Tourist information on Perpignan, France

The southernmost city in France, Perpignan is a popular tourist destination in North Catalonia, situated close to the Mediterranean Sea and Barcelona. The city's population of around 120 thousand includes a large number of French expatriates who settled in the area after Algerian Independence, and this accounts for the mixed Catalan-North African culture that makes the city so distinctive. Perpignan is the capital of the French department of Pyrénées-Orientales and dates back to the 10th century. In the 13th century, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca and became a prosperous cloth manufacturing centre. Today, the area derives most of its income from wine growing and tourism.

With its peaceful squares lined with palm-trees and grand houses of the 14th and 15th century, Perpignan combines the exotic with an old-world charm and is a pleasant place to visit. Its main attractions are the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which was completed in 1509. The Saint-Jean quarter is an attractive area for a stroll, with its winding narrow lanes and imposing private mansions. Famous for its orange trees and oleanders, the Jardin de Sant-Vicens is a picturesque garden that offers an oasis of calm. Perpignan is also the home of one of France's leading rugby teams.

Perpignan's nearest airport is Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport, which offers a direct flight to Paris (via Air France) and flights to several cities in the UK (including London and Manchester) by low-cost carriers Ryan Air, Flybe and BMIbaby. The Gare de Perpignan railway station provides fast rail connections to Paris, Toulouse and Barcelona.