Perpignan Tourist Information
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Perpignan is the capital
of the Pyrenees-Orientales. On the River Tet, 12
kilometers west of the Mediterranean and 30 kilometers
north of the Spanish border at the base of the
Pyrenees (
PirenËus, 
Pirineus, 
Pyrénées). Catalonia stradles
the border, influencing the language and cuisine.
English
Speaking Tours in Perpignan - Offering you discovery
tours of the Perpignan area. Tour the area in style with
your bilingual hosts
Perpignan became French
in 1659 as the result of the Treaty of the Pyrenees.
During and after the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) the city
received Spanish Republican refugees. After Algerian
independence was conceded in 1960, it became a refuge,
this time for French settlers arriving from North Africa.
The city has been a market Center for wine, fruit, and
vegetables for some time. Much of the produce is grown in
the rich plains on which the city is located. These
plains are alluvial, blessed by the abundant sunshine and
water from the Pyrenees. They are also the firthest south
in all of France, Historically Perpignan provides the
rest of France with the first fruit and vegetables of the
year.
Outside the railway station stands a statue of Salvadore
Dal. A tribute to the man who helped the tourist trade by
claiming after a visionary experience that Perpignan
Railway Station was the centre of the universe. Other
places of interest include:
The Palais des Rois de Majorque. A medieval palace of the
kings of Majorca dating from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Partially restored, found in the southern part of the
town. Surrounded by the bastions of a great 17th and 18th
century citadel.
The Rigaud Museum contains a collection of paintings by
Catalan primitive artists and by the Perpignan native,
Hyacinthe Rigaud. The Castillet, a 14th and 15th century
crenellated fort that once defended the principal gate in
the city walls. (Rigaud settled in the Castillet)
Loge de Mer. the ancient "Lodge of the Sea" (14th-16th
centuries) once housed the maritime tribunal, now houses
the Venus of Maillol.
Museum of Natural
History. Includes birds,
butterflies, insects, and mummies. Open from 9h to
12noon and from 2pm to 6pm. Tel 04 68 35 50 87
The Cathedral of Saint-Jean. 14th and 15th century in the
Gothic stryle.
The Church of Saint-Jacques (14th century)
Websites- Perpignan Tourism
Mairie
Around Perpignan
France
We hope you have found this page helpful in providing you
with Perpignan Tourist Information