Hotels in Perpignan

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains, just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea, site the holiday city of Perpignan. This popular tourist destination is the southernmost city in France and also closest to the border of Spain. This town has given rise to a strong Catalan influence, and visitors will find quite a unique place— not quite as 'French' as the other cities of South West France. As the Kingdom of Mallorca's former capital, history oozes from Perpignan's streets. With its close proximity to lovely beaches and a unique blend of cultures, Perpignan is indeed an interesting city to explore.

The city is well prepared for visitors, offering plenty of accommodation options to fit every kind of budget or preference. You'll have no difficulty finding a cheap hotel in Perpignan.

Neighbourhoods of Perpignan

The city is made up of a number of districts and neighbourhoods, each with its own unique qualities and distinct personality. Below are some of the more places to discover

• Old Town's winding streets are where you'll find most of the city's history and classic architecture.
• The Seaside region offers cool breezes and has plenty of laid-back restaurants.
• The Roussillon Plain is further inland, and it's where you'll find plateaus and steep hills ripe with vineyards.

What to see and do in Perpignan

Some of the most interesting attractions and activities include:

• The Beaches: With the coast just 13 kilometres away, you'll have a great choice of beaches within easy reach. Notable beaches in the area include Le Franqui, Leucate Plage, Le Barcarès and Torreilles.
• Architecture and history: The historical city centre is filled with narrow alleys and large palm-shaded squares. Some of the most interesting and main sights include the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a restored 13th-century Gothic palace, plus St. Jean Baptiste Cathedral and the municipal buildings at Place de la Loge. There’s also the statues of Promenade de Platane, the old Town Hall and the incredible secret garden at Casa Xanxo.
• Museums: The top picks include the Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum, which features a lot of baroque and modern-style art, along with Le Castillet & Musée Casa Païral, a museum with exhibitions of Catalan culture housed inside an ancient gateway.
• Wine: Take a tour of the vineyards outside of the city, and enjoy tasting the wine culture of Perpignan.

Besides museums and architecture, the city also has several areas nearby that are perfect for day trips. It is easy to reach many exciting places, such as the walled city of medieval Carcassonne. Other must-see areas include Narbonne, Lagrasse and the principality of Andorra.

What to eat in Perpignan

With the French city closely straddling the border of Spain, the food in Perpignan takes influences from two different nations. Local food is multicultural and full of mixed-heritage flavours. Some signature dishes to look out for include:

• Bourride; a monkfish stew with olive oil and garlic.
• Cassoulet; a casserole with various meats and a base of white beans and tomatoes.
• Anchoas de Collioure; locally-caught anchovies eaten on toast and also tossed in salads.
• Brandade de morue nîmoise; a salted cod brandade served with a leafy salad and aioli.
• Creme catalane; Perpignan's signature dessert is similar — but not identical — to classic creme brulee.

Typical events and festivals in Perpignan

This city loves to throw fiestas, and there are plenty of them all year round! Some of the most popular festivities include:

• Tilt festival: A musical celebration in March for all things electro.
• Holy Week: Religious celebrations occur year-round, including the Procession de la Sanch and a sacred music festival.
• Festival of Sant Jordi: To celebrate this even every April, Place Gambetta hosts a traditional large book market.
• Le Festival d’Été; A July programme feature-packed with film, theatre, music and dance.
• Christmas: A large Catalan nativity scene is built in the city's centre and surrounded by various Christmas markets.

How to move around in Perpignan

Travelling in and around the city is easy due to Perpignan's efficient public transportation system. The large network of buses and trains serves numerous lines and numerous stops. The transport routes also provide easy connections to places further out, including Perpignan Airport and the SNCF Railway Station. There's also a direct road linked to Barcelona if you want to explore beyond the city. Alternatively, taxi and car-hire firms are plentiful in Perpignan.

The climate in Perpignan

The climate in Perpignan is categorised as typically Mediterranean, meaning mild and rainy winters with hot and sunny summers. However, this part of France is blessed with cool breezes. As it's just a short distance from the Pyrenees, the city does experience a higher degree of wind than many other cities in the south of France. The average temperature during the coldest month of January is relatively mild, usually hovering around 9° C. The warmest month of the year is July, which brings a warm average of 25° C. As with most European holiday destinations, the spring and summer months are the most popular times to travel to Perpignan.