Our Postcard from Perpignan
Originally posted on & updated on 18th November, 2025
We’re not too sure why, but shortly after the clocks changed and the nights start drawing in, we’re still full of energy. We’ve come to Perpignan for the weekend and we can’t seem to sit still!
We’ve been on the go from the moment we arrived, so we decided to write a slightly different kind of Postcard today. Today’s story should really be called Ten Things You Must Do if You Go to Perpignan. In this blog post, we invite you on a whistle-stop tour around of what we think are the best places to visit in Perpignan in Occitanie.
The Castle de Salses
The Chateau de Salses, often also called the Forteresse de Salses, a listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. Located only 15 km from Perpignan, it welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year. A Catalan fortress dating back to the end of the 15th century, it exudes strength and domination and is well worth a full day out if you have the time to spare. There are plenty of standard “castle-related” things to do, but they have really gone the extra mile to blend the historic importance of the building with modern-day activities and exhibitions. In our view, this is a ‘must see’.
A Trip on the “Train Jaune”
The little yellow train is hailed as one of the great railway journeys in the world, and if you’re in this neck of the woods, it would be a shame to miss it. Dating back to the early 1900,s its journey arguably takes you through some of the most stunning scenery France has to offer. Although you’ll need to take a train from Perpignan to Villefranche de Conflent, or drive there to join the train, it’s well worth the effort.
The Palace
Le Palais des Rois de Majorque, or The Palace of the Kings of Majorca, makes a great destination if you fancy walking around in the cool and calm of a 12th-century palace, complete with a fort and enchanting gardens. It also sports some of the best views of the city. In fact, we enjoyed a lovely picnic in the grounds, and it seemed like the whole place belonged to us.
The Old Cathedral
The Cathedrale St-Jean in Place Gambetta in Perpignan is calm and serenity personified. We visited on the Sunday and were completely blown away by a Latin mass that seemed to fill the air with a chill that was spellbinding. We didn’t even know that the mass would be on, but it was wonderful.
The Castillet
The Castillet in Perpignan has a chequered history, having at one time been the town’s prison and now a well-thought-out exhibition centre. Right on the edge of the old town, my favourite part of the visit (thanks to my love of everything food-related) was the replica kitchen, which dates back a long way and really gets your mind racing about how they managed back then.
The Citadel
Just to the south of the old town, you’ll find Perpignan’s Citadel. It’s a remarkably grand affair and was built in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Playing host to the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, the Citadel is in the form of a star and again offers great views of the city as well as a real and comprehensible insight into how places like Perpignan defended themselves in years gone by.
The River
The River Basse that runs through the city is a hive of interest and activity where you can either sit and watch the world go by, take to the river by boat or just wander its length and enjoy. Either way, it’s well worth a visit and, like us, you’ll probably be surprised at how canal-like it is.
The Markets in Perpignan
Any regular reader of this blog will know how much we love the markets wherever we go. With a whole range of markets from Marché de la République to Cassanyes, Saint Martin, Moulin à Vent, Clodion and Haut Vernet, you’ll be able to feed and clothe yourself every day of the week at the lively and colourful Perpignan markets.
Perpignan Street Cafés
Not surprisingly, in Perpignan, you won’t be spoilt for choice when it comes to une petite pause al fresco style. Again, you all know how much we love our morning coffee, a little glass of white with lunch and an evening apéro at a café terrace. In Perpignan, we weren’t disappointed. The café that drew us in the most was Le Grand Café de la Poste. A bustling spot with impromptu music, we loved the welcoming atmosphere, the reasonably priced drinks, and the great selection of wines.
If you’re looking to take a trip to Perpignan and the surrounding area that’s a bit more than just a short visit, and would like to learn more about living there on a full-time basis or buying a holiday property, why not get in touch? We’d be delighted to help you sniff out the best deal for your budget and needs. In the meantime, why not take a look at some of the properties for sale near Perpignan?
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