Anybody been to Perpignan?

Sorry we have not stayed there , but went south to Collioure which we loved. Drove down in to Spain ...neat little fishing villages and we went to Salvador Dali's home. The one thing I do know is that there are lots and lots of round-a-bouts when you drive around Perpignan.

Rick also chooses Coullioure and gives it a short chapter in his France book, which starts with the intro, "surrounded by less-appealing resorts..." Lonely Planet's Languedoc & Rousillon chapter has a few pages on Perpignan and you can download the chapter for $5 or just check it in you local library. They say that the old town of Perpignan is quite compact, so it sounds like a quick visit.

I've only gone to Perpignan because Bob Dylan was performing there in concert - really didn't seem to be much to see!

You might head over to Trip Advisor, to get some ideas of activities/hotels/restaurants in Perpignan. I only drove through Perpignan on the way to Collioure, and then to the Perpignan train station to return the car and take the train to Paris. The area around the Perpignan train station was uninspiring, but I loved Collioure and it was a very short drive from there to Perpignan. The Rough Guide describes Perpignan as 'grubby' and recommends staying nearby if you have a car. However, the Michelin green guide has a short suggested walking tour in Perpignan.

Bonjours!

We did not stay in the city of Perpignan. We did stay just outside the city at Canet Plage. We stayed in what was then a Mercure hotel but it was in the process of changing to an All Seasons hotel. You can check on the Accor website.

We spent four nights at the hotel because it was an opportunity to relax and look at the Mediterranean. Since it was early April, we did not go into the water but did enjoy walking on the boardwalk. We took a day trip across the Spanish border and had lunch. We also went to a wonderful museum in Ceret. There were lots of Picasso items. We did drive into Collioure but there was absolutely no parking available so we left. I think going to the local vineyards would be interesting.

You could also use Perpignan/Canet as a base if going into Cathar country to visit Peyrepertuse, Queribus or Montsegur. We even climbed Peyrepertuse and I wish we had done Queribus and Monsegur. I had read about this area in books by Steve Berry and Kate Mosse.

We had planned to take the Petit Train Jaune on our way to Carcassonne and Rennes les Bains. However, there was a train strike so the PTJ was not running. We have gone back to the PTJ area and ridden the train. It was a long day but the scenery was great.

Whatever you do, enjoy! I loved that southwestern area and would love to return! There are so many things to do in the area that I don't think you will be bored.