My name is Christophe Vidal, and my connection to this part of southern France goes back to childhood holidays in the Pyrénées-Orientales. While much of that time was spent by the sea, Perpignan was always the city that drew me inland as the gateway between the Mediterranean coast and the mountains and a place where cultures seemed to overlap at every corner.

My earliest memories of Perpignan are of wandering through its sunlit squares and marvelling at the terracotta rooftops glowing in the evening light. The city felt alive, with its mix of French and Catalan influences, and a warmth that went beyond the weather.

As I grew older, I discovered Perpignan in new ways: admiring the Gothic architecture of the old town, stepping into the Palace of the Kings of Majorca to imagine its medieval grandeur, or losing myself in the narrow lanes filled with cafés, street art and market stalls.

With time, my curiosity expanded beyond the surface. I became fascinated with Perpignan’s long history as a crossroads between cultures—Roman, Catalan, French and North Africa —and how that still shapes its character today. Yet, I also noticed how little practical, in-depth information there was online for visitors who wanted to truly experience the city, not just pass through it.

That’s why I created this website: a guide written out of affection and genuine curiosity, designed to help travellers explore Perpignan in all its colour and diversity. From its historic monuments to its lively food scene, from annual festivals to hidden neighbourhood gems, this guide is meant to capture the city as it really is.

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to meet some of the people who give Perpignan its energy from chefs and winemakers to artists and local historians. Their stories are just as much a part of the city as its architecture and traditions.

Thank you for visiting. I hope this site inspires you to wander the streets of Perpignan, soak up its atmosphere, and discover why this city remains one of the most fascinating corners of the Pyrénées-Orientales. Bon voyage!