Take a stroll through the historic center, where you can admire Le Castillet, a 14th-century "little castle" built of red brick, whose unique architecture has made it the symbol of this Catalan city. Not far from there, you will discover other buildings, often in the Gothic or even Flamboyant Gothic style: the Loge de la Mer and the Town Hall, or the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, which houses a wooden sculpture of Christ on the Cross, a major work of European religious art and the centerpiece of the Sanch procession. On the outskirts of the city stands the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, an impressive Gothic-style palace-fortress with a strong Hispano-Moorish influence.

A good way to discover the city's main historical monuments is to hop aboard the little tourist train. The tour departs from Place de la Victoire.

A city of art and culture, Perpignan hosts several festivals each year, including "Visa pour l'Image." This international event is a must for photojournalism enthusiasts in September.

Perpignan is also a place to stroll through winding streets, sample Catalan specialties and southern products at the markets, and enjoy a local wine on a sunny terrace. Sports fans are in luck, as Perpignan is a rugby stronghold.