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- Palais des Rois de Majorque — A 13th-14th century royal palace-fortress that feels like a mini Alcázar: thick walls, Gothic halls and one of the best viewpoints over Perpignan and the surrounding plain. The architecture and the city panorama make it a must for history and photo lovers.
- Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste — A layered, imposing cathedral where Romanesque foundations meet later Gothic work; the interior is calmer than the façade promises and the medieval atmosphere gives a real sense of Perpignan’s long past.
- Campo Santo (cloître et nécropole) — The atmospheric cloister and old cemetery beside the cathedral, full of carved capitals and tombs. It’s one of those quiet, slightly mysterious spots that tells you more about daily life and death in medieval Roussillon than any plaque
- Palais des Rois de Majorque — A 13th-14th century royal palace-fortress that feels like a mini Alcázar: thick walls, Gothic halls and one of the best viewpoints over Perpignan and the surrounding plain. The architecture and the city panorama make it a must for history and photo lovers.
- Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste — A layered, imposing cathedral where Romanesque foundations meet later Gothic work; the interior is calmer than the façade promises and the medieval atmosphere gives a real sense of Perpignan’s long past.
- Campo Santo (cloître et nécropole) — The atmospheric cloister and old cemetery beside the cathedral, full of carved capitals and tombs. It’s one of those quiet, slightly mysterious spots that tells you more about daily life and death in medieval Roussillon than any plaque can.
- Le Castillet — The red-brick gate-tower that’s become the city’s emblem. Climb it for views over the old town, poke around the little museum inside that focuses on Catalan traditions, and enjoy the street life that gathers around its base.
- Musée Hyacinthe Rigaud — Perpignan’s main fine-arts museum housed in an elegant building, with a compact but rich mix of regional, French and Spanish works. Useful if you want context on the art influences that shaped the area.
- Hôtel Pams — A surprisingly extravagant late-19th-century mansion tucked into the centre: ornate rooms, murals and period fittings that feel like stepping into a private salon from the Belle Époque. Even seeing the façade and lobby is worth it.
- Place de la Loge — The lively heart of the old town with arcades, cafés and people-watching. It’s the best place to feel Perpignan’s daily rhythm—street performers, terraces and the odd market or event.
- Les Halles (le marché couvert) — The covered market where locals buy olives, anchovies, charcuterie and Catalan cheeses. Go in the morning to taste the region and watch the friendly, culinary side of the city up close.
- Théâtre de l’Archipel — Perpignan’s modern performing-arts centre: striking contemporary architecture and a real cultural programme (theatre, music, dance). Good both for a performance night and for admiring the building itself.
- Jardin de la Pépinière / parc municipal — A pleasant city park for a lazy picnic, shady paths and local life away from the tourist route. It’s where locals unwind and a nice contrast to the stone of the old town.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.