Day 1 in Perpignan

Welcome to Perpignan! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin the afternoon in Place de la Republique, one of the main squares in the heart of old town. This is a great spot to enjoy some lunch at one of the many terrace cafes and take in the ambiance. Here, you will find the market, the riding school, the terraces and various activities.

After lunch, we recommend that you get acquainted with the city by walking the streets or taking the free bright yellow and red, Le P`tit hop-on, hop-off minibus that takes a circular route around the town center. Make sure to check out the Municipal Theater, built in 1811 on the remains of an old school, the palace of the kings of Majorca, built in 1276, testifies to the golden age of Perpignan, the Town Hall of the 13th-century, the Sea Lodge of the 14th-century, and the Palace of the Delgation.

As evening approaches, grab some aperitif and tapas at one of the bars in pedestrianized place de la Loge. This area is always buzzing in the evenings packed full of outside terraces full to the brim. After dinner, if you still have some energy left you can check out more of the city`s nightlife with numerous great bars and a lively club scene all in this same area.

Day 2 in Perpignan

Wake up early, grab a quick bite to eat and head out to explore more (in depth) of this beautiful city. Make your first stop at Casa Pairal. This museum is in Le Castillet, built as a gateway in the 14th-century and now home to the Casa Pairal. An interesting museum of Roussillon`s Catalan folk culture, including religious art, agricultural and pastoral exhibits, and local crafts. From the roof, there is a great view of the Canigou mountain.

Next, head over to Cathedral St-Jean on Place Gambetta originating from the 1300s. A beautifully crafted cathedral, the interior is most interesting for its elaborate Catalan altar pieces. Outside the cathedral is the Chapelle du Devot Christ with an expressive carved crucifix. Around the corner to the rear of the cathedral is one of the oldest cemeteries in France, Campo Santo; a surprisingly quiet and peaceful place to rest in an alcove for a few moments and remark upon the dramatic white marble gothic architecture. It is also said to be the only cloister-cemetery in the country.

Overlooking Perpignan from the south is the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, an impressive royal palace in its time its architecture has hints of Moorish, Arabic and Spanish influences. There are often photo exhibitions on display within the Palace buildings. While here, make sure to take a moment to admire the view which stretches all the way to the seasonally snow-capped Pyrenees.

As you head down from the Palace, head west and you will come across the Arab and Romany Quarter of the old town. This is a great area for a North African coffee or kebab, or some delicious baklava. There are also animated daily markets in Place Joseph Cassanyes where you can buy any kind of spice or herb you could think of or you may want to try some of the delicious cooked market stall food as a cheap lunch or snack.

In the late afternoon head out of the city to explore Collioure, a different part of French Catalonia. This is a small but historically important coastal town popular with Perpignan locals, Spanish neighbors and tourists alike for its views, beachfront restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere. Once here we recommend you take a walk along the seafront before climbing a few steps to reach Notre-Dame-des Anges church and look back at the view of the town. For more historical exploring head to the remarkable Chateau Royal de Collioure, a one-time important palace and fortress for centuries of French and Spanish royals, emperors and battles in the region. Spend the rest of the evening getting lost in the town`s alleyways, which house art galleries and boutique shops. Grab a seat at a seafront restaurant to enjoy a glass of Banyuls, the locally grown sweet red wine.

Day 3 in Perpignan

Head out today to explore more of the western Pyrenees, the picturesque villages, and mountain scenery. Enjoy the day in the rustic hillside settlement of Castelnou, one of the `most beautiful villages` and also ranked as the country`s seventh-favorite village in 2015. Castlenou`s stone houses are arranged on a little web of alleys with stairways entered via a medieval gate. Situated high above on a ridge is the Vicomtal Castle, founded in the 900`s and also under the control of the Kingdom of Majorca in the 15th-century.

Alternatively, head out to Perpignan`s closest beach, Canet-en-Roussillon, which you can reach in about 35 minutes. This seaside resort town on the Mediterranean is in the heart of Catalonia. There are 5.5 miles of fine sand beaches, with everything from swimming, sunbathing, to all sorts of water activities - windsurfing, kitesurfing, beach volleyball, kayaking, paddleboarding and jet skiing to name a few. There are restaurants, cafes, and discos to offer plenty of night-time entertainment as well.

If time allows, continue on to explore more of the beautiful Pyrenees and its towns and villages with some of the most beautiful landscape in Europe, it is amazing to witness just how close the mountain range is to the coast. At times, you can see the coast from the mountains and at others, you can see the mountains from the coast.

As evening approaches head back to the Perpignan as the streets, cafes and squares come alive. Wander the maze of old town alleyways and take in the ambiance of the city while enjoying the magnificent cuisine of the area. Check out the fashionable bars along the avenue General Leclerc, on the Place de Verdun and the Place de la Republique. Don`t miss the excellent shows at the Théâtre del`Archipel, with works by Jean Nouvel and Brigitte Métra.

Additional Days in Perpignan

Should you be able to spend additional days in Perpignan hop aboard the famous Little Yellow Train which takes a highly scenic route through the mountains. The Little Yellow Train of the Pyrenees is one of the great railway journeys of the world - a historic electric railway in the French Pyrenees opened in 1909 and is still going strong. The line rises through dramatic scenery from an altitude of 1,400 ft. at its lower terminus at Villefranche de Conflent, to a summit at Bolquere Eyne, France`s highest railway station, lying at an altitude or 5,226 ft. above sea level. The views are absolutely amazing of the rocky mountainous scenery, including villages and historic fortresses.

Your Last Day In Perpignan

Depart your hotel for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in Perpignan in the south of France.