The city of Perpignan is located in the southernmost part of the Languedoc in the south of France. It is a perfect destination for lovers of the sea, mountains, nature, history and art. It also possesses mile after mile of wide sandy beaches extending from the Spanish border all the length of the Vermillion coast. It is a not-to-be-missed cultural center for anyone visiting south-west France or northern Spain.

The city of Perpignan is situated in the region of France known as Languedoc-Roussillon. It is right on the Mediterranean coast, not far from the Spanish border, and has the Pyrenees as a stunning backdrop, together with the famous Corbieres wine-growing region. Perpignon is also the most southern City in France.

But it doesn’t stop there! Perpignan also has a most interesting history, and is equally famous for its fascinating architectural sights as it is for the modern-day tourism. The railway station in the town was made world-famous by the surrealist artist Salvador Dali, who not only painted its ceiling but also gave it the strange title of the “cosmological center of the universe”.

The old region around the town, known formerly as Ruscino, lending its name to the whole region, was occupied from the 6th century BC, being a major trader with Greece. It then fell under control of the Celts from the 2nd century BC. During the middle ages, the town belonged to the counts of Roussillon who made it their base. Later still, it was bequeathed to the King of Aragon in Spain, before being passed to the kingdom of Majorca.

Perpignan is also well-known for being the owner of one of the most amazing and unusual carillons. It is the last surviving operational carillon that possesses a range of four full octaves. It dates from the 19th century, being constructed in the famous French bell foundry belonging to Amadee Bollee and Sons from Mans. Before being installed in the church at Perpignan, it was exhibited at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in the year 1878.

The carillon is now owned by the City of Perpignan who have recently restored it to its full original glory. Carillonists appointed by the church now play the instrument on a regular basis. And since its electrification in 1956, its music can be heard resonating around the city three times each day, morning, noon and evening, with the music to the Angelus prayer.

As befitting a city of art and culture, Perpignan is home to four splendid museums, each housing a memorable collection well worth viewing. First amongst them, the city proudly hosts the Museum of Catalan Art and Tradition. Then there is the famous Museum of Coins and Medals, housing one of the finest collections in France. After that there is the Museum of Natural History, and finally the Hyacinthe Rigaud Painting Museum.

Interestingly, who would have believed that in a city like Perpignan, urbanised, developed, bustling with people, there still remain magical areas to discover full of nesting birds! For Perpignan is also an encounter with 130 hectares of parks and gardens in the heart of the city, and over 2000 hectares of cultivated land crossed by a river, which conserve an astonishing amount of nature, including a large variety of bird species.

As for the regional cuisine, naturally enough the local delicacies embrace the finest of Catalan culinary delights - a culinary, indeed gastronomic, experience definitely not to be missed by all those new to the region.

So after all that, it only remains to wish you happy holidays and happy encounters with the magnificent city of Perpignan.