miss the homage tower — from the top, the panoramic view stretches across the Roussillon plain, the Pyrenees, and the Canigou peak.
More must-sees
Just behind the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral lies the Convent of the Minimes, another well-known religious site in the Catalan capital. Built around 1573 on the site of the former Jewish quarter, it features a church with a beautiful chancel and a large two-storey brick cloister, remarkably well preserved. Transformed into a military barracks in the 18th century, the convent is now one of Perpignan’s top venues for exhibitions, which determines its opening times to the public. On your way there, you’ll pass the former Bishop’s Palace of Perpignan, a charming building dating back to 1751.
Mother Nature
If the leafy riverbanks of the Bassa gave you a sudden craving for greenery, then head over to Bir-Hakeim Square, just a few steps from the Castillet cinema. With 3 hectares of lush vegetation laid out over the old city moat, this park is considered the “green lung” of Perpignan. Right in the city center, its grassy areas invite you to relax, its playgrounds delight children, its centuries-old plane trees inspire wonder, and its memorials serve as powerful reminders of the importance of remembrance across generations.
Traditions and local know-how in the spotlight
For a touch of craftsmanship, there’s no better stop than the Sant Vicens pottery workshop. Though a bit off the beaten path, this attraction ranks among the most recommended in the area. Why? Because for nearly a century, the Bauby family has been crafting a refined line of ceramics using red Catalan clay. Once glazed and hand-painted, the results are a colorful array of original creations. Perfect for bringing a piece of Perpignan back home with you.
A little detour beyond the city
And finally, for those who want to continue exploring beyond the boundaries of the Catalan capital, take note — here are a few great ideas! Less than 20 minutes away by car, the Salses Fortress, built in the 15th century by King Ferdinand II of Aragon, is a true masterpiece of military architecture. Set in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales, it stands as a proud sentinel of the Catalan countryside, a reminder of the strong defensive ties that once linked the Kingdom of France with Spain. A little farther, but absolutely worth the journey along the Côte Vermeille, is the seaside village of Collioure. The Kings of Majorca made it their residence in the 13th century, and it remains breathtakingly beautiful today. And the charm doesn’t stop there — the medieval town of Villefranche-de-Conflent, listed among the most beautiful villages in France and proudly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another gem you won’t want to miss.
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