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Visit Perpignan

A Taste of French Catalonia

  • Tour

  • 2,4 km

  • 1h

  • 19 audios

00 plan perpignan

19 lieux d'intérêt à découvrir pour visiter Perpignan in one day

Text version

You might think you know Perpignan — or at least, you’ve heard the lively local accent. But beyond that familiar southern charm, there’s so much more to discover. Trust us, you’re in good hands to become an expert on the city. At the crossroads of the Catalan and Mediterranean cultures, Perpignan — once the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca — is full of hidden gems, with no fewer than 34 sites listed as historic monuments. Our itinerary offers you: a touch of architecture with landmarks like Hôtel Pams and the Loge de Mer, a bit of culture with the old university and the iconic Castillet cinema, a few religious treasures such as the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, and even a hint of the mystical — just to spice things up. Whether you’re here on holiday, with friends or family, visiting Perpignan is as easy — and fun — as child’s play. So welcome to French Catalonia!

  • 07 le campo santo poi petit

    1. Campo Santo

    Passing through this gate into such a large, empty courtyard can leave you wondering. Where exactly are we? Why is this area enclosed like this? What are the secrets hidden behind these arcades? Exactly the kind of questions this historic site in Perpignan stirs in all of us. Read more

  • 08 chapel of the third order poi petit

    2. Tiers Ordre Chapel

    Tucked into a corner of Place de la Révolution française, the Chapelle du Tiers Ordre isn't exactly easy to spot. But don't let its plain facade and small size fool you. Inside, it’s full of artistic and historical surprises. Read more

  • 09 pedra gravada poi petit

    3. Pedra Gravada

    This small stone might not catch your eye at first. But since 1965, it’s been listed as a historical monument by the city. Yes — just this little piece of white rock, set into a wall of bricks and pebbles! It may be small, but it holds three important clues. Read more

  • 10 former university of perpignan poi petit

    4. Old University of Perpignan

    If you’ve just walked along the street next to us, its name might already have given you a hint — the story of Perpignan’s old university is just a few steps away. All you need to do is turn left, and head towards the large wrought-iron gate in front of you. Read more

  • 12 eglise notre dame de la real poi petit

    5. Notre-Dame de la Réal Church

    Historically, the Church of Notre-Dame de la Réal, right here in front of you, was the fourth parish in Perpignan — after Saint-Jean, Saint-Jacques, and Saint-Matthieu. But don’t let that ranking fool you. It played a major role in the city’s history. Read more

  • 11 hotel pams poi petit

    6. Hôtel Pams

    Of all the sayings we still hear today, there’s one in particular that rarely gets proven wrong. You know the one — “don’t judge a book by its cover.” And here, at 18 rue Emile Zola, that’s exactly the advice to follow. Not for a person, this time — but for a building. Read more

  • 13 statue of hyacinthe rigaud poi petit

    7. Statue of Hyacinthe Rigaud

    How many times have you found yourself standing in a street or a square, wondering who the person behind the name actually was? And how often have you known the answer? History is full of great figures who left their mark on France in all sorts of ways. Read more

  • 14 la casa xanxo poi petit

    8. Casa Xanxo

    When it comes to Perpignan’s rich heritage, you’ll often hear about its most famous monuments. But others — less well-known, yet just as rich in history — also deserve a moment of your time. One of those is this civil gem, just 20 meters up the street, on rue de la Main de Fer. Read more

  • 16 la rue paratilla poi petit

    9. Paratilla Street

    Nicknamed “Spice Street” — or sometimes just “the street that smells good” — rue Paratilla is sure to wake up your senses… and maybe your appetite too. It may be only about a hundred meters long, but it brings together at least nine well-known local shops — all packed with goods that are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.  Read more

  • 15 place de la republique poi petit

    10. Place de la République

    Accessible from every direction, lined with various shops, lively throughout the year, and eternally well-situated, the Place de la République has no shortage of attractions that draw us to it, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Beyond being a great meeting point for locals and a useful landmark for visitors, this square is also a fascinating witness to the city’s history.  Read more

  • 17 musee d art hyacinthe rigaud poi petit

    11. Hyacinthe Rigaud Art Museum

    If you have a passion for fine art, there's no better place in Perpignan to satisfy your curiosity. The Hyacinthe Rigaud Art Museum is one of the most visited and important cultural sites in the Occitanie region. For over 200 years, it has embodied the cultural development of the Catalan city of Perpignan. Read more

  • 18 jardins de la riviere basse poi petit

    12. Jardins de la rivière Bassa

    Much smaller than the Têt — the coastal river that runs through the city of Perpignan — the Basse, named for its low water level, still knows how to make an impression. It’s more than just a quiet little river with peaceful banks. Read more

  • 19 les halles vauban poi petit

    13. Halles Vauban

    Food lovers, flavor seekers, and curious tasters — get ready, because here you are in one of Perpignan’s most mouthwatering attractions. A place full of color, fragrance, and flavor. Officially opened on November 2nd, 2017, the Halles Vauban are one of the city’s latest culinary concepts — much to the delight of locals and visitors alike.  Read more

  • 01 le cinema castillet poi petit

    14. The Castillet Cinema

    At a time when virtual reality is becoming more and more a part of everyday life, the Cinéma Castillet offers a beautiful step back in time — to when the first joys of the silver screen were just beginning to blossom in this Mediterranean city. For over 110 years now, it’s been a key part of Perpignan’s cultural life. Read more

  • 02 le castillet poi petit

    15. The Castillet

    From the banks of the Bassa, it’s hard to miss the building that has become one of Perpignan’s most iconic landmarks. Striking, unusual, and above all, historically significant, the Castillet bears the marks of time — a clear sign of its importance in the city’s past. Read more

  • 03 palais de la deputation poi petit

    16. The Palace of the Deputation

    Since the Middle Ages, Place de la Loge — just nearby — has been the political, commercial, and civic heart of Perpignan. You can see that clearly from the three major buildings lined up as you approach it: the Loge de Mer, the Town Hall, and the one right in front of you — the focus of this part of the audioguide. Read more

  • 04 l town hall poi petit

    17. Perpignan’s Town Hall

    Just look at this glowing façade — built from cayrou brick, local marble from Baixas, and smooth river stones. For a quintessential example of Perpignan's traditional Roussillon-style architecture, look no further. But what about those bronze arms sticking out from the wall? Read more

  • 05 la loge de mer poi petit

    18. The Loge de Mer

    Massive, rectangular, and yet surprisingly elegant, the Loge de Mer is a truly unique landmark in Perpignan. Alongside its neighbours — the Town Hall and the Palace of the Deputation — it proudly forms what was once known as the “trident of political and commercial elites.” Read more

  • 06 saint jean baptist cathedral poi petit

    19. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral

    With no fewer than 167 cathedrals across the country, France is home to an exceptionally rich Christian heritage. These buildings offer both architectural and historical insight into the cities and regions they represent. Here in Perpignan, at the foot of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, French Catalonia shines in all its glory. Read more

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19 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends

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Recommended Starting Point

No need to worry about where to begin! Our tours are designed as a loop, so you can jump in wherever you are. The navigation system and audio-guide will automatically adjust to your location. However, if you happen to be nearby, we do have a preferred starting point: the Castillet cinema

Recommended parking

Parking Wilson : 16 Bd Wilson

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.

Popular activities to discover

Savor the wines of Languedoc and explore the region by bike.

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Top 5 hotels to stay in Perpignan

Are you new to Perpignan and struggling to find a suitable hotel? Navaway is here to help you find the nugget that will make your stay remarkable. Read more

Villa Duflot Hôtel & Spa Perpignan

Our rating

Budget

hotel 1 hotel 1 hotel 1 hotel4

Description: Welcome to one of the most prestigious hotels in the city of Perpignan. Spread over…

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Highlights

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Spa and wellness center
  • Room service
  • Free Wi-Fi connection
  • Bar / Lounge
  • Tea / Coffee maker in all accommodations
  • Excellent breakfast
  • Free private parking
  • Terrace in every accommodation

Things to Consider

  • Using a car is preferable to reach the historic city center
  • Pets not allowed

Location: Rond Point Albert Donnezan, Serrat Den Vaquer, 66000 Perpignan.

 

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