Perpignan Things To Do

Dining & Nightlife
Perpignan cafes bars and restaurants offer a wonderfully tempting choice that includes classic French food, contemporary Catalan cuisine, plenty of Spanish influence and terrific North African cafes. Try the pedestrian streets around Place de la Loge. Pleasant riverside cafes and restaurants on Quai Vauban. Perpignan nightlife is reminiscent of Spain, with plenty of friendly small music bars and enjoyable clubs. Perpignan cultural life peaks during the Les Estivales arts and music festival throughout July.

Shops & Markets
Look out for local Catalan pottery, textiles and carpets. Large immigrant communities ensure Perpignan offers some of the most varied and colourful shopping areas in France. North African and Romany neighbourhoods boast atmospheric shops and cafés and a terrific market in Place Cassanyes. Plenty of shops and stalls offer the opportunity to taste the region’s fine wines. Don’t miss the fantastic local produce at the classic Saturday morning open air market in Place Rigaud. The flea market on Sunday morning on Avenue du Palais des Expositions is fun. Summer months see second-hand markets while autumn brings the Vendage wine festival.

Beaches
The beautifully varied Languedoc Roussillon coastline has superb sandy beaches. Just 15 minutes from Perpignan are the beach resorts of Argelès sur Mer, Canet-en-Rousillon and Saint-Cyprien. All have first-class beaches and a good selection of quality restaurants. Canet has a marina, an excellent aquarium and a wonderfully long atmospheric promenade. Leucate Plage boasts soft golden sand and safe swimming ideal for children.

Sightseeing
The entire old town is a delight for a relaxed stroll. The Palais des Rois de Majorque is one of the finest medieval buildings in France: a striking collection of gothic buildings. Tour the magnificent interior and enjoy the atmospheric courtyard and gardens. The palace hosts summer theatre. The magnificent Cathedrale St Jean feature exceptional Catalan altar pieces and an extraordinary medieval wooden crucifix. Other architectural highlights include the Gothic Loge de Mer stock exchange building with its famous gargoyles and balustrades, and the 15th century Palais de la Députation.

Museums
The Castillet Musee des Arts et Traditions Populaires Catalans is worth a visit for the 14th century building alone. A comprehensive survey of Catalan tradition and superb views from the tower. The Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum of Fine Art is housed in a fine old town house in the city centre. The museum contains an excellent collection of Gothic art, works by Maillol and Picasso, and a good contemporary collection. Other rewarding Perpignan museums include the Musee de L’Aviation, the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle in the 18th century Zagarriga Hotel, and the Joseph Puig Museum of Coins and Medals.