Thinking about a family holiday in the south of France? Perpignan, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, makes a brilliant base — and it’s often overlooked in favour of the busier Côte d’Azur. We spoke to Phil from Imagine Roussillon to put together this guide to the hidden gems families can discover near Perpignan.
Perpignan sits close to the Spanish border, so you’ll spot plenty of Catalan influence around the city — in the food, the language and the atmosphere. The old town is full of narrow streets, pavement cafés, restaurants and small shops, with the River Basse running right through the centre.
The countryside around Perpignan is beautiful and varied, and there’s a lot more to it than most visitors realise. Here’s where to start:
- Palace of the Kings of Majorca
- Child-friendly beaches near Perpignan
- Small resorts for family days out
- The Pyrenees
- Easy access to Spain
- Medieval history and Cathar castles
- Vineyard routes for the whole family
Palace of the Kings of Majorca in Perpignan
Start with a visit to the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, originally built as a royal residence between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. Kids will enjoy exploring the gardens and courtyard of this impressive castle, and the surrounding walls give you a great view over the city.
Child-Friendly Beaches near Perpignan
There are plenty of safe, sandy beaches within a short drive of Perpignan, including Canet Plage, Argelès-sur-Mer, Saint-Cyprien and Collioure.
Torreilles Beach, with its sand dunes and views of the Pyrenees, is a bit quieter than some of the more popular spots and is a good choice for families, with a few bars and restaurants close by.
If windsurfing or kitesurfing is more your thing, head to the beaches north of Perpignan, such as Le Franqui and Le Barcarès.
Small Resorts near Perpignan for Family Days Out
Around Perpignan you’ll find several small resort towns with plenty of kid-friendly extras — think merry-go-rounds, boat trips and excellent homemade ice cream. Some of our favourites, all with family-friendly restaurants nearby, include:
- Sainte-Marie-la-Mer
- Collioure
- Torreilles
- Banyuls-sur-Mer
- Céret
- Villefranche-de-Conflent
The Pyrenees
This part of France has stunning views of the nearby Pyrenees mountain range.
For a train journey the kids will love, take the Train Jaune (the Little Yellow Train), which runs from Villefranche-de-Conflent — itself a historic walled town and UNESCO World Heritage Site — to Latour-de-Carol, near the Spanish town of Puigcerdà. Puigcerdà has a lively shopping promenade and plenty of places to stop for lunch.
The train ride offers spectacular views of rocky mountain scenery, with fortresses, villages and ancient buildings perched dramatically on the mountainsides.
Easy Access to Spain
Perpignan is also a gateway to the Costa Brava and Barcelona, with the Spanish border just 35 minutes away — making day trips to Spain easy and enjoyable.
Cadaqués is a pretty coastal town with a waterfront lined with restaurants and steep, narrow streets to wander. If you fancy a bit of culture, visit Casa Salvador Dalí in nearby Portlligat, the seaside home where the artist lived and worked. Top tip: admission is by advance ticket only, so book a time slot online before you go.
Recommended Reading: Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona with Teens or Tweens
Medieval History and Cathar Castles
If your family loves a bit of “horrible history,” the area around Perpignan has plenty to offer. Medieval villages like Collioure make a lovely destination for an afternoon out.
Or take a day trip to see some of the region’s dramatic Cathar castles, such as Château de Peyrepertuse, one of the most striking of the fortresses once known as “the five sons of Carcassonne.”
And of course, no trip would be complete without the Carcassonne citadel, known as La Cité. It’s enormous — 53 towers, two huge walls, a moat and drawbridges, like something out of a fairy tale. Inside the fortifications you’ll find a castle, a church and a small town.
Vineyard Routes the Whole Family Will Enjoy
Take a day trip toward Collioure and on to the Costa Brava, with stops for wine tasting along the way. Before you rule this out as a family day, many vineyards are close to beaches or villages with play facilities.
Vineyards often have activities for kids too, from onsite play parks to colouring stations, so little ones stay entertained while the grown-ups taste some excellent local wines.
Of course, someone still has to drive — so if you’d rather stay closer to home and enjoy some wine anyway, Château de Rey, next to Imagine Roussillon, has a giant bench that kids love and a family walking route around the vines.
Designed specifically for families with young children, Imagine Roussillon sits among vineyards just seven minutes from sandy Mediterranean beaches, in a former wine estate.
Kids’ club and babysitting are included, along with heated pools, a play park, fitness classes and a gym — making it a genuinely relaxing option for both parents and children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perpignan a good base for a family holiday?
Yes. Perpignan sits close to sandy beaches, the Pyrenees mountains and the Spanish border, so families can easily mix beach days, mountain scenery, castles and day trips to Spain from one base.
How far is Perpignan from the Spanish border?
The Spanish border is around 35 minutes’ drive from Perpignan, making towns like Cadaqués and cities like Barcelona realistic day-trip options.
What are the best beaches for families near Perpignan?
Canet Plage, Argelès-sur-Mer, Saint-Cyprien and Collioure are all popular, safe, sandy beaches close to Perpignan. Torreilles Beach is a quieter alternative with dunes and Pyrenees views.
Is the Train Jaune suitable for kids?
Yes, the Train Jaune (Little Yellow Train) is a scenic, relaxed train journey through the Pyrenees that most children enjoy, with dramatic mountain views along the route.
Are the Cathar castles near Perpignan suitable for a family day out?
Yes, castles such as Château de Peyrepertuse and the Carcassonne citadel are popular family day trips, though some involve walking and steps, so they suit families with children able to manage a bit of a walk.
Related Articles
- Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona with Teens or Tweens
- A Family Guide to the Côte d’Azur
- Best Beach Holidays in the South of France for Families
Before You Go
Exploring more of the south of France with the kids? Browse more family travel ideas on MyKidsTime, or save this guide so you have it handy when you start planning your Perpignan trip.
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Have you visited Perpignan, or do you know a hidden gem in the area? Tell us in the comments below.
