Perpignan on a Budget: A Day Trip Guide!

Escape to the charming and affordable city of Perpignan in southern France.

21 June 2023

Perpignan, a city on the southern coast of France, offers a great destination for travelers on a budget. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and architecture, visit its beautiful beaches, and enjoy local cuisine and wine without breaking the bank. With affordable accommodations, public transport, and plenty of free activities to enjoy, Perpignan is the perfect budget-friendly getaway.

Day trip plan

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Exploring Perpignan on a budget!

  • Start your day by climbing up to the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. It has stunning views over Perpignan and the surrounding countryside.
  • Take a walk through the old town. The narrow streets are full of cute cafes and charming shops, and are perfect for a browse!
  • Stop for a cheap and authentic lunch at Le Cafe Catalan. They have great lunch deals with traditional Catalan dishes, and the atmosphere is unbeatable!
  • Walk to the impressive Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. The architecture is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, and the stained glass windows are a must-see.
  • Visit La Loge de Mer, a historic maritime trade building that has been converted into a museum. Entry is free, and it’s a fascinating insight into Perpignan’s maritime history.
  • End your day with a stroll along the banks of the river Basse. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset and reflect on your amazing day in Perpignan!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Perpignan by plane is to fly to Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport, which is located approximately 7 km north of the city center. Flights to Perpignan are available from multiple cities throughout Europe such as London, Paris and Barcelona.

Car

The best way to get to Perpignan by car is to take the A9 motorway, which runs along the Mediterranean coast and connects to the rest of France and Europe. The journey from Montpellier to Perpignan takes around an hour and a half. Once in Perpignan there are several car parks available throughout the city center.

Train

Perpignan is well-connected by train with high-speed TGV trains from Paris, Marseille and Barcelona. The Perpignan train station is located in the heart of the city just a short walk from the historic center.

Boat

Perpignan is not connected to any major sea ports and therefore there are no boat services available to the city.

Bus

National and international bus companies offer services to Perpignan from various cities in France and Europe. The bus station in Perpignan is located on Boulevard Saint-Assiscle, just over a kilometre from the city center.

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