Perpignan - Catalan City of the Mediterranean

Perpignan is a small town in the Languedoc region of southern France. It is the ideal spot for lovers of mountains, the sea, culture, history and art. It has mile upon mile of sandy beaches close by, and is definitely a cultural center to be visited by everyone visiting south-west France, the Mediterranean 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.

Perpignan also has a unique and most interesting history, and is equally well-known for its architecture as for the modern-day tourist industry. It is also very well-known for its world-famous rail station, the ceiling of which was painted by the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali, who called the station 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.

The city of Perpignan is also remarkable for possessing one of the most astonishing carillons in existence. It is the only surviving intact carillon with a range of four octaves and dates from the nineteenth century. A work of the foundry Amedee Bollee and Sons from Mans, it was presented at the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1878 before being installed at Perpignan.

The carillon is owned by the town and in 1996 it was fully restored to its original glory by the French carillon experts, Herepian. Since being restored, carillon players have been employed, and nominated by decree of the church, to demonstrate the instrument at its best. And since it was electrified in 1956, every day in the morning, mid-day and evening, a player will sit at the keyboard and play 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.

As if that isn't enough, it's unbelievable that in a conurbation such as Perpignan, teeming with people, there are still acres of land inhabited by nesting birds of all kinds. But not surprising once you realise that the central area of the town also contains over 130 hectares of parkland, with over 2000 hectares of outlying cultivated land, all conserving a huge variety of wildlife and bird species.

Moving on to the culinary arts, naturally enough the native cuisine of Perpignan is of Catalan origin - a gastronomic experience not to be missed if you are new to these parts.

So, there you are, the city of Perpignan in all its glory. All that remains is to wish you a happy vacation and many happy encounters with the magnificent city of Perpignan.

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For further information on France, the French lifestyle and Limoges in French, please visit Rencontres Limoges at Antonio Bonito's QuePourToi.com rencontres libertines web site.
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