The Pyrénées-Orientales is a place of innovation, having sparked a range of modern forms of art and expression. Defensive fortifications beautify the hilly green terrain that straddles the Spanish border, over which many Catalan traditions have passed. While visiting the Pyrénées-Orientales area, be sure to chat with locals about their unique place in French history, gastronomy and tradition.
The department’s capital is Perpignan. Enter the Cathédrale St-Jean and marvel at the Catalan gothic design and the impressive stained-glass windows. Admire the redbrick style of Le Castillet, which serves as an entry to the city center where the highlights include the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a stronghold and set of gardens dating back to the early 1300s.
For a glimpse into modern-day culture, watch a rugby game at the Stade Aimé Giral or the Stade Gilbert Brutus. You can also visit the historic University of Perpignan.
Head southeast to the Mediterranean Coast and try the illustrious wine in Banyuls-sur-Mer. Work on your tan on the Banyuls-sur-Mer Beach and bring your kids to the Banyuls-sur-Mer Aquarium.
A little north along the coast, you’ll find Collioure, where the artistic style of fauvism is thought to have developed. Back inland, learn about the invention of cubism in the museums of Céret. In winter, head into the mountains and rush down the slopes of the Bolquère-Pyrénées 2000 Ski Resort or the Station de Ski Mosset–Col de Jau, among others.
About one-third of the people living in this French community speak either Catalan or Occitan. Try paella and scallion-heavy dishes that are staples of Catalan culinary traditions.
The Pyrénées-Orientales department runs east from Andorra along the Spanish coast to the Mediterranean Coast. Fly into the airports of Perpignan or Toulouse and travel through the district by train or car. While you’re here, explore surrounding beauty in the form of Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises and Narbonnaise en Meditérranée Natural Regional Park.
The Pyrénées-Orientales provides insights into Catalan traditions against a scenic backdrop of coast and mountains.
