Perpignan

Upmarket chains dominate the centre of Perpignan, with the luxurious Mercure Perpignan Centre (5-5 bis cours Palmarole) and minimalist Suite Novotel Perpignan Centre (34 avenue Général Leclerc) among the best options. Welcoming B&B Château La Tour Apollinaire (15 rue Guillaume Apollinaire) is a brief stroll from the city centre, housed in an interesting Italian-Gothic villa and boasting a heated outdoor pool and one-acre garden. Meanwhile Hôtel La Loge (1 rue des Fabriques D'en Nabot) is a simple offering close to Perpignan’s famous cathedral.

Head to Catalan-themed store Centre Sant-Vicens (Rue Sant-Vicens) to browse the plentiful supply of Perpignan’s specialities, pottery and textiles. Get lost along Rue Paratilla, which is brimming with delis, grocers and café-bars, and seek out Comtesse du Barry (19 rue de l’Ange) for a superb range of locally produced artisan foods. L’Occitane en Provence (23 rue de l’Ange) is great for sweet-smelling souvenirs, whilst those looking for upmarket fashion boutiques should pay a visit to Rue des Trois Journées. Also well worth a visit are interior design store Maison Quinta (3 rue Grande des Fabriques) and bookshop Fnac (Espace Dames de France, Place de Catalogne).

There is a unique style of cuisine to be discovered in Perpignan thanks to the blend of French and Catalan influences. One of the city’s top fusion restaurants is Le Figuier (7 rue du Figuier), where choices are chalked up on a blackboard and delivered with real panache. There are over 150 wine varieties available at Restaurant de la Villa Duflot (Rond Point Albert Donnezan), where the poolside dining also adds to the ambience and romance of the haunt. Casa Sansa (2 rue des Fabriques Nadal) is renowned for an inventive Catalan menu, while La Galinette (23 rue Jean-Payra) combines locally caught fish with fresh produce from its own garden.

Ida Y Vuelta

June

There is an emphasis on up-and-coming talent throughout this world-famous folk festival, which also features an impressive cast of international artists. The event runs for four days and provides an excellent opportunity to watch the future stars of the folk scene.

Festival International de Carillon de Perpignan

July

A cacophony of bell ringing fills the city centre air during this festival that take places each year in July. The beautiful Perpignan Cathedral provides the backdrop for the event's climax, a concert featuring regional bell ringers.

Visa pour l’Image

August-September

The world’s top photographic talent is highlighted at this spectacular festival, which celebrates the art of photojournalism in style. Topics such as war, religion, nature, society and people are addressed through a series of interesting exhibitions and screenings.

Marché Médiéval

September

Perpignan’s centre reverts to its medieval roots each autumn thanks to Marché Médiéval, which sees a weekend of historical celebrations take over the city. Among other things, there’s opportunities to sample archaic food, listen to medieval music and learn how people made stained glass and weapons in the Middle Ages.

Foire Saint-Martin

November

This event is now one of the region’s biggest fairs, having grown from its humble origins as a produce market dating back to 1759. Live entertainment, food stalls, a circus and fairground rides are all among the attractions.