Top 20 things to do in Perpignan

Top 20 things to do in Perpignan

1- The Palace of the Kings of Majorca

In the Saint-Mathieu district stands the Palace of the Kings of Majorca . Built in the 13th century, initially in a Romanesque style, it was completed in the Gothic style. It houses magnificent chapels including the Sainte-Madeleine and the Sainte-Croix in which one can admire a superb portal with blue and pink marble arches. This imposing citadel dominates the city and the Homage Tower (one of the eight towers that surround the central patio) offers a breathtaking view of Mount Canigou and its 2784 meters of altitude. From 1276 to 1344, Perpignan was in fact the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. The latter was composed of the Balearic Islands, part of Roussillon, Cerdagne and Montpellier. The prosperity of the kingdom was based essentially on textile production. Fortified by Louis XI, Charles Quint and Vauban, the palace is one of the oldest royal residences in France.

Prices:

• Adult: €4
• Child (12 – 18 years): €2

2 - The Pams Hotel

Located in the La Real district, the Hôtel Pams is the former property of Pierre Bardou, son of the founder of the cigarette paper company Job, and later of his son-in-law, Jules Pams. This former 19th-century bourgeois house houses sumptuous Art Nouveau decor, numerous paintings, and a vast marble staircase.

The Hôtel Pams was built between 1852 and 1872. Its architecture, like its decoration, is impressive. The lounges feature a sumptuous Art Nouveau plant decor illuminated by the "well of light." Huge works of art are hung throughout, and in one of the rooms, a film allows visitors to discover all the monuments and sites to visit in the city. At the back of the hotel, the patio and garden are very peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Admission is free.

3 - The Church of Saint-Jacques

In the district of the same name, on Rue de la Miranda, at the top of one of the town's two hills, the Saint-Jacques church is worth a visit. It was built between 1260 and 1280 by order of James I of Aragon, known as the Conqueror, during the expansion of the town. This single-nave church, flanked by chapels, is typical of southern Gothic art. The entrance portal in white Céret marble was installed during the 17th century and comes from the church of La Réal. The church houses superb altarpieces, including the Rosary altarpiece with polychrome sculpted panels dating from 1643, the Saint Ferréol altarpiece with painted panels, and the Our Lady of Hope altarpiece. In 1699, the chapel of the Brotherhood of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ was built to the west of the building. It was attached to it during the Second Empire. It houses two altarpieces from the high altar. On Good Friday, the Saint-Jacques church serves as the starting point for the Sanch procession.

4 - The Minims Convent

Founded in 1573 and listed as a historic monument, the Minims Convent was built in the former Jewish quarter. It was the Minims Order, founded in 1493 by Saint Francis of Paola, who decided to build it in memory of Don Juan of Austria's victory over the Turks.

The convent church, over 25 meters long, is dedicated to Our Lady of Victory. In 1617, a vast double-story brick cloister was added. In the 19th century, the buildings were converted into army barracks. The convent is largely built of brick, but several elements are highlighted with marble.

The overall architecture is both very sober and particularly elegant. The exterior cloister houses an imposing cistern dating back to the 1620s. Today, the Minimes Convent hosts exhibitions as well as the "Visa pour l'image" photojournalism festival in September.

5 - Bir Hakeim Square

If you want to know what to do in Perpignan, there is Bir Hakeim Square . At the foot of the monumental stairs, this square is located on the old moats of the ramparts. This modern square is perfect for a refreshing break in the shade of the large trees. For two centuries, it has functioned as a true green institution. Covering three hectares, it is considered the green lung of Perpignan. In the 1870s, the idea was to create a "winter promenade" or an "English garden." In 1930, the square expanded along Boulevard Jean Bourrat. Redeveloped in 1998, it is home to century-old trees. You can admire the oldest plane trees planted in 1809, right next to the "Spring of Bacchus" fountain sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Belloc, and take a breath of fresh air under a 30-meter-high Gingko Biloba with a circumference of 3.80 meters! Not forgetting the two hundred-year-old Washingtonia Filifera palm trees, whose tops reach almost 20 meters in height.

6 - The Campo Santo

Just minutes from the Convent of the Minimes, behind the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the Campo Santo is the only remaining cloistered cemetery in France. It is also the oldest and largest cemetery from the Middle Ages. It was built in the 14th century with a huge courtyard surrounded by Gothic arcades of white marble. Three galleries remain of the original four in this vast quadrilateral, approximately 56 meters on each side, surrounded by a series of arched tombs. The walls of the Saint John cemetery and the Saint John the Evangelist chapel are among the many monuments in Perpignan classified as historic monuments.

With its 1,800 seats, the Campo Santo is now an ideal venue for concerts and screening evenings. It has become the beating heart of summer nights, but it's well worth a visit for anyone looking for things to do in Perpignan, who enjoys unusual places and memories of the past.

7 - Saint John the Baptist Cathedral

A must-see when wondering what to do in Perpignan is the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral . This cathedral was originally a collegiate church, replacing the Romanesque building that still exists on the northern flank. Planned by King Sancho of Majorca to be a three-nave church in 1324, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral was transformed into a single nave in a southern Gothic style in the 14th century and then erected as a cathedral in the 17th century.

Its imposing nave and pebble and brick façade are typical of Catalan architecture. At over 70 meters long, its nave is truly impressive. It houses beautiful altarpieces and other superb works of art, including a statue of the Virgin and Child. In the 18th century, a portico and a clock tower were added. The cathedral houses a gallery organ and a choir organ. The gallery organ is installed in a swallow's nest in the middle of the nave.

8 - Casa Xanxo

Located in the Saint-Jean district, at 8 rue de la Main de Fer, Casa Xanxo is a Gothic-style house built in the 16th century for Bernat Xanxo, a wealthy cloth merchant, who wanted to showcase his commercial success. The exterior façade is particularly rich in sculptures, including a frieze depicting the seven deadly sins and hell. Throughout its history, the residence has hosted illustrious guests such as Charles V's secretary, Dorothea of Austria, the daughter of Emperor Rudolf, and the Duke of Feria, Viceroy of Catalonia.

The vast, sculpted marble entrance gate with an archivolt opens onto a corridor that runs through the house to the patio. Although this house has undergone numerous alterations over time, half of the building closest to the street is still original. Casa Xanxo houses numerous photographs of the city, as well as conferences and temporary exhibitions.

9 - The Castillet

The Castillet is the emblem of Perpignan and a must-see for anyone wondering what to do in Perpignan. Built in the 14th century, it was the former main gate of the medieval city walls and still marks the entrance to the old town today. Constructed in 1368 from brick and Baixas marble, it was a gate and later a prison. The bravest among you can climb the keep's 142 steps for a splendid view of the city.

This Castillet, typical of military architecture and unique in its kind, is composed of three parts: the Castillet itself dating from 1368, the adjoining Notre-Dame gate, dating from 1481, and the polygonal bastion from 1542 which covered the approaches to the Grand Castillet. The Castillet also houses the Casa Pairal Museum (the house of ancestors in Catalan), a Catalan museum of popular arts and traditions.

Price:

• Adults (+ 26 years): €2

10 - The Têt River

The Têt is a river that crosses Perpignan from east to west, offering particularly pleasant surroundings. It's also the longest river in the Eastern Pyrenees. Each canal is designed to offer a beautiful stroll, and many terraces welcome you for a drink. It's also possible to enjoy a boat trip to discover the city from a different perspective.

This is an opportunity to stroll through the exotic garden of the Orry dike, created in 1989. Covering 4,500 m², the garden has a dry section and a watered section. You can discover 25 species of palm trees and, with a pair of binoculars, you can enjoy abundant birdlife. The Orry dike was built in the 18th century to protect crops from the flooding of the Têt River. With this exotic garden, it is a true invitation to travel the world. You can stroll and take breaks thanks to the 300 meters of benches, the 50 meters of bleachers, 50 benches, and 30 deckchairs.

11 - The Sea Lodge

A symbol of Gothic architecture, built in 1397, the Loge de Mer was the seat of the Consulate of the Sea throughout the 14th century. It was here that all matters relating to maritime life were dealt with. With its arcades and sculpted windows, it is characteristic of the flamboyant Gothic style. The interior of this imposing building, 25 meters long for the facade overlooking the square and 10 meters wide on the street, is not open to visitors, but its architecture can be admired from the many terraces facing it.

In the 18th century, it was a theater, then, after the Revolution, a courier depot, the Café de France... before becoming the headquarters of the current Tourist Office. One of its gables supports a large replica of an iron caravel, the original of which is located in the town hall.

12 - The town hall

Right next to the Loge de Mer, the town hall was built in the 14th century. The building, including the wedding hall, is open to the public free of charge. In this room, you can admire a superb painted ceiling with starry coffers dating from the end of the 16th century.

The Consular Palace features a Gothic façade in which a hand (the minor hand), a forearm (the middle hand), and a bronze arm (the major hand) are implanted. They represent the three categories of inhabitants from which the consuls who governed the city were chosen, from the richest to the most modest. This façade is constructed of rolled pebbles, typical of Catalan architecture. The Town Hall patio houses one of the sculptures by the famous artist Aristide Maillol, "The Mediterranean."

13 - Place de la République and colorful alleys

The Place de la République , lined with cafes, restaurants and various shops, is a must-see in Perpignan. Every morning, it hosts the market and, throughout the year, houses a carousel with wooden horses. Many colorful buildings as well as the old theater are worth a look. "Aux 100 000 paletots", the oldest sign in the city, has been installed there since the First Empire. On this square, the municipal theater was built in 1812 on the courtyard and rooms of the Jesuit college. Several pedestrian streets lead off the square, including the rue des épices, whose real name is "Rue Paratilla", with its stalls selling fresh produce, spices and olives. This tiny street, which smells so good, is extremely lively. You can taste local specialties there.

14 - Perpignan train station

In 1965, Salvador Dali declared that Perpignan train station was, quite simply, the center of the world; he saw the universe as "similar in structure to Perpignan train station." This same station inspired his painting "Perpignan Train Station." The painter confided that his most brilliant ideas came to him in this station. In 1982, the hall ceiling was painted in Dali's style and then repainted white in 2013! But the paving at the station entrance remains inspired by the aforementioned painting.

15 - The Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum

Renovated and expanded in 2017, the Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum , housed in two private mansions, presents the history of Perpignan from the 15th to the 20th century, with collections ranging from Gothic art to the modern era. In the Baroque section, you can admire the works of Hyacinthe Rigaud, the local child prodigy and portraitist of the Bourbon dynasty, whose effigies he painted over four generations. The modern part of the museum houses works by Aristide Maillol as well as paintings by Picasso, Jean Lurçat and Raoul Dufy. You can also admire the altarpiece of the Trinity, which was once at the Loge de Mer and which demonstrates the commercial power of the city in 1489.

Price:

• Between 8 and 10 €

16 - The Archipelago Theatre

Even if you're not going to attend a concert or show, check out the Théâtre de l'Archipel for its unique architecture. It's hard to miss. The theater features a huge garnet-red oval dome that houses the performance hall, which can accommodate 1,500 spectators. Open since 2011, this theater is the city's national stage.

17 - The Sant-Vicens garden and Sant Vicens street

On Sant Vicens Street , there is a perfect garden for a break, surrounded by many exotic flowers, orange trees, oleanders… On ten hectares, discover the reeds, tamarisks, maple groves… The garden is arranged around two ponds which will allow you to discover the flora of the waterside and shores of the Mediterranean… Still in the same street, admire the ceramic art and tapestries of Jean Lurçat presented in an old Catalan farmhouse. The old cellar reveals his private collections of Sant Vicens, tapestries and ceramics of Lurçat, Picart le Doux, Saint Paul, Duboul… During a visit, you will have access to the workshop, among the ovens, enamels, clay loaves…

18 - The Cassanyes market

You can "do Cassanyes" every morning (except Mondays) but it's even more spectacular on Saturdays and Sundays. It's an extremely lively and colorful market held in Place Cassanyes . It's a real institution in the city. You'll find huge swags of clothes, shoes, flowers, tools and of course food... Back towards the city center, it's a chance to go to Rue Llucia, to discover the old 13th century university on Rue du Musée; you can also see the dome at the back of the building overlooking the old dissection room.

19 - Board the little train

At the foot of the Castillet, board the little train of Perpignan to enjoy a guided tour of the entire historic center. Comfortably seated, you will travel 7.3 kilometers in 50 minutes and discover 34 sites with commentary. It is a fun and culturally rich moment that will please adults and children alike. It is a unique way to discover the city by passing all the must-sees, from the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral to the Campo Santo, passing by the Bir-Hakeim Square, the ramparts, the Convent of the Minimes, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca… You can even enjoy musical breaks with Catalan songs, sardana music, songs about the city… The tour can be done in different languages and is adapted to younger children with the history of Perpignan told by a dragon!

20 - Thursdays in Perpignan

Throughout the summer, there are Perpignan Thursdays with street concerts and night shows from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The shows are free and allow you to follow renowned artists or discover young talents. The concerts take place in the city center on the Quai Vauban and in the various squares of the city including Place Gambetta, Place Rigaud, Place de la Loge, Place de Catalogne… The whole center vibrates to the sounds of world music, festive entertainment, theater scenes, jugglers, clown shows, jugglers, acrobats…