Luggage Storage Perpignan

More about Perpignan

About Perpignan

With a metro population of over two hundred and sixty thousand people, Perpignan is the closest major French city to the Spanish border. This region has a long history of conflict between the two nations, and is the French capital of Catalan culture. With excellent transit connections to both France and Spain and a Mediterranean climate that ensures nearly 2,500 hours of sunshine each year, this southern French city has flown into the radar of many tourists for a long time, but is steadily coming into its own.

Considering its Mediterranean location, Perpignan is an absolute baby compared to many of the cities around it. Although there was a settlement at Perpignan in Roman times, the town itself wasn't founded until approximately the tenth century. However, it soon became important as the capital of the Rousillon counts. Once self-governing, the city became part of the Kingdom of Majorca in 1276. In 1344, it was annexed to the County of Barcelona. Captured by the French several times through the centuries, Perpignan didn't become part of France permanently until after the Thirty Years War in the 17th century. As a result, Perpignan has held onto its unique Catalan culture. You'll see roadsigns in Catalan as well as French, and the distinctive Catalonia flag hanging proudly all over the city.

Things to do in Perpignan

Perpignan's history as an important medieval town has left it with several fascinating historic sites, including the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. And as the capital of French Catalonia, you'll find a culture here closer to that of Barcelona than most of France. There is no shortage of things to do in this underrated city.

• Explore the history of a vanished kingdom at the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Built in 1276 by King Jaime II, this Gothic fortress incorporates Moorish, Arabic, and Spanish architectural influences. Guided tours will show you the best-preserved parts of the fortress and explain the history of the kingdom that built it.

• Delve into the dark past of the city at Ancien-Eveche. This museum is dedicated to the Procession de la Sanch, and if you don't visit the city on Good Friday to see the procession for yourself, this is the next best thing. The procession was once a way of taking prisoners to execution, and the black hooded robes of the participants are a spooky but fascinating spectacle.

• See the spiritual heart of the city at Perpignan Cathedral. Founded in 1324, this Gothic cathedral houses priceless artwork from past centuries and is a stunning place to visit for yourself.

• Get an impressive view of the city from the ancient fortress of Le Castillet. Built in the fourteenth century, this sturdy defensive tower has also served as a prison. One hundred and forty-two stone steps lead to the roof where you can get great views of the town.

• Celebrate the modern culture of Perpignan at a rugby league game. This part of France is rugby mad, and Perpignan's biggest stadium is the home of the Catalan Dragons, a member of the top professional rugby league in Europe. Watching a home game lets you mingle with local residents and enjoy a classic Perpignan tradition.

Transit options in Perpignan

• Perpignan airport flies to destinations in France, the UK, and North Africa, among others. A bus service connects the airport to the main train station in the center of the city. The closest major airport is in Barcelona, around two hours’ drive away.

• Perpignan train station, described by artist Salvador Dali as the center of the universe, is a short walk from the center of town. Trains connect Perpignan to cities throughout France and Spain, with regular service to Barcelona and Girona.

• The center of Perpignan is extremely walkable. City buses are also readily available. The train station serves as the hub for most bus routes, and buses to other towns in the area also stop here.

Luggage storage in Perpignan

As with many old cities, Perpignan is best explored on foot. The reliably sunny weather and compact city center make it an ideal place to walk around. But you'll enjoy your trip a lot more if you drop off any unneeded belongings at a luggage storage shop in Perpignan first.

You can make things much easier on yourself by finding a Bounce location in the area. By partnering with local businesses in Perpignan, Bounce makes it easy to store any number of heavy bags for long as you need.

Activities and attractions near Perpignan

• Ille-sur-Tet: Outside Perpignan, the small village of Ille-sur-Tet is known throughout France for its unique rock formations. These orgues, or organs, are limestone columns that have been shaped by erosion and resemble the famous Bryce Canyon hoodoos of Utah — though at a much smaller scale. The trip to the valley is easy from Perpignan, and the village itself is also worth exploring for a taste of French country life. Drop off your heavy bags at a Bounce luggage storage locker in Perpignan before you go.

• Argeles: A short drive or bus journey from the city of Perpignan, Argeles is home to one of France's best beaches. The warm waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for swimming in the summer, and you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants along the beachfront promenade. Bring an umbrella and a cooler with your favorite drinks and snacks and spend the day enjoying the Mediterranean like the residents of Perpignan do.

• Barcelona: Explore a world-class city just two hours away. Over the border into Spain, Barcelona is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. With beaches, world-class museums, two famous cathedrals, and incredible restaurants, Barcelona is a bucket list destination that’s second to none. Marvel at the Sagrada Familia, the still-unfinished cathedral designed by famous architect Antonio Gaudi, or take in the lively street life and ancient buildings of the Gothic Quarter. Leave your bags behind at a luggage storage service in Perpignan and explore this great city for yourself.