Perpignan

Perpignan is located in the south of France. It rests at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. Though the area has been settled since Roman times, the medieval town of Perpignan is thought to have been founded sometime near the beginning of the 10th century. It was the capital of the...

Perpignan is located in the south of France. It rests at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. Though the area has been settled since Roman times, the medieval town of Perpignan is thought to have been founded sometime near the beginning of the 10th century. It was the capital of the kingdom of Mallorca from 1278 to 1344. Because of its location and its history, the city has a mixture of influences including Catalan, Arabian and French, among others. Students enrolled in French school in Perpignan can expect to experience good weather during their stay. The climate in the south of France is typically very mild. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of the interesting historic buildings in town. A French national monument, the cathedral began construction in 1324 but was not completed until the 15th century. For a glimpse into Perpignon’s Catalan history, visit the Casa Pairal, which includes religious art, agriculture and pastoral exhibits. It is housed in Le Castillet, a landmark of Perpignan, and the gateway into the Old Town area. Students taking French courses in Perpignan will enjoy the relaxed, Mediterranean attitude of the local people. The setting is highly unique, with both palm trees and mountains in view. The Old Town is an interesting mixture of winding streets, shops and restaurants. Just a few hours north of Barcelona, visitors to Perpignan often make day trips into Spain for shopping or dining. Students lucky enough to stay in this unique city will find that it aptly fits the description of a French city with a Spanish flair.