Perpignan Things to Do

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Palais des Rois de Majorque (Palace of the Kings of Majorca)

The palace / castle was built originally in 1276 and is very different from your typical French chateau of the period. That is because this was not France in 1276. It is easy to see the Spanish influence here.

There is information in English on opening and closing times and prices here:
http://www.mairie-perpignan.fr/vie-pratique/culture/a-visiter

I've visited the Pyrenees Orientale frequently over the past 6 years or so and have always wanted to take a trip on the famous "Train Jaune". Well, this year we finally dedicated a day for the experience. What an absolute waste of our time and money!!

The cabins were overcrowded and overly hot having no aircon and this was only made worse by the lack of any refreshments whatsoever, this theme is also continued at every station you pass.

This supposed "tourist attraction" has had many years to establish and perfect itself and to be frank, had I known how bad it was, they couldn't have payed me!!

DO NOT DO IT!!!!

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Near the Cathedral is where the center of the modern city is located and just North of that is the Castillet. The second important church of the city is a ways east of the city center, that of St. Jacques.

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A few decorations are in the Upper Chapel that make it more interesting. There is an old wooden altar with small paintings and Ivory inlays as well as small carvings on the Gothic lower vault and at the center. Elsewhere unrestored sculptures await display that have never been set out.

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The outer view of the Eastern side of the Palace has a two level chapel. On the South side of the palace is the giant throne room with one side completely occupied by a rank of fireplaces. The entry to the chapel is occupied by small columns and carved capitals covered with fanciful fantastic animals. The apse wall of the chapel is covered by a large stained glass window. Around on the inner walls of the inner courtyard are some fine glass windows adding decoration of the stone work.

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Some distance south of the center of Perpignan is the large enclosed area that holds the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. The outer wall is composed of ramparts which are entered through a vaulted brick wall which then enters a garden. This leads to an inner courtyard. Before this are a stone sculpture entrance. and a wide ramp that serves as a riding entry and ultimately the apartments.

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The oldest item in the Vieux St. John's is from the Visigothic period, namely an ancient font carved in marble. There is some encircling carved decoration and a small head and some inscription. On the outer aspect of the old church are two stone relief carvings embedded into the wall and there is also a statue of the Virgin

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Part of the St. John's church is a section of the earlier Ancient version finished in 1025. In a special place therein is a chapel containing the most cherished relic in the church, an early 1307 Devout Christ Wooden Crucifix. Also in this area is a marble tomb of 17C Bishop Louis Montmort and a revered Virgin and Child of that period and other items