Perpignan, "new" centre of the MICE world in France

It's a paradox that characterises Perpignan. "Perpignan, centre of the worldis the slogan chosen by the tourist office and local council of France's southernmost city, inspired by the famous words of the painter Salvador Dali. Passing through Perpignan station in 1963, the extravagant artist explained that he had felt a "cosmogonic ecstasy". Two years later, the painter returned to the city and declared its station to be the "centre of the world".

And yet, despite the tremendous publicity generated at the time by Dali, like so many other "secondary" destinations, it is still the most popular destination in France, Perpignan is still struggling to establish its image in the public eye. Of course, the town and its conurbation account for 13% of tourist stays in the Pyrénées Orientales. That's just over 950,000 stays. But these are mainly visitors from France. Or from nearby Spain.

For many, the city remains a gateway to the Iberian Peninsula or to the coast. And while tourism in Perpignan is growing, it is always in the shadow of the 60km Catalan coastline, including 37km of beaches with its 11 seaside resorts. And it generates 60% of the department's holidays.

A place in the sun

So Perpignan has to fight hard to win a place in the hearts of the visitors. " We have a town that has everything you could dream of in terms of quality of life and tourist attractions. A town with a thousand years of history, a historic city, a gastronomic fusion of French and Catalan flavours, sun, sea and mountains nearby. And then there's the very Mediterranean conviviality that makes Perpignan such a gentle place to live." says Laurence Herlin-Lemaire, Director of Perpignan Tourist Office.

These are just some of the reasons to visit Perpignan, in the far south-west of France and Occitanie. And since seeing is believing, it's time to put clichés aside and immerse yourself in Perpignan. Visitors are sure to fall in love with this city of great architectural diversity, which still cultivates a very specific art de vivre, a blend of French, Catalan and Gypsy cultures.

In the old town, the orange and pastel-coloured houses are nestled around small squares or line streets with a Mediterranean feel. Around the Place de la Loge beats the heart of medieval Perpignan, with its Gothic structures: the Castillet, the last vestige of the city walls, now the city's most emblematic monument. But there are also the Marins' Lodge, the Town Hall, the Cathedral and the Palais de la Députation, all imposing buildings that remind us that Perpignan was a capital in its day and a major economic centre. From 1276 to 1344, Perpignan becomes the mainland capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. A period marked by a cultural and economic boom that continues to this day the castle of the kings of MajorcaAn imposing building in the heart of the town. A venue perfectly suited to the organisation of events.

Perpignan, capital of architecture and the arts

Perpignan's heritage extends beyond its pretty medieval heart, with its Gothic accents. A surprising discovery is the Hyacinthe Rigaud art museumThe museum, made up of two mansions from the classical period, has preserved a large part of its original rooms. Its collection is unusually rich for a city of 120,000 inhabitants. In addition to paintings by Rigaud - official painter to Louis XIV - there is a fine medieval collection, as well as canvases by Raoul Dufy and Picasso, sculptures by Maillol and ceramics by Jean Lurçat.

On the other hand, there are no paintings by Dali, the artist most closely associated with Perpignan's reputation. It is the old station that honours the artist with a fresco to his glory.

Perpignan is also proud of its heritage, which includes theart deco. With the arrival of the railway station and the destruction of the old city walls between the early years of 1900 and 1930, Perpignan embraced this modernist movement with passion, demonstrating its pioneering spirit. " There are over a thousand addresses for art deco structures, the work of around thirty architects. With a focus on regionalism, highlighting Perpignan's 'Catalanness' and numerous references to the transatlantic liner style of the period".says Philippe Latger, an expert on the period.

Beautiful, streamlined buildings line the Promenade des Platanes, the city's majestic green lung, and the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. An exceptional heritage that can also be used for a MICE tour of the city. Or even for a conference, such as at the Consular PalaceThis splendid building, adorned with stained glass windows, houses the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

With its 45 rooms, the Hôtel Pams is an ode to the architecture and arts of the period, with its art nouveau frescoes and candelabras, fin-de-siècle decor and profusion of marble, onyx, wood and ironwork.

The former factory is now used for exhibitions, while the state rooms are used for official receptions for the city of Perpignan. The inner courtyard opens onto a patio garden planted with Mediterranean trees, which completes this exceptional setting. Prestigious conferences can be held in this timeless setting in the heart of historic Perpignan.

Catalonia in the spotlight

There is one asset that Perpignan is not denying, quite the contrary. It is that of his dual identity between French and Catalan culture. It gives the Roussillon town its unique atmosphere. " Spaniards who come to Perpignan are seduced by our French way of life. As for French visitors, they find that we have an air of Spain about us." jokes Laurence Herlin-Lemaire.

Numerous festivals such as the Sanch procession and the Sant Jordi celebrations are a reminder of this. Perpignan's Catalan identity. Just like its cuisine, where tapas rub shoulders with fish, seafood and local hams.

Perpignan is thus emerging as an original destination for MICE event organisers. They'll find a destination that's just right for hosting events, while remaining on a human scale. The Palais des Congrès, for example, can accommodate up to 1,000 delegates in its amphitheatre.There are also a dozen meeting rooms and exhibition areas.

What's more, Perpignan is easy to get to despite (or perhaps because of) its remote location. It is crossed by the motorway linking Spain to the south of France. Its railway station is home to several daily TGV trains from Paris, Lille and Brussels. It is one of the few places where Renfe's AVEs also pass through. From Perpignan, the Spanish railway company serves Marseille, Lyon, Barcelona and Madrid and, in 2025, Toulouse..

The airport is of modest size, with traffic of 500,000 passengers. It is nevertheless with regular connections to Paris Orly with TransaviaThere are also flights to Brussels, Dublin, Lille, London and Nantes. As an alternative for passengers from all over the world, Perpignan is only a two-hour drive from Paris airport. Barcelona or an hour and 15 minutes from Girona.

There are also plenty of hotels to choose from: 40 hotels in and around the city, with almost 5,000 beds. These include Holiday Inn, Ibis Style, Kyriad, Mercure or a Novotel Suites. A Best Western will be added in 2025. This brings the total number of 4-star hotels in the Eastern Pyrenees to 9 (1,300 beds). Along the coastless than 30 minutes by car from the metropolis, as well as 4,500 additional beds of which two 5 stars the Relais et Châteaux Thalasso & Spa Ile de la Lagune in Saint-Cyprien and Maison Nova in Collioure.

In Perpignan itself, the Villa Duflot is the city's most elegant four-star hotel. Slightly off-centre, the hotel with its ochre and orange facades, surrounded by umbrella pines and olive trees, has the look and feel of a resort. It boasts a swimming pool, spa, gardens and 5 seminar rooms capable of accommodating up to 200 people.

Tomorrow, a theme park and new hotel capacity?

Perpignan's future as a MICE centre is now at stake in an ambitious project for a theme park linked to cinema and video games.supported by the town council. Planned for the south of the city, its 60-hectare surface area would be equivalent to that of Parc Astérix near Paris. Local councillors on all sides are currently quarrelling over its construction.

Nevertheless, the park would represent a much-needed economic and tourism opportunity for the city of Perpignan. Its promoter claims that it would create 2,000 jobs and generate up to €750 million in investment. The park would comprise six themed attraction pavilions, an amphitheatre for conferences and several hotels with some 1,400 rooms.. With the added bonus of a cinema centre to host professional film shoots. With the potential realisation of this project, Perpignan will be able to lay even greater claim to its title of "centre of the world".

At Saint-Cyprien, Île de la Lagune embodies luxury and intimacy on a private island. Private villas alternate with a traditional five-star hotel. Villas with their feet in the water and private transport by boat are spread across this enchanting setting. A true benchmark: the Île de la Lagune became the residence of actress Isabelle Huppert for a film shoot. The hotel is also close to the beautiful St Cyprien Golf Club, with its 27-hole world-class course.

Finally, what would an incentive to Perpignan and its coastline be without a stop in one of France's prettiest little towns? Collioure ? In the off-season, the town beckons visitors with its narrow streets lined with multicoloured houses, while the benevolent silhouette of its fortress castle watches over old Collioure, a paradise for Fauvist painters. An atmosphere of eternal tranquillity. Not least in this former manor house, La Casa Païralwhich combines French and Spanish charm.

Guide to Perpignan and the surrounding area

Stay

- The Villa Duflot is the only urban resort just a few minutes from Perpignan city centre, with 52 rooms and suites. Swimming pool, spa and renowned gourmet restaurant complete this establishment which also offers all the facilities for a seminar.

- Hotel Suite Novotel PerpignanThe hotel, close to the historic city centre, offers 50 suites of 30 m² each, as well as a bar and fitness area. Ideal for MICE groups as it is close to the Palais des Congrès.

– Les Flamants Roses. Just 20 minutes by car from Perpignan, this thalasso-balneotherapy establishment has 63 rooms, 2 restaurants, bars, swimming pool, fitness trail, spa and seminar rooms. An ideal location for a MICE event with outdoor activities right on the beach.

– The Lagoon Island. the only 5-star hotel close to Perpignan, this luxurious establishment is located on a private island on the edge of a lagoon. 37 rooms, a dozen villas, a luxury spa, a gourmet restaurant, a bar and a large seminar room are ideal for top-of-the-range MICE groups (https://www.hotel-ile-lagune.com/fr).

Eat

- Casa Sansa. In the historic heart of Perpignan, this traditional restaurant does not disappoint with the quality of its gastronomy, a fusion of Catalan and French cuisine. A true Perpignan experience... (tel: +33 4 68 50 48 01)

- Le Fanal (Banyul-sur-Mer). Chef Pascal Borrell's Michelin-starred restaurant puts fish first. Depending on what's available, you can sample monkfish, hake, cod, turbot or sole accompanied by homemade bread and excellent wines. AOC red and white wines from Collioure and the Languedoc region. There are also cookery workshops (tel: +33 4 68 98 65 88).

To meet

Find out more

You can soak up Perpignan over two or three days. The compact historic old town is a succession of streets and squares, surrounded by colourful houses and numerous historic monuments and palaces. Must-sees include the Romanesque and Gothic cathedral of Saint-Jean Baptiste, the Castillet, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, the Loge de Mer/Town Hall, the Hôtel Pams, the Grands Carmes church and the superb Hyacinthe Rigaud fine arts museum.

Just a few minutes' drive from the centre of Perpignan, you can also discover the beautiful beaches along the coast between Canet-en-Roussillon and Saint-Cyprien. Alternatively, you can visit Mont Canigou, classified as a Grand Site de France. It offers exceptional scenery in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park.

Finally, a special mention for the small town of Collioure. A favourite haunt of Fauvist painters such as Matisse and Derain, who transferred colour and light to canvas, Collioure's narrow streets are lined with ancient houses, its fortress and churches facing the Mediterranean.

Find out more

• Perpignan Town Hall. https://www.mairie-perpignan.fr/
• Perpignan Centre du Monde Tourist Office- Place de La Loge 66000 Perpignan - France Tel: +33(0)4 68 66 30 30 - https://www.perpignantourisme.com
• Perpignan Convention Centre. Tel: 04 68 68 26 26 - https://www.congres-perpignan.com/
• Pyrénées Orientales Chamber of Commerce and Industry. https://www.pyrenees-orientales.cci.fr/