Perpignan is a small town in the Languedoc region of southern France. It is the ideal spot for lovers of mountains, the sea, culture, history and art. It has mile upon mile of sandy beaches close by, and is definitely a cultural center to be visited by everyone visiting south-west France, the Mediterranean or northern Spain.

The city of Perpignan is situated in the region of France known as Languedoc-Roussillon. It is right on the Mediterranean coast, not far from the Spanish border, and has the Pyrenees as a stunning backdrop, together with the famous Corbieres wine-growing region. Perpignon is also the most southern City in France.

Perpignan also has a unique and most interesting history, and is equally well-known for its architecture as for the modern-day tourist industry. It is also very well-known for its world-famous rail station, the ceiling of which was painted by the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali, who called the station the “cosmological center of the universe”.

Perpignan is old, very old! The area surrounding the city, formerly known as Ruscino (which lent its name to the whole of the region), was inhabited from the sixth century BC, and was a major trading partner with the Greek nations. In the second century BC it was taken possession of by the invading Celts. Howevern Perpignan as it is known today came into being during the middle ages when it belonged to the Counts of Roussillon who made it their headquarters. The city later on was bequeathed to the King of Aragon, in northern Spain, before passing into the hands of the kingdom of Majorca. Many of the remaining historical features of the town date from this period.

Perpignan is also well-known for being the owner of one of the most amazing and unusual carillons. It is the last surviving operational carillon that possesses a range of four full octaves. It dates from the 19th century, being constructed in the famous French bell foundry belonging to Amadee Bollee and Sons from Mans. Before being installed in the church at Perpignan, it was exhibited at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in the year 1878.

In 1996 the carillon, owned by the state, was fully restored by the French carillon specialists, Herepian. Since then, the carillon players, nominated by Episcopal decree, have been employed to demonstrate the instrument at its best. Since its electrification in 1956, every single day, morning, mid-day and evening, successive sacristans sit before the keyboard and play the prayer for the Angelus.

There are four museums in Perpignan, all possessing outstanding collections. Firstly there is the Museum of Catalan Art and Traditions. Then there are the renowned Museum of Coins and Medals and the Natural history Museum. Then there is the glorious Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum of Painting.

In a city the size of Perpignan it often surprises the visitor just how much land is given over to grass and parkland. In fact the city is home to a huge quantity of nesting birds of many species thanks to all this greenery. The central city itself indeed embraces a good 130 hectares of parkland, whilst the outlying areas contain over 2000 hectares of cultivated land passed through by a river. The result is a veritable natural sanctuary for a variety of wildlife and bird species.

Moving on to the culinary arts, naturally enough the native cuisine of Perpignan is of Catalan origin - a gastronomic experience not to be missed if you are new to these parts.

So after all that, it only remains to wish you happy holidays and happy encounters with the magnificent city of Perpignan.