Perpignan (Pyrenees-Orientales)
A city to keep you busy or to relax in, the choice is yours. With museums, parks, monuments, ancient buildings and a number of guided tours, there is much to do and see. Or relax in the many parks and enjoy the cuisine at restaurants which cater for every palate.
Perpignan is the administrative capital city of the Pyrénées-Orientales département in southern France.
The city population recorded in 2004 was 116,700 but the metropolitan area had a recorded total in 1999 of 249,000 which is likely to be more than 300,000 today.
The medieval town of Perpignan was founded around the beginning of the 10th century. There are many ancient and interesting buildings and in some areas the remains of the city walls which were removed at the beginning of the 20th century to accommodate urban development.
As well as being a city full of sights, Perpignan is also a cultural and outdoor city with many sporting activities available - on the doorstep are some wonderful sandy beaches. There are many restaurants serving traditional Catalan dishes.
Originally the produce of the city was from wine, cork, olive oil, wool and leather.
Perignan is twinned with Lancaster in the UK.