Perpignan’s illustrious history as the former mainland capital of the kings of Mallorca barely scrapes the surface. By the early 20th century, this Catalan city was attracting the most notable artists of the time, including Picasso and Dalí. Now, alongside ancient forts, palaces, and more than a smattering of art galleries, it’s known for plenty of things to do, including music festivals, fine weather, and as a leaping-off point for some of the south of France’s finest beaches. Catalan culture lives strong here, from the omnipresent red and yellow striped flags to the delicious, unique cuisine.
Peak season in Perpignan is undoubtedly summer when tourists flock en masse to the many beaches nearby. Highlights on the calendar are the music festivals Electrobeach and Déferlantes in nearby Barcarès, both of which occur in July. At other times of the year, Perpignan enjoys a pleasant, Mediterranean climate and is rarely cold, but be aware if planning a short visit that many museums are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The bus network in Perpignan and the wider Languedoc-Roussillon area is fantastic, and trips anywhere in the region cost just €1. Buses are also the best way to get around the city and to travel from Perpignan Airport to the city center. Fortunately, The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot, as there is no metro or tram here.
When visiting Perpignan, the golden Mediterranean coastline might be first on many travelers’ agendas. However, for true immersion in Catalan culture, head to the nearby mountains instead, the Pyrenees. The ‘Bear Festival’ held in three Pyrenean villages each February is easy to attend as a day trip from Perpignan, and the traditional festivities earned their place on the coveted UNESCO World Heritage List in 2022.
