Perpignan Holidays

Sunshine, sangria, and a spicy dash of Catalan flair — welcome to Perpignan, the southern French gem that feels more like Barcelona’s chilled-out cousin than your usual French escape. Tucked between the Med and the Pyrenees, this vibrant region is packed with colour, culture and coastlines that’ll make your camera roll blush.

Highlights

• A hop, skip and a sunhat away from glorious Mediterranean beaches like Canet-en-Roussillon and Argelès-sur-Mer

• A unique blend of French elegance and Catalan spirit — with festivals, markets and architecture to match

• Wine lovers, rejoice! The region is famed for its vineyards, with tastings on tap across Roussillon

• Stunning historical sites like the Palace of the Kings of Majorca and medieval villages in every direction

Getting around

Perpignan is easy peasy to explore, with a walkable city centre and plenty of local buses to whisk you to the beach, countryside or mountain trails. Got your sights on the coast? Regular buses and trains connect Perpignan to seaside stunners like Collioure, Argelès and Canet-Plage. Prefer to do things on your own terms? Car hire is a popular choice — the winding coastal drives are pure road trip goals. Oh, and if you’re flying in, Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport is just 15 minutes from the city centre.

Things to do for families in Perpignan

Perpignan is a family-friendly playground where no one gets bored — not even the moody teens. Head to the coast for golden-sand beaches like Saint-Cyprien and Canet-en-Roussillon, perfect for paddleboarding, sandcastle building or just good old-fashioned splashing around. The local Aqualand water park is a big hit too (just pack your best waterproof mascara). Back in the city, Parc Sant-Vicens offers leafy picnic spots and play areas, while the Petit Train Touristique is a cute and comfy way to explore. Plus, nearby attractions like Réserve Africaine de Sigean (yep, a safari park in France!) make for fab day trips.

Things to do for couples in Perpignan

Lovebirds, listen up. Perpignan is basically made for romantic getaways. Start your day wandering the narrow, pastel-hued streets of the old town, latte in hand and love in the air. Fancy a bit of culture with your cuddles? The Palace of the Kings of Majorca offers breathtaking views (and serious Insta backdrops). Then it’s off to the coast — Collioure is the real scene-stealer, with its pink-hued facades, cobbled lanes and dreamy harbourside restaurants. Wine tasting in Banyuls-sur-Mer? Don’t mind if you do. Finish it all off with a sunset picnic and a cheeky kiss on the beach. Swoon.

Things to do for groups in Perpignan

Stag do? Hen party? Just your wild mates on the loose? Whatever the vibe, Perpignan’s got the goods. Start with a group breakfast at a local boulangerie (carbs = essential), then set off for a day of adrenaline. Try canyoning in the Pyrenees, paddleboarding on the Med or quad biking through the vineyards — it’s all on the cards here. Fancy something a bit more civilised? A private wine tour with cheese pairings hits the spot. And when the sun goes down? Do a city break right with bars, tapas joints and live music venues around Place de la République and keep the good times flowing till late. Santé!

Things to do for foodies in Perpignan

If you think French food is all croissants and coq au vin, prepare to have your tastebuds turned upside down. Perpignan’s cuisine is a sizzling mix of Catalan flair and French finesse. Start at the local markets — Marché République is foodie heaven, packed with fresh produce, spice stalls and local cheeses begging to be sampled. Try Catalan classics like boles de picolat (meatballs in a spicy sauce), grilled sardines, or crème catalane for pud. Thirsty? Hit up a vineyard tour for a sip of those world-class Roussillon reds. And if you're more of a street food seeker, look out for food trucks at the local festivals — churros, anyone?