destination: Perpignan


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THE city
event highlights
EATING
CAFés
DO & see
Sleeping
essential INFORMATION
Bars & nightlife
shopping
maps

Perpignan
Population
108 000

Currency
1€, Euro = 100 cents

Opening hours
Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9:00-19:00 but smaller shops may close at lunchtime (between 12:00-14:00). Stores close Sunday and public holidays except for annual sales events.

Internet
www.perpignantourisme.com
www.vaucluse-visites-virtuelles.com
www.mairie-perpignan.fr

Publications
Dépêche du Midi
Midi Libre

Emergency numbers
17 (Police/emergency)
15 (Samu/ambulance)
18 (Fire)

Tourist Office
Office du Tourisme de la Ville de Perpignan
Address: Palais des Congrès – Place Armand Lanoux
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 66 30 30
www.perpignantourisme.com

WELCOME TO Perpignan
Located in the deep south of France, “Perpinyà”, as we say in Catalan, is the capital of the Pyrénées Orientales department. Perpignan’s geographical and cultural identity is turned naturally to Spanish Catalonia. It’s a border city, situated in an astonishing environment with one side on the Mediterranean coast and on the other side the highest mountains in the French Pyrenees. Perpignan is a busy place, at the crossroads of two countries, greatly influenced by the Mediterranean cultures and benefiting from 2500 hours of sun per year. No wonder that Salvador Dali saw it as the “Centre of the World”!
THE city | do & see

THE CITY
“Catalan Perpignan” used to be the capital of French Catalonia between the 10th and 17th centuries and reached its golden age as the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. The main elements of its heritage were created in this pinnacle period. Due to its position, the city is undoubtedly one of the centres of the Catalan, Roman and Mediterranean cultures which stands out thanks to its language and traditions. Perpignan has always gathered peoples from different origins (from Catalan, Gypsies to North African).

The historic urban framework hasn’t changed. The Palace of Kings de Majorque will give you a glimpse of a Kingdom that existed in Majorca. The old town is well preserved with its historical and original character intact. There, you will certainly enjoy nice and relaxing walks to discover the city’s roots.

Perpignan is also a modern and vibrant city, a great destination warmly welcoming international visitors! The city is always changing and for the gourmets they will also enjoy its excellent southern gastronomy! For those who fancy something more physical, the region offers a wide range of challenging outdoor activities. Skiing, hiking or nautical sports, it’s all up to you!


DO & SEE
Palace of Kings de Majorque
Built in the 13th century, it’s one of the most remarkable examples of the medieval civil and military architecture in southern France. The main courtyard and its ensemble of Gothic buildings can be explored.
Price: 4€
Address: Rue des Archers
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 48 29

St Jean-Baptist Cathedral
This beautiful building was first a church in the 14th century and was then given the status of Cathedral in 1601.
Price: Free
Address: Place Gambetta
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 33 72

The Hyacinth Rigaud Museum
Situated in a typical 18th century townhouse, the museum features rare and rich collections of the art and culture of the Oriental Pyrenees from the 13th century to the present.
Price: 4€
Address: 16 rue de l’Ange
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 43 40
www.mairie-perpignan.fr


Loge de Mer (Town Hall)
Loge de Mer is one of Perpignan’s finest and oldest historical sites. Made of river stones, it represents typical architecture of the region. It used to be a stock exchange and the maritime consulate.
Address: Place de la Loge

Castillet, Museum of Folk Arts and Traditions
Standing at the crossing between the old and modern city, the building used to be a city gate and a prison. It is now home to a fascinating museum!
Price: 4€
Address: Place de Verdun
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 42 05
www.mairie-perpignan.fr

Casa Xanxon
This beautiful private mansion in the heart of the old town is one of the only Gothic houses conserved in Perpignan. It’s also the house of Art and History of Perpignan and features many secrets of the city!
Price: Free
Address: 8 rue de la Main de Fer
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 62 37 98

Around Perpignan
If you have time, the countryside has many interesting spots and villages worth a visit, such as Elne and its 2700 year old citadel, Riversaltes (renowned for its vineyards); or Saint Estève with its beautiful landscape at the edge of the Pyrenees’ chain. The coast has also some best kept secrets like the typical Catalan village of Saint-André!


EATING
In Perpignan, the food has Catalan influences and is always accompanied by great regional wines. Among the most popular items the snails smothered in garlic, the salted smoked hams or the richly stuffed sausages are to be sampled. Of course fresh Mediterranean style seafood is also available. The old town is stashed with lively venues. Quai Vauban beside the canal attracts those who look for a more romantic evening. Restaurants often offer good value set menus (carte du jour) but reservations may be necessary.

EXCLUSIVE
Mas Vermeil
Expect fine and tasty dishes at Mas Vermeil, in a beautiful Mediterranean style house (the Mas). It’s a bit out of the city centre but worth a visit if you have time and can afford it. Excellent wine selection!
Address: Chemin de la Roseraie
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 66 95 96
www.masvermeil.com

Le Chapon Fin
It’s probably the town’s finest and prettiest restaurant. Popular for its tartare de saumon and ravioli stuffed with scallops. Rabbits’ dishes are also an interesting option.
Address: 18 Bd Jean Bourrat
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 14 14

MID-RANGE
Bistrot Saint Jean
It’s both a wine bar and restaurant with Catalan specialities. A popular and recommended venue, near St Jean-Baptist Cathedral.
Address: 1, Rue Cité Bartissol
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 22 25

Le France
Perfectly located in the heart of the old town, Le France offers quality food at reasonable prices.
Address: Place de Loge
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 61 71

August’ Inn
It’s one of the best restaurants in town, serving fresh and original food, regional style. You won’t be disappointed!
Address: 37-39 rue des Augustins
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 11 29
www.augustinn.fr

Casa Sansa
Near Le Castillet, in a 14th century cellar, Casa Sansa serves delicious Catalan specialities with a lively atmosphere.
Address: 3 rue Fabriques Couvertes
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 21 84

BUDGET
L’Assiette Catalane
One of the best places to try the Catalan style gastronomy at reasonable prices. Succulent tapas and a great selection of wine!
Address: Between Place Catalogne and Place Arago
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 77 62
www.assiettecatalane.com
Pizzeria La Roma
There is always a good pizzeria in any city in the world! La Roma is one of them, pizzas are traditionally cooked with wood fire and the owner has a great selection of wine.
Address: Place Arago
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 62 39

Al Tres
It’s a good venue for those who like the Mediterranean style seafood. Good selection of regional wines.
Address: 3, Rue De La Poissonnerie
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 88 39

J.F. Imbernon
It’s a French style brasserie open non-stop from 7am to 2am where you can fill your stomach with good dishes at reasonable prices.
Address: 41, bis Quai Vauban
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 27 78

Brasserie l’Arago
Like Imbernon, it’s a good cut-price option. It’s a friendly place, with good pizzas and typical brasserie style cuisine.
Address: Place Arago
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 81 96

CAFÉS
Bistrot Saint Jean
Bistrot Saint Jean is also a pleasant café for a break while touring the old town.
Address: 1, Rue Cité Bartissol
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 22 25

Café de Vienne
Although a restaurant, Café de Vienne is also popular with its nice terrace on Place d’Arago, ideal for an espresso or fresh drink!
Address: 3, Place Arago
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 80 00

Le Grand Café de la Poste
A popular café, where people like to meet in a friendly and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Address: Place de Verdun
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 25 65

Café de la Bourse
Again, a popular venue with a nice terrace, where people like to sit and relax in the legendary Perpignan’s sun. And if you’re hungry, you can get great typical French brasserie style food!
Address: 2, Place de la Loge
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 25 05

Rambla Café
With its huge and beautiful terrace, with a view over the Canal banks, Rambla Café is another popular place, in a quite and friendly atmosphere. Perfect for an espresso or drink!
Address: Place Arago
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 62 39

Républic Café
Quiet during the day, Républic Café turns into a buzz in the evening.
Address: 2 place de la République
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 11 64


BARS
Although Perpignan is busier over the summer, there are plenty of great bars for all tastes in a buzzing atmosphere year around! The streets radiating from Place de la Loge offer a higher concentration of bars and clubs than any other part of town.

La Habana Bodeguita
The best cocktails in town in a salsa atmosphere!
Address: 5 rue des Grandes Fabriques
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 11 00

0’Shannon
A wide range of beers with an Irish accent are the main attractions of the Shannon bar!
Address: 3 rue de l’Incendie
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 12 48

El Boca Boca
Every Wednesday and Thursday, enjoy great evenings in a very Spanish atmosphere!
Address: 1, Rue Queya
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 33 51

Républic Café
In the evening, students and party lovers from all horizons love to meet at Républic!
Address: 2 place de la République
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 11 64

L’Ascot
In the heart of the city, L’Ascot is the favourite venue for jazz lovers. Great local bands every week!
Address: 12, Impasse des Cardeurs
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 01 43

Bus Café
A small venue yet very popular with a great DJ every Thursday, for the techno House Garage enthusiasts.
Address: 42 Boulevard Georges Clémenceau
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 97 15


NIGHTLIFE
Perpignan is a vibrant city. Discos usually open at 11pm. They are mainly concentred in the same areas as the bars. During the summertime the beachfront strip near Canet Plage is very popular with its seasonal venues.

Le Napoli
It’s a modern, mirror-sheathed venue, purely designed for dancing!
Address: Place de Catalogne
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 55 88

Uba Club
It’s another good option for dancing in town, great music although the dance floor is not that big.
Address: 5 bd. Mercader
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 06 70

Milord Club
For those who like big places, it’s one of the largest clubs in town, featuring two floors including billiards! It’s one of the favourites among the 30’s-50’s night clubbers.
Address: 20 rue Jules-Verne
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 55 40 77

Club Paradisko Complexe La Luna
La Luna is the largest discotheque complex in the region, located near the seafront. Attracts mainly people over 25.
Address: Colline des Loisirs, Canet Plage
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 73 31 01
www.laluna.fr

ABC Club
ABC gets very busy at night. The over 30’s night clubbers usually come after 2am to dance to their favourite hits.
Address: 51, Rue Mathieu de Dombasle
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 56 90 60


SHOPPING
Perpignan is the largest Catalan city after Barcelona and Lleida in Spain and the indigenous style of Catalan reflected in textiles and pottery are among the most popular items for travellers. The Centre Sant-Vicens, rue Sant-Vicens, is one of the best places to find the finest pottery, furniture and carpets.

In the city centre, rue des Anges or rue Alsace Lorraine have a series of boutiques like Celini, offering a choice of designwear items. But you’ll find a wider choice at the famous Galleries Lafayette department store situated on Place de la Résistance. The four floors of fashion and cosmetics are definitely a place to visit during the big sales seasons (January and June)!

As a renowned destination for its Spanish and Mediterranean gastronomy, Perpignan is also popular for its aromatic shops. You’ll find plenty of them on rue Paratilla, such as Sala which specializes in the Collioure (a nearby popular coast resort) anchovies. The bio market is also worth a visit, every Saturday on Place Rigaud. Wine enthusiasts will find great choice and good advice on the local wine at Château Miraflors (Rond-Point Miraflors, tel: +33 (0)4 68 50 24 92 or Vin et Art (17 chemin de Mailloles, tel: +33 (0)4 68 55 33 20).

Shopping in the open markets is popular, lively and picturesque. You can try the Flea Market, held every Sunday on Avenue Palais des Exposition, or the Art Market, every first Saturday on Allées Maillol and finally the Brocant Market, every Saturday same place.


SLEEPING
EXCLUSIVE
Park Hôtel
Part of the Best Western chain, it’s one of the rare hotels which combines luxury and modernity in the city centre. A quiet, family run hotel with a great restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
18 Boulevard Jean Bourrat
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 14 14
Double room: from 134€
www.parkhotel-fr.com

La Villa Duflot
Villa Duflot is a pleasant Mediterranean-style Villa on a 3-acre park with gardens, situated just 5 minutes from Perpignan city center. Quiet and beautiful!
Address: Rond-point Albert Donnezan
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 56 67 67
Double room: from 108€
www.villa-duflot.com

GOOD VALUE
Hotel Mercure
Ideally located on the “Promenade des Palmiers” in the city centre, 500m from the Convention Centre, the Natural Historic Museum and Casa Pairal.
Address: 5 bis Cours Palmarole
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 67 66
Double room: from 74€
www.accorhotels.com

Aragon
A charming hotel, very well located right in the city centre close to all points of interests. A very good value in this category. Recommended!
Address: 17 avenue Gilbert Brutus
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 54 04 46
Double room: from 47€
www.aragon-hotel.com

BASIC
Avenir
Excellent value, just 5 minutes from the railway station and the historic centre. There is a lovely terrace for breakfast or sunbathing!
Address: 11 rue de l’Avenir
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 20 30
Double room: from 36€ (low season)
www.avenirhotel.com

Du Berry
Near the city centre, recommended in this category.
Address: 6 avenue General de Gaulle
Double room: from 27€
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 89 96

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Airport
Perpignan is served by an international airport, “Rivesaltes”, located just 7 km north of the city. A journey into the city t by bus, and.
The cheapest and fastest way to get into the town is the shuttle service (4.5€ one way) with Courriers Catalans (tel: +33 (0)4 68 55 68 00) and takes approximately 15 mins. The bus leaves everyday from 9am to 9pm.
By taxi the trip takes about 10 mins and costs app. €17.

Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 71 96 46
www.aeroport.fr

Local transport
The CTP Bus Company runs an efficient network of public buses and shuttles. A single journey costs 1.1€ but if you plan to travel to many places you can get a day pass for 4.10€. You can purchase tickets on board or at almost any press kiosk. Tickets are also available from the Galerie Lafayette department store. In the old town, you can use the “P’tit bus”, a free shuttle that gets you around every 7 minutes, except Sunday and Bank Holidays (from 7:45 to 12:20pm and from 13:15 to 19h40).
CTP:
Address: 27, Boulevard Clémenceau
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 61 01 13
www.mairie-perpignan.fr

To explore the Roussillon region, several buses leave from Gare Routiere (regional bus hub):
Address: Espace Méditerranée
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 29 02
www.cg66.fr/institution/transport/bus/index.html

Taxi
Station Taxi Perpignan
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 35 15 15

Post
Stamps are available from kiosks and newsagents.
Main Post Office:
Address: Qui de Barcelone
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 51 99 12

Pharmacy
Listed in local papers.
After 20h00, contact the main Police station (tel: +33 (0)4 68 66 30 70)

Dentist
Chirurgiens Dentistes Docteurs Guiral et Guiral (SCP)
Address: 27 bd Clemenceau
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 34 27 49

Doctor
General Hospital
Tel: +33 (0)4 68 61 66 33

Country Code +33
Area code: 04

Electricity
220/240 V AC, 50Hz

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS | eating
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
JANUARY 2007
Big Sales
Jan-Feb
The country’s semi-annual government-regulated sales begin. This is the best time to get great bargains!
www.perpignantourisme.com

FEBRUARY
Tilt Festival
1-3 Feb
The 5th edition of a growing festival features digital arts exhibitions and concerts.
www.tilt-festival.org

Salon des Minéraux
10-11 Feb
A giant exhibition and trade fair for the professional and amateur of rare stones.
www.parc-expo-perpignan.com

MARCH
Printemps du Cinéma
12-19 March
Since 2000, in any theatre, you can watch any movie, at any time, for a fixed price of 3.50€!
www.printempsducinema.com

La Nuit des Longs Capots
18-19 March
Beautiful vintage and rare cars touring in and around Perpignan are featured in the 26th edition of this popular rally.
www.perpignantourisme.com



eating | Cafés | bars

nightlife | Shopping

sleeping | essential information
Map


street index
Allee de BacchusA4 B4
Allee du SouvenirB4 C4
Avenue de BelfortA4
Avenue de BompasC1 D1
Avenue de Grande BretagneA2
Avenue de L’Ancien Champ de MarsB1
Avenue des BalaresC3
Avenue des BoulesA1
Avenue du CanigouA4
Avenue du Commandent Ernest SoubielleA1 B1
Avenue du Général Charles de GaulleA2 B2
Avenue du General GuillautC3 C4
Avenue du General LeclercB2
Avenue du LyceeB3
Avenue du Marechal A JuinC4 D4
Avenue du Marechal JoffreB1 C1
Avenue du TechD4
Avenue Fernand de ChefdebienA4 B4
Avenue G BrutusB3
Avenue Georges GuynemerD3 D4
Avenue Henri RibereA3
Avenue John Fitzgerald KennedyD4
Avenue Jules de Carsalade du PontC3 D4
Avenue Julien PanchotA3 A4
Avenue Louis TorcatisA1 B1
Avenue Marcelin AlbertB3
Avenue Pierre CambresC3 D3
Avenue Robert-Emmanuel BrouseeD4
Avenue Victor DalbiezA4 B3
Boulevadr des PyreneesB2 B3
Boulevard du ConflentA2
Boulevard Anatole FranceD2
Boulevard Aristide BriandD3
Boulevard de la France LibreC1
Boulevard Edmond MicheletA2
Boulevard Felix MercaderB3 C3
Boulevard Georges ClemenceauB2 C2
Boulevard Henri PoincareC3
Boulevard Jean BourratD2
Boulevard Thomas WilsonC1 C2
Chemin de MaillolesA4
Cours Francois PalmaroleC1
Cours Lazare EscarguelB2
Cours Marie Louis de LassusD1 D2
Passio VellaD4
Penetrante NordA1
Place Bardou JobB2
Place Pont D’en VestitB2 C2
Quai Alfred NobelA3 B2
Quai de BarceloneB2
Quai de HanovreA3
Quai Sadi CarnotC2
Quai Sebastien VaubanB2 C2
Rue Alain LesageB4
Rue Alphonse TalutA1 B1
Rue Antoine BlainA4
Rue Armand IzarnC3 C4
Rue Arsene D’ArsonvalD3
Rue AugusteB3 B4
Rue Benjamin FranklinA2 B2
Rue Claude BernardD1
Rue Claude ClodionA1
Rue DagobertB3
Rue de CanetD4
Rue de CerdagneA3
Rue de la BarreC2
Rue de la BriqueterieC4
Rue de la Main de FerC2
Rue de L’AcademieD2
Rue de L’AnguilleD2
Rue de L’ArmisticeC4
Rue de L’empordaA4 B3
Rue de L’HourtoulaneD1
Rue de SebastopolB3
Rue de VeniseA3
Rue des ArchersC3
Rue des AugustinsC2
Rue des CarmesD2 D3
Rue des CigalesB4 C4
Rue des CoquelicotsD1
Rue des FarinesC2 D2
Rue des Jardins Saint-LouisB1
Rue des JotglarsB3 C3
Rue des la FusterieC2
Rue des MenestrelsC4 D4
Rue des MercadiersD2
Rue des MimosasD1
Rue des PotiersD2
Rue des Remparts la RealC3
Rue des Rois de MajorqueC3
Rue des RomarinsB4
Rue des SureauxC2 C3
Rue des TrouveresC4
Rue des TuileriesB4
Rue des UsinesA4
Rue Dr Georges RivesB3 C3
Rue du BearnC4
Rue du CastilletC2
Rue du Colonell Conella D’ornanoD4
Rue du Mal Ferdinand FochB2 B3
Rue du Pountet de BagesD4
Rue du President DoumerA3 B3
Rue du RailA4
Rue du RuisseauC2
Rue du StadiumD3
Rue du VelodromeD3
Rue Emile ZolaC2 D2
Rue Eugene ChevreulD3
Rue F. LluciaD2
Rue Francois AragoB3 C2
Rue Francois RabelaisC2 D2
Rue Georges BondurandC3
Rue Georges CourtelineA2 A3
Rue Georges PezieresC4 D4
Rue Grande la RealC2
Rue Henri BatailleB1
Rue Henrille ChatelierD3 D4
Rue Honore DaumierA1
Rue Honore De BalzacD2
Rue Hyacinthe ManeraC3 D3
Rue Isidore HondratA1
Rue J DugommierC2 C3
Rue Jaques PremierC3
Rue Jean CousinA1
Rue Jean RacineC2 D2
Rue Jean RiereC3
Rue Jean VielledentD2 D3
Rue Jean-Baptiste LulliA2
Rue Jean-Phillippe RameauC1
Rue Joseph JaumeD4
Rue Joseph PomarolaC3
Rue Jules DallouA1
Rue Jules VerneC3 C4
Rue Lazare EscarguelC2
Rue Léon BourgeoisD3
Rue Louis BeguinD2 D3
Rue Marie-Joseph de LafayetteA3
Rue MaurellC2
Rue Maurice RavelC1
Rue Michel de MontaigneD2
Rue Miguel MucioC3
Rue Nicolas BoileauA2
Rue Paul MassotA3
Rue Paulin TestoryB3
Rue Petite la RealC2
Rue Pierre Jean BerangerA3
Rue Pierre RenaudelA3 A4
Rue Pierre RonsardC2 D2
Rue Rempart VilleneuveB2 C2
Rue Rene FonckB4 C4
Rue Rene LaennecD3
Rue Rene Waldeck RousseauD3
Rue Saint-AmandB2
Rue Saint-MathieuC2

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