Perpignan - Encounters with Catalonia and the Mediterranean
by Antonio Bonito
The city of Perpignan is located in the southernmost part of the Languedoc in the south of France. It is a perfect destination for lovers of the sea, mountains, nature, history and art. It also possesses mile after mile of wide sandy beaches extending from the Spanish border all the length of the Vermillion coast. It is a not-to-be-missed cultural center for anyone visiting south-west France 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 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".
Perpignan is old, very old! The area surrounding the city, formerly known as Ruscino (which lent its name to the whole of the region), was inhabited from the sixth century BC, and was a major trading partner with the Greek nations. In the second century BC it was taken possession of by the invading Celts. Howevern Perpignan as it is known today came into being during the middle ages when it belonged to the Counts of Roussillon who made it their headquarters. The city later on was bequeathed to the King of Aragon, in northern Spain, before passing into the hands of the kingdom of Majorca. Many of the remaining historical features of the town date from this period.
Perpignan is also well-known for being the owner of one of the most amazing and unusual carillons. It is the last surviving operational carillon that possesses a range of four full octaves. It dates from the 19th century, being constructed in the famous French bell foundry belonging to Amadee Bollee and Sons from Mans. Before being installed in the church at Perpignan, it was exhibited at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in the year 1878.
The carillon is now owned by the City of Perpignan who have recently restored it to its full original glory. Carillonists appointed by the church now play the instrument on a regular basis. And since its electrification in 1956, its music can be heard resonating around the city three times each day, morning, noon and evening, with the music to the Angelus prayer.
As befitting a city of art and culture, Perpignan is home to four splendid museums, each housing a memorable collection well worth viewing. First amongst them, the city proudly hosts the Museum of Catalan Art and Tradition. Then there is the famous Museum of Coins and Medals, housing one of the finest collections in France. After that there is the Museum of Natural History, and finally the Hyacinthe Rigaud Painting Museum.
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.
As for the regional cuisine, naturally enough the local delicacies embrace the finest of Catalan culinary delights - a culinary, indeed gastronomic, experience definitely not to be missed by all those new to the region.
So, there you are, the city of Perpignan in all its glory. All that remains is to wish you a happy vacation and many happy encounters with the magnificent city of Perpignan.
For further information on France, the French lifestyle and Quebec in French, please visit Rencontres Quebec at Antonio Bonito's QuePourToi.com rencontres libertines web site. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.
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