Our tips for a great
getaway in... Perpignan France
Visit the charming Catalan city of Perpignan, tucked into the far south-west of France in the Languedoc-Roussillon region (often referred to as the “new Provence”) and it’s almost like having two holidays. You may be in France, but the region’s distinctive Catalan culture and history – not to mention the climate! – will make you feel like you’re in Spain. Sheltered between the Pyrenees on one side and the Mediterranean on the other, this vibrant, sunny city offers the best of both worlds in every sense of the word. Perpignan enchants visitors with its palm-lined squares, sunny terraces, narrow streets and a very special untarnished Mediterranean charm.
bestauthentic local cuisine: Chateau de Jau Take the road through Le Pays Cathare (the Land of the Cathars) with its bloody history, and explore the Maury region, famous for its vin doux (sweet wine). Discover the magnificent Chateau de Jau, a winery restaurant surrounded by cliffs and more than 300 acres of vineyards. Here, on a terrace under the shade of a 300-year-old mulberry tree, you’ll feast on a simple, rustic menu that’s so good it’s hasn’t changed since 1978! The six mouth-watering courses – fougasse aux gratons (a Catalan brioche with pork); tomato and olive oil bread with Serrano ham; lamb chops; Catalan sausage grilled over retired grape vines; Roquefort cheese and sorbet – are all accompanied, naturellement, by wines from the Château. Where >Le Grill de Château de Jau, Chateau de Jau, 66500 Cases de Pene, Roussillon, Tel: +33 (0)4 68 38 91 38. view map
bestsouvenir: Catalan fabric Founded 30 years ago and located in an old mansion in the historical centre of town, Maison Quinta is the place to go for mementos of your time in Perpignan. It’s a bit of a local success story, and now boasts boutiques in not only Perpignan, but Paris, various other French cities and even Tokyo! Here you can pick up anything from a simple Catalan calendar to local olive oil. We recommend a tablecloth or teatowel in the renowned Catalan fabric “Toiles du soleil”. Where >Maison Quinta, 3 rue Petites les Fabriques, 66000 Perpignan, Tel +33 (0)4 68 34 41 62. Website > www.maisonquinta.com
bestnight out: Bubbles Bar For a fun night out, head to Canet-Plage, one of the beaches just minutes from Perpignan, and the very hip “Le Bar à Bulles” (the bubbles bar), located above L’as de la Broche restaurant. “Bubbles” refers to Nayendei, a sparkling sweet white Muscat wine that’s made in the region and can be drunk as an aperitif or a digestive. Expect to drink a few here! There’s more than a touch of Ibiza about this bar, with whitewashed walls and hot music that inspires clubbers dance until dawn. And as the sea is just across the road, the opportunity for a midnight swim can often be too tempting to resist! Where >L’as de la Broche, 26 Bld Cassagnes, 66140 Canet en Roussillon, Tel: +33 (0)4 68 80 70 60. view map
bestview: Collioure The picturesque fishing village of Collioure, about 25km down the road from Perpignan, is rightly famous for its charm, artistic history, striking colours and, of course, breathtaking views. But you can view Collioure from two other angles apart from the typical tourist view. Take the Chemin du Fauvisme (the Fauviste Trail) and follow in the footsteps of Matisse and Derain, who spent the summer here in 1905 and changed the history of art. Stand where they stood as they painted the magnificent views (reproductions of which are on display), and compare how they look today. Catalonian artist Marc-Andre de Figueres (MA2F) designed the empty golden frames that serve to make every view a work of art. To discover Collioure from a larger perspective, climb up the olive hill of the Museum of Modern Art for a sweeping view of the bay and its inspiring light. Where >Collioure; about 20 minutes from Perpignan by train. view map Website > Train: www.voyages-sncf.com, www.ter-sncf.com; Museum: www.collioure.com
bestarchitecture: Place de la Revolution Perpignan’s historical centre has to be explored… there are many monuments and buildings of interest (including the Castillet and the Palais des Rois de Majorque (the Palace of the Kings of Majorca), but for a charming glimpse of the city, walk past the Cathedral and the reborn Campo Santo (one of France’s oldest cemeteries), and go down the Rue de la Revolution Française until you reach the charming paved square in which a “salamander fountain” takes centre stage. Where >Place de la Revolution, Rue de la Revolution, Perpignan. view map
bestbeach restaurant: Le Zaza Club For a glamorous beach restaurant that’s virtually undiscovered by tourists, make your way to Torreilles beach, right near Canet-Plage, where you’ll find Le Zaza club. It’s magic at night, with sea views and breezes, excellent Catalan tapas and wines, timber decks and French DJs. And if you end up sleeping on the beach, don’t be surprised in the morning as it’s also a naturist beach (but only during the day!). Where >Le Zaza Club Plage Sud, Torreilles beach, Tel: +33 (0)4 68 59 21 45.
Compiled by Florence Delseny Sobra, Alfmed
besttrivia
Surrealist artist Salvador Dali once proclaimed the Perpignan train station to be “the centre of the universe”!
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