Salvador Dali visited Perpignan in 1963 and declared its railway station the centre of the universe such was its inspiration to him; he said he got all his best ideas when sitting in the waiting room. The station now proudly bears a plaque proclaiming this statement and leads the way to an extremely diverse town that equally embraces both French and Spanish culture due to its proximity to the border and history. All amenities are present and there is a good selection of schools easily accessible.
Access
Perpignan is situated in the south of France, in the Occitanie region. It has an international airport located 10mins from the centre.
History
Former capital of the kings of Majorca and the counts of Roussillon, Perpignan changed hands repeatedley during the medieval period until finally becoming French territory with the 1969 Treaty of Pyrenees. It then became home to countless French citizens who fled the uprisings and repression of the 50s and 60s in North Africa. As a result, the town is now home to sizeable communities of people from Morocco and Algeria, further adding the the charming diversity present throughout.
Activities
Sights to see include: the Castillet in place de Verdun; a C14th red-brick museum exhibiting Catalan regional artefacts and folkloric items, the St Jean Cathedral from 1602, St-Vicens Centre, which has an impressive selection of Catalan pottery, furniture and carpets, Château de Salses a fort that formerly guarded the main road linking Spain and France, Le Palais des Rois de Majorque, which is a remarkable example of medieval, civil and military architecture including Gothic designs and 2 chapels; originally used as a kings residence from the C12th to the C14th, it is examplary of the towns success and growth over the centuries, Le Campo Santo which is the C14th cloister of St John’s Cathedral; it’s cemetery is the largest and most ancient example of its kind preserved in France, Jardin de St-Vicens which is full of exotic orange trees, oleanders and ceramic pots for sale and St Jean Quarter which shows Perpignans prosperous past through narrow lanes full of C14th and C15th mansions and stately homes.
Food & Drink
Based on olive oil, vegetables, fish and bread, food in Perpignan is typically flavoured with herbs of the Provencal “garrigue” (scrubland) such as thyme and rosemary. Cheese, wine, honey and fruit also compliment dishes while the wines have a rich aftertaste to contrast with the simple cuisine. Escargot du Roussillon on the place de la République is a charming shop selling fresh snails and herbs.
Restaurants
- August’Inn, 37-39 rue des Augustins, traditional cuisine for 15-30 €
- Chez Lola, 4 place Rigaud, tartes and salads for 15€
- Crêperie des Anges, 96 rue Paul Rubens, salon du thé 10-15€
- Crêperie du Théatre, 12 rue du Théatre, organic cuisine 8€
Our team of sale advisers at Sextant Properties will be happy to help you to find a property in Perpignan. All of our agents in Occitanie are registered French real estate agents and speak both French and English. Whatever kind of property you are looking for: flat, gite, B&B, villa, castle or mansion, we will do our best to find a property in Perpignan matching your requirements.