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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 situated in the region of France known as Languedoc-Roussillon. It is right on the Mediterranean coast, not far from the Spanish border, and has the Pyrenees as a stunning backdrop, together with the famous Corbieres wine-growing region. Perpignon is also the most southern City in France.

Perpignan possesses a unique history and is well-known for both for its old architecture and the modern-day tourist industry. It's also famous as the city whose rail station roof was painted by the artist Salvador Dali, who called the station the "cosmological center of the universe".

The old region around the town, known formerly as Ruscino, lending its name to the whole region, was occupied from the 6th century BC, being a major trader with Greece. It then fell under control of the Celts from the 2nd century BC. During the middle ages, the town belonged to the counts of Roussillon who made it their base. Later still, it was bequeathed to the King of Aragon in Spain, before being passed 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.

Perpignan is also the proud owner of four museums: the Museum of Catalan Arts and Popular Traditions, the Museum of Coins and Medals (one of the most important in France), the Museum of Natural History, and the Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum of Painting. All four museums possess magnificent collections.

In a city the size of Perpignan it often surprises the visitor just how much land is given over to grass and parkland. In fact the city is home to a huge quantity of nesting birds of many species thanks to all this greenery. The central city itself indeed embraces a good 130 hectares of parkland, whilst the outlying areas contain over 2000 hectares of cultivated land passed through by a river. The result is a veritable natural sanctuary for a variety of wildlife and bird species.

The cuisine of the Perpignan region is of course Catalan - a discovery and gastronomic experience not to be missed by those who aren't already familiar with it!

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.

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

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