Perpignan, Prefecture city in Pyrénées-Orientales, France
Description
This city serves as the prefecture of the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, near the Spanish border and the Mediterranean coast. Narrow lanes connect small squares shaded by plane trees and fountains, while sandstone facades and red-tile roofs shape the townscape.
History
In the Middle Ages it served as capital of the Kingdom of Majorca and changed hands several times between French and Spanish rule. Its final annexation to France came in 1659 through the Treaty of the Pyrenees.
Culture
The Saint-Jean cathedral in the center still displays Catalan architectural elements and is used for services and concerts. Older residents often speak Catalan in the lanes, while markets and cafés reflect Mediterranean habits of daily life.
Practical
From the train station you can reach the old town on foot in about ten minutes along wide boulevards. Many sites lie close together, so a walk is enough to visit the main places.
Did you know?
A painting by Dalí hangs in the station building and recalls his 1963 declaration that this station is the cosmic center. Some travelers stop there specifically to see the site of that statement.
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Castillet
254 m
Perpignan Cathedral
262 m
Palace of the Kings of Majorca
517 m
Hôtel Pams
254 m
Loge de mer
134 m
Musée Hyacinthe-Rigaud
200 m
La Méditerranée
110 m
Campo Santo de Perpignan
261 m
Aux Dames de France
561 m
Hôtel de ville de Perpignan
115 m
Ruscino
4.3 km
Couvent des Minimes
441 m
Casa Xanxo
155 m
Cinéma Le Castillet
325 m
Église Saint-Jacques de Perpignan
600 m
Église Saint-Jean le Vieux de Perpignan
279 m
Citadel of Perpignan
528 m
L'Été sans bras
439 m
Église des Carmes de Perpignan
481 m
Notre-Dame la Réal church
257 m
Couvent Sainte Claire de Perpignan
237 m
Aqueduc des arcades
2.7 km
Le Complexe 66
3.8 km
Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Perpignan
380 m
City walls of Perpignan
255 m
Public theatre of Perpignan
45 m
Vénus
156 mGrande mosquée de Perpignan
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