Free walking tours in Perpignan and what to see

Must-sees

Perpignan is the capital of Roussillon, French Catalonia, about 30 kilometres from the Spanish border. Its great monument is the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, built at the end of the 13th century, when the city was the mainland capital of that kingdom. It has a main courtyard, a two-storey double chapel and towers with views of the Pyrenees and Canigou. The other symbol is the Castillet, the old red-brick fortified gate, which houses a museum of Catalan arts and traditions.

In the old town, the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste stands out, and next to it the Campo Santo, a medieval cloister cemetery. The Gothic Loge de Mer and the town hall form the heart of the old city, with café terraces and pedestrian streets. The Saint-Jacques quarter, up the hill, keeps a working-class atmosphere with its church and convent. The beaches of Canet and coastal villages such as Collioure are very close.

Free tours and guided visits

Civitatis lists no regular free walking tours in Perpignan. What’s on offer are wine experiences: a tasting at a local winery and a visit to a family estate nearby, where you will learn about the vineyards and Roussillon’s naturally sweet wines, such as those of Rivesaltes. For the city, the simplest thing is to explore the centre on your own, from the Castillet to the palace, all within walking distance.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, the Castillet, the cathedral and a stroll around the centre. If you want to add a winery visit or an afternoon on the beach at Canet, allow two. With three or four days you can use the city as a base for Collioure, the Côte Vermeille or the inland villages towards Canigou.

Where to stay

The historic centre, between the Castillet and the cathedral, is the most convenient area: hotels, apartments and restaurants with everything within walking distance. Next to the station there are practical hotels if you arrive by train. If you are coming in summer and want the beach, Canet-Plage has plenty of seaside apartments and hotels, about 20 minutes from the city. Collioure and Argelès are another option for combining coast and day trips.