Museums and monuments galore in medieval Perpignan
A small commune about 19 miles north of the Spanish border, Perpignan was the continental seat of the medieval kingdom of Mallorca. The Palais des Rois de Majorque (Palace of the Kings of Mallorca) remains its most significant monument, not to mention a great vantage point over the town and the Mediterranean coast. Perpignan vacation rentals let you share in the local lifestyle—which includes a steady stream of festivals, thanks to Spanish influences—and walk around this cozy French city to see its old churches, museums, and historical sites.
Plane-ly speaking, Perpignan is rather remarkable
As far as cathedrals go, the 15th-century Basilique-Cathedrale de Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Perpignan isn't the largest or most majestic, but it's a fine specimen of the Catalan Gothic architecture, not to mention a French national monument. You can also choose from the small selection of museums in town. One worthwhile stop is the Musee d'art Hyacinthe Rigaud, named for a Perpignan-born artist. If you have kids in tow, take them to the Musee de l'Aviation de Perpignan, which has over 500 scaled aircraft models and tons of aeronautical artifacts and photos.
Wine not go on a guided tour of Perpignan?
A Perpignan vacation rental makes an ideal base for getting to know this medieval town, and one of the best ways to see the sights is via a guided walking tour. Themed tours will have you visiting old churches, tasting the region's best wines, or ogling Perpignan's architectural gems, just to name a few. If you'd rather create your own itinerary, you can start at Place de la Loge, where you'll hit three attractions (Le Loge de Mer, Hotel de Ville, and the Palais de la Deputation) and end at Le Castillet, the redbrick town gate.
Perpignan's a mild child, weather you like it or not
Just like the rest of the Mediterranean, Perpignan has warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Summer temps generally range from the upper 60s to the low 80s; the average temperature in July and August is a pleasant 75 degrees. In December to February, lows fall just above 40 degrees, and highs are in the mid-50s. Average temps in winter hover around 49 degrees. The price tags of Perpignan vacation rentals are likely to be at their lowest in the winter, but be prepared for wet days, especially in October and January.
Take a breather in Perpignan's tranquil parks
Looking for a scenic spot to catch your breath while sightseeing? Stop by Jardin des Remparts at the foot of the Palais des Rois de Majorque, or pack some snacks and have a family picnic at Parc St Vicens or Parc Maillol. In the southwest portion of town, you'll find the Serrat d'en Vaquer, a park that sits on the Roussillon plain's highest hill. Stroll through the park for a good glimpse of Mediterranean plant life, then admire the fantastic vista, which spans the entire Roussillon plain and stretches all the way to the sea.
Transportation to and around Perpignan
Fly into Perpignan (PGF-Perpignan - Rivesaltes Intl.), the closest airport, located 3.2 mi (5.2 km) from the city center.
If you prefer train travel, you can make your way to Perpignan Station.
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