Perpignan

There is nothing more peaceful and inspiring in the world for me than a place between Mediteraneean Sea and the mountains. We found this little corner of paradise in French Catalunya, near Perpignan.
Far less known than Spanish Catalunya, Costa Brava or Barcelona, the former Spanish territories belong to France only since 1659, thus explaining the specificity of this part of  Langedoc-Rousillon.
Catalan influences are practically everywhere, in the architecture of houses, with light, earth-colours and  Spanish balconies, the churches (Cathedrale Saint Jean Baptiste) ,the Palace of Majorca Kings
(1309) or the former gate to enter into the city-Il Castillet.

                                         Canigou Mountain( 2784m) -view from Palace of Kings of

                                          Majorca Garden

  In the region the you can hear not only French, but also Spanish or Catalan, people are more 
friendly, open and joyful and in other parts of France.And very proud of their catalan identity!

The centre of Perpignan is a mixture between ancient monuments and buidings, modern architecture 
but also degraded houses and streets, full of typical French teenagers, listening a too loud music.
   We had dinner in a charming restaurant called Le Sud, in Perpignan centre, with a typical Spanish garden.

The unique combination of sea and mountain inspired many artisits like Salvador Dali, who proclaimend la Garre du Perpignan as “the centre of the Universe” and made a picture of it,  Henri Matisse-who lived and painted in Collioure or Derain.

The small and colourful fishing village of Collioure is famous not only for its castle, but also for being home and inspiration for the Fauvism( modern painting inspired by impresionism, 
characterized  by vivid colours and simplifications of shapes-Henri Matisses, Andre Derain)

Only few kilometers from Perpignan lies Canet-en-Rousillon, a chic seaside resort, with vast beaches surrounded by pine trees and excellent restaurants along the promenade.( La Siesta).

Next sea resort on the going south is St. Cyprien,where we enjoyed dinner on the beach club Le Caliente-good food, English-speaker waiters, calm atmosphere. Canet and St Cyprien are linked also by a bike routeJ ( voie verte).

Argeles sur Mer resort is definitely the most elegant one, with private properties along the coast, wide and long beaches and a nice promenade with palm trees.

Many beaches of the region have blue flag and are under surveillance. Even at the beginning of May, the sea was quite good for a quick swim – around 18 degrees.

  Being in the region we couldn’t stand not to go to Bercelona,where we had lunch at our favourite restaurant Il Mercante di Venezia( http://www.ilmercantedivenezia.es/).

Badly impressed by Barcelonetta, too many sellers on the beach, noisy and quite dirty.The 
district is full of charm, though, with Catalan flags and clothes hanged on every balconyJ

   In a nutshell, French Catalunya, laying between the more famous  Spanish coast and Cote D’Azur is a hidden gem for all who love natural beaches, mild temperatures and tasty food, all in a typical French Catalan style!

Interesting facts:

-Perpignan mascot: the catalan donkey
-catalan flag: yellow with red stripes (Senyera)

- at the radio, they announced the weather in the principate( meaning- in Catalunia)

-favorite sport: rugby