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Perpignan was the mainland capital of the Kingdom of Majorca from 1276 to 1344, and its Catalan heritage sets it apart from every other French city. The compact historic center packs medieval palaces, a red-brick castle gate, a Gothic cathedral, and one of France’s largest cloister cemeteries into a walkable radius of about 500 meters. Most sights can be covered in two full days, with a third day reserved for beach trips or excursions along the Cote Vermeille. For more, visit our complete Perpignan travel guide. For detailed climate data, see our Perpignan weather by month.
Things to Do in Perpignan: Historic Landmarks
Palace of the Kings of Majorca (Palais des Rois de Majorque)
This 13th-century fortress-palace dominates the southern edge of the old town. Built in 1276 for King James II of Majorca, it features a central courtyard surrounded by Gothic arcades, a throne room with original capitals, and rampart walks with panoramic views stretching to the Pyrenees and, on clear days, the Mediterranean. Entry costs EUR 7 (reduced EUR 5), open daily 10:00 to 18:00 (until 19:00 June through September). Allow 90 minutes. The gardens below the palace walls are free to visit and offer shaded benches with views of the Têt River valley. Check our best time to visit Perpignan for seasonal planning.
Le Castillet
The iconic red-brick city gate and former prison is Perpignan’s most photographed landmark, appearing on postcards and local wine labels. Built in 1368 and expanded in the 15th century, it now houses the Casa Pairal museum of Catalan folk art and traditions. Entry is EUR 4, open Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 to 17:30 (closed Monday). Climb to the rooftop terrace for a view of the old town rooftops and the Canigou massif in the distance. The Castillet sits at the northern entrance to the old town, directly across from the bus station. See our Perpignan events and festivals calendar for annual happenings.
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Construction on this Gothic cathedral began in 1324 and continued for nearly two centuries, resulting in a distinctive southwestern French Gothic style with a single wide nave (18m, one of the widest in France). The interior features a 17th-century Baroque altarpiece, a 15th-century organ case, and a small devotional chapel with relics. Entry is free, open daily 9:00 to 18:00. The adjacent Campo Santo cloister-cemetery (free entry) is the largest of its kind in France, with Gothic arcades surrounding a central open courtyard used for summer concerts and Visa pour l’Image exhibitions. Read our Perpignan neighborhoods for area profiles.
Things to Do in Perpignan: Museums and Culture
Musée d’Art Hyacinthe Rigaud
Named after Perpignan-born portraitist Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743), who painted Louis XIV’s famous coronation portrait, this museum spans Gothic, Baroque, and modern art across two connected 17th-century townhouses. The collection includes works by Picasso, Dufy, Maillol, and a strong representation of Catalan artists. Entry is EUR 8, open Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 to 17:30. The museum reopened in 2017 after a major EUR 12 million renovation and now has proper climate control and accessible galleries. Find hotels in our where to stay in Perpignan.
Museum of Natural History
Housed in a 16th-century building, this small but well-curated museum covers the geology, flora, and fauna of the Pyrenees-Orientales region. Notable exhibits include a collection of regional bird specimens and a mineralogy room with samples from the nearby Pyrenean mines. Entry is EUR 4, open Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 to 17:30. Good for a 45-minute visit, especially on a rainy day. Practical information is in our Perpignan travel tips.
Things to Do in Perpignan: Squares and Outdoor Life
Place de la République
The main square of Perpignan is lined with plane trees, cafes, and the 19th-century Theatre Municipal. The square hosts the Christmas market from late November to December 24 and various seasonal events. Cafe de la Paix on the south side has been serving coffee since 1890 and is the best spot for people-watching. The square is a 2-minute walk from the Castillet.
Les Quais de la Basse (Canal District)
The tree-lined quays along the Basse canal run from the Castillet south toward Place Arago. This area has been revitalized in recent years with pedestrian walkways, benches, and several bars and restaurants with outdoor terraces overlooking the water. It is particularly lively on summer evenings. The water is a diversion of the Têt River and not for swimming.
Things to Do in Perpignan: Day Trips and Beaches
Canet-en-Roussillon Beach
The closest beach to Perpignan is Canet-en-Roussillon, 12km east of the city center. The sandy beach stretches for 9km and has lifeguard-supervised zones from June through September. Bus line 3 runs from Perpignan’s Gare Routiere to Canet Plage in 30 minutes, fare EUR 1.30. The beach has restaurants, beach clubs, and rental chairs. Water quality is rated excellent by EU standards. Parking at the beach costs EUR 5 per day in summer, free in winter.
Collioure
This postcard-perfect fishing village 27km southeast of Perpignan sits on the Cote Vermeille with a 13th-century Chateau Royal rising from the sea and a bell tower topped by a pink dome. Collioure was a center of the Fauvist art movement; Matisse and Derain painted here in 1905. The train from Perpignan takes 20 minutes, fare EUR 6.50. Highlights include the Fauvism trail (20 reproductions of famous paintings placed at the spots where they were painted), the clifftop Notre-Dame-des-Anges chapel, and anchovy tasting at Maison Roque.
Côte Vermeille Wine Route
The terraced vineyards between Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer produce the region’s famous Vin Doux Naturel (fortified sweet wines) and dry Collioure AOC reds. Domaine de la Rectorie and Domaine du Mas Blanc offer tastings with sea views. Most cellars are open Monday through Saturday 10:00 to 18:00, no appointment needed. A tasting typically costs EUR 5 to 10 per person, often refundable with purchase. The winding D914 coastal road between Collioure and Cerbere is one of the most scenic drives in Occitanie.
