Perpignan - Encounters with Catalonia and the Mediterranean

Perpignan is a small town in the Languedoc region of southern France. It is the ideal spot for lovers of mountains, the sea, culture, history and art. It has mile upon mile of sandy beaches close by, and is definitely a cultural center to be visited by everyone visiting south-west France, the Mediterranean or northern Spain.

The city of Perpignan is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, as a hinterland it has the Pyrenees mountains and the Corbieres wine-growing region. It is the southernmost city in France.

Perpignan also has a unique and most interesting history, and is equally well-known for its architecture as for the modern-day tourist industry. It is also very well-known for its world-famous rail station, the ceiling of which was painted by the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali, who called the station the "cosmological center of the universe".

The ancient area around Perpignan, originally known as Ruscino, which gave its name to the entire region, was occupied from the sixth century BC, and was a major trading partner with Greece, until falling under Celtic domination in the second century BC. In the eleventh century AD, the city belonged to the counts of Roussillon who made it there home, until in 1172 and the death of the last count who bequeathed it to the king of Aragon. However in 1262 it again changed hands and was willed to the kingdom of Majorca.

Perpignan is also renowned for being the proud owner of one of the most incredible carillons in the world. In fact it is the only remaining fully operational carillon with an overall range of four octaves dating from the 19th century. The carillon was produced by the French foundry of Amadee Bollee and Sons from the town of Mans, and before being installed in Permignan, was first exhibited at the Universal Exhibition of 1878 in Paris.

The carillon is owned by the town and in 1996 it was fully restored to its original glory by the French carillon experts, Herepian. Since being restored, carillon players have been employed, and nominated by decree of the church, to demonstrate the instrument at its best. And since it was electrified in 1956, every day in the morning, mid-day and evening, a player will sit at the keyboard and play the Angelus prayer.

There are four museums in Perpignan, all possessing outstanding collections. Firstly there is the Museum of Catalan Art and Traditions. Then there are the renowned Museum of Coins and Medals and the Natural history Museum. Then there is the glorious Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum of Painting.

As if that isn't enough, it's unbelievable that in a conurbation such as Perpignan, teeming with people, there are still acres of land inhabited by nesting birds of all kinds. But not surprising once you realise that the central area of the town also contains over 130 hectares of parkland, with over 2000 hectares of outlying cultivated land, all conserving a huge variety of wildlife and bird species.

Moving on to the culinary arts, naturally enough the native cuisine of Perpignan is of Catalan origin - a gastronomic experience not to be missed if you are new to these parts.

So there you have it, Perpignan in a nutshell - city of history, art, culture and not forgetting the wonderful Mediterranean sea right on its doorstep - Perpignan has it all and is the ideal location as a starting point for visiting the Mediterranean shores of southern France.

Article Source: http://www.articles.ask-me-about.com

For further information on France, the French lifestyle and Martinique in French, please visit Rencontres Martinique at Antonio Bonito's QuePourToi.com rencontres chaudes web site.