Perpignan - The City, the Mediterranean and Catalonia
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.
But it doesn't stop there! Perpignan also has a most interesting history, and is equally famous for its fascinating architectural sights as it is for the modern-day tourism. The railway station in the town was made world-famous by the surrealist artist Salvador Dali, who not only painted its ceiling but also gave it the strange title of 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.
In 1996 the carillon, owned by the state, was fully restored by the French carillon specialists, Herepian. Since then, the carillon players, nominated by Episcopal decree, have been employed to demonstrate the instrument at its best. Since its electrification in 1956, every single day, morning, mid-day and evening, successive sacristans sit before the keyboard and play the prayer for the Angelus.
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.
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 French Africa in French, please visit Rencontres Afrique at Antonio Bonito's QuePourToi.com rencontres chaudes web site.
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