Perpignan Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency Euro
Exchange Rate Approx £1 = €1.1
Flight Time UK 2 Hours approx
Time Zone GMT = +1 hour
Language French
Voltage 240 V (European two-pin plugs)

National Holidays In Perpignan

January 1st – New Years Day
January 6th – Epiphany
April 2nd (2010) Good Friday
April 5th (2010) Easter Monday
May 1st – Labour Day
May 12th – Whit Monday
July 14th – Bastille Day
Aug 15th (2010) Assumption
November 1st – All Saints’ Day
November 11th – Rememberance Day
December 25th Christmas Day

Perpignan Tourist Attractions
Le Palais des Rois de Majorque is an absolute must visit when in Perpignan and is a symbol of Perpignan medieval splendour that still remains in Southern France. It contains a wonderful collection of gothic buildings many dating from the 13th century and beautifully ornate royal chapels. It is open each day until 5pm and costs €5. A visit to the Castillet is perfect for history lovers and offers a colourful introduction to Perpignan’s rich Catalan culture and heritage. There are numerous exhibits of Catalan regional artefacts and folklore items and the building itself also highlight ornate medieval architecture. Entrance costs €4 with half price rates for children

Perpignan Opening Hours
Weekday and Saturday shopping hours are from 10am – 6pm although many stores do not open on Mondays until lunchtime. Sundays and Bank Holidays will see almost all businesses closed although local produce is sold in the town and at rural markets nearby. Supermarkets stay open later usually until 8pm on weekdays. Banking hours in Perpignan are from 9am until 4pm on weekdays.

Tipping & Etiquette in Perpignan
Tipping is normal practice in Perpignan yet it is very rarely expected outside the main tourist friendly establishments and there is no pressure to leave a set amount as a tip. However the majority of eateries do include a service charge of 10% as standard. A similar amount should be given to taxi drivers and small change in exchange for porter and room service in hotels.

Perpignan Food & Drink
Perpignan cuisine has a very strong Catalan influence and features hearty dishes that combine the very different cooking styles of France and North East Spain. Favourites include mussels in cream sauce or fillet of beef in wine and most meals will be accompanied by tomato and olive oil bread – a staple side dish found in virtually every local restaurant. Most meat and seafood dishes incorporate either Romesco or Allioli based sauces which are made with tomatoes and garlic respectively. Fougasse aux gratons (brioche with pork) and Roquefort cheese and sorbet are other delicious signature dishes of the region where North African and Asian fusion cuisine is also popular.

Perpignan Useful Numbers• Calling the UK from Perpignan – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire – 112

Disabled Access in Perpignan
Specific facilities for the disabled are basic in Perpignan with many old buildings difficult to negotiate for wheelchairs due to steps and uneven surfaces and a lack of accessible public transport. There is however a pre bookable minivan service which has space for wheelchairs and is used to carrying special needs passengers. The number of wheelchair friendly hotels in central Perpignan is limited but are generally of high quality and offer a full range of disabled facilities.