Visitors looking to get to know Perpignan through its culture and regional food will find a variety of options: medieval rule and justice, collections on the city’s history and folk traditions, and markets with distinctive offerings. The architectural history of the Palace of the Kings of Majorca and the Castillet’s changing uses give these historic sites a specific time frame. Casa Pairal and the Museum of Coins and Medals offer insights into other kinds of collections. Les Halles Vauban and Marché Place de Belgique round out the selection with food and opportunities to eat on site.

Architectural history and former functions

Construction of the Palace of the Kings of Majorca began in 1274 and was completed in 1344, with the fall of the kingdom. Its architectural history thus spans a long period and marks a political turning point. The Palais des Corts offers a different perspective on historic institutions: this Gothic landmark from the early 14th century housed the various courts of Roussillon. The palace and courthouse served different functions and can therefore be clearly distinguished by theme.

Le Castillet was built in the last third of the 14th century as a fortified gate to monitor the stone bridge and the entrances to Perpignan. It was used as a prison from the 16th to the 19th century and converted into a museum in the 20th century. The building illustrates a clear progression from defense to use as a prison and, later, as a museum.

The Funeraria adds another purpose to the medieval sites: it was built at the end of the 14th century for funeral ceremonies. The Loge de mer is also part of the city’s cultural offerings; today, it is a freely accessible exhibition space. As access arrangements can change, it is advisable to check the current information before visiting.

Museums: City History, Traditions and Collections

Casa Pairal is a social history museum devoted to Catalan folk art and traditions. Its permanent exhibition explores Perpignan’s history through different periods. The collections include more than 25,000 movable objects and an equal number of iconographic objects; the museum is also considered a local ethnographic reference. Since 2002, it has carried the designation “Musée de France.” Casa Pairal thus combines a wide-ranging folk heritage collection with an exhibition about the city’s history.

The Musée des monnaies et médailles Joseph Puig focuses on something different. Its 45,000 coins and medals span the period from the first coins to the euro and come from all periods and countries. The museum holds one of France’s most important public coin collections. Those interested in numismatic collections will therefore find a different perspective here than at Casa Pairal: the focus is on coins and medals, not folk art and traditions.

Markets and Food Culture

Les Halles Vauban is a covered market in the city center with more than twenty food artisans. It also offers the possibility of eating on site, combining a visit to the market with a convenient dining option. The number of vendors and operating details may change; if you plan to eat there or want to learn about the current offering, it is best to check the information before your visit.

Marché Place de Belgique is a Mediterranean market. Its offerings include fruit and vegetables, cured meats, oysters, honey, wine and craft beer. There are also takeaway and catering options featuring Italian, Lebanese and Catalan cuisine. Compared with Les Halles Vauban, the emphasis is therefore on a varied market selection, while the covered market explicitly also offers the option of eating on site. As the market’s schedule and offerings may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

For planning purposes, there is a practical distinction: Les Halles Vauban combines a covered market with the option of eating on site, while Marché Place de Belgique offers a broad selection of Mediterranean products and takeaway food. Which option better suits your stay depends on whether you are looking for a meal on site or a variety of market products.

Discover more destinations: Angoustrine-Villeneuve-Des-Escaldes, Le Boulou, Calce, Felluns, Targassonne, Baillestavy, Bourg-Madame, Villelongue-De-La-Salanque.

See the wider travel guide: Pyrénées-Orientales.