Créé par Romane, le 20 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
What to do in Perpignan and surroundings?
© Shutterstock
So, if you are considering going to Perpignan for your next vacation, regardless of the season, know that this is an excellent idea. To prove it to you, here is a presentation of the main things you can do in Perpignan and the surrounding area.
1. Discover Perpignan and its wonders
The city of Perpignan, often nicknamed "La Catalane", is a city at the confluence of two cultures. Between French culture and Catalan identity, it is a unique city that you will undoubtedly enjoy discovering.
It is first in its city center that you can linger and discover a unique atmosphere. The city also has an immense cultural and historical heritage. Among the must-sees to visit in the historic center of Perpignan, it is notably possible to mention:
- The Castillet, the emblematic monument of the city.
- The Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum, which has an impressive collection of classical, modern paintings, and decorative arts.
- The Palace of the Kings of Majorca, an immense fortress dating from the 13th century.
- The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, a true jewel of southern Gothic art.
- The Couvent des Minimes, a monument classified as a historical monument and founded in 1573.
- The Natural History Museum.
To punctuate your discovery of Perpignan with delicacies, don't hesitate to sit down in one of the city's many restaurants to enjoy the local gastronomy, largely imbued with Spanish culture.
Traditional tapas will therefore be on the menu, alongside several other specialties such as: Paella, Catalan sausage, and much more. If you are looking for a good address, don't hesitate to go to the Halles Vauban which bring together about fifteen artisans specialized in food trades.
2. Discover the Catalan coastal area
The Catalan coast is located just a stone's throw from Perpignan. By car, it takes no more than 20 minutes to reach it. There, seaside resorts rub shoulders with charming small villages. Whatever your preferences, you will thus have no trouble enjoying the many beaches and picturesque small coves of the coast.
On one side, there are the large seaside resorts with their tourist and developed seafronts. Among these, the very popular Argelès-sur-Mer, Saint-Cyprien or Canet-en-Roussillon and Le Barcarès. On the other, there are magnificent small villages, more authentic and with ravishing architecture like Collioure "La Perle Catalane", Banyuls-sur-Mer or Port-Vendres.
In the beautiful season, the region is very busy and this is not by chance since activities for all ages are offered there. Among these are water activities such as jet-skiing, boating, kite-surfing, and even several water parks.
The underwater activities are also very interesting, with the presence notably of a Diving Center in Cerbère or an underwater coastal trail that can be practiced in snorkeling. These allow you to discover the rich seabed of the Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Park.
3. Discover the Pyrénées orientales mountain side
Going up towards the mountain, about 1 hour from Perpignan by car, it is possible to discover a completely different landscape: that of the mountain. There, activities are not lacking either. In addition to the many walks and hikes that will allow you to discover the local fauna and flora, you can enjoy many other gems to fully enjoy your vacation.
It is also interesting to note that the region is as beautiful in autumn as in winter, spring and summer. Each season takes on a particular atmosphere and offers its share of surprises.
Discover the small Catalan mountain villages whether to enjoy their thermal resorts and hot water springs like that of Saint-Thomas-les-Bains, for example. The Little Yellow Train is also an essential activity in the region. This one starts at the foot of the mountain and guides visitors through the Catalan Pyrenees to its terminus in Cerdagne, at Latour-de-Carol which is moreover just a stone's throw from the border with Spain.
Lover of thrilling activities, the surroundings of Perpignan on the mountain side will also allow you to fully enjoy your vacation. You can notably experience many tree climbing, canyoning, rafting activities and much more. You can also venture into the bowels of the Earth with speleology excursions or cave visits like the one offered in the Grottes des Canalettes, for example.
The region is also a land of hiking. Thus, the most experienced and especially well-equipped hikers can take on the assault of the Canigou. This one majestically dominates the region and offers a spectacular and altogether unforgettable ascent.
4. The Catalan hinterland, a wonder not to forget
The Catalan hinterland will not leave you indifferent either. With its wine route and its character villages, it can also perfectly constitute an essential stop in your discovery of Perpignan and its surroundings.
Among the essential and best-known cities and villages, let us mention notably: Céret and its sweetness of living, Castelnou classified in the list of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, but also, Eus considered as the sunniest village in France, Nyer, Fenouillet and much more!
In conclusion:
Thanks to this guide on Perpignan and its surroundings, you now have a better idea of what the city and the region have to offer. If one thing is certain, it is that the possibilities of visits, activities and discoveries in diverse and varied landscapes await you there. So don't hesitate any longer and start organizing your stay right now.