The Best Hotels in and Around Perpignan, France
Famed surrealist Salvador Dalí proclaimed La Gare de Perpignan, the city’s train station, to be ‘the centre of the world’ following an ecstatic vision in 1963 – quite the honour, but there is plenty more to Perpignan than its transport links.
The city of Perpignan served as the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca during the 13th and 14th centuries, and this Catalan influence can be seen around the area, especially in the metropolis’ medieval core. Take a look at what there is to see and do here and prepare for your visit by choosing one of the area’s best cultural hotels, bookable with Culture Trip,
1. Dali Hotel
Hotel
Let’s get the obvious bit out of the way first – the hotel is named for Salvador Dali, and his spirit resonates through the building – a copy of Dali: The Paintings by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Néret sits in every room. The rooms are spacious and understated, there’s a lounge with board games and yet more nods to Dali, and a bar serving up local wines. The Palais des Congres is just 300 metres (984 ft) away.
2. Hotel les Domes Perpignan Sud
Hotel
Appropriate for a place so close to the Spanish border, this hotel has whitewashed walls that gleam in the Mediterranean sun. The rooms are open plan with modern furniture, soft mattresses and big soaking tubs. Pampering is high on the menu here, with an extensive spa, two pools (one of which has its own bar) and breakfast in bed on offer. Canet Beach is just a 20-minute drive away.
4. Les Mas Bresson
Hotel
Les Mas Breson was designed by Danish architect Viggo Dorph-Petersen, who also turned his hand to a number of iconic chateaux in the area. The style evokes the neighbouring Catalan culture, and is set in verdant gardens of Mediterranean flora. The rooms are split across several houses of varying sizes, with massage treatments and complimentary breakfasts available. Horseback riding is bookable from the front desk, hiking routes are nearby and there’s an outdoor pool and ping-pong tables.
5. Château d'Ortaffa
Hotel, Bed and Breakfast
Wine plays a pivotal role in the South of France, so where better to stay than an old winery converted into a hotel? Château d’Ortaffa overlooks the ancient village it’s named after, and offers a choice between four rooms, sleeping between one and three guests. The rooms have a classical feel that suits to the surroundings, and as a B&B, the customer service is intimate, with bicycles available for hire and plenty of friendly advice on offer from the hotel’s husband-and-wife owners.
6. Hotel La Casa Pairal
Hotel
The Casa Pairal was once a mansion, nestled in the middle of Collioure, a beach town sometimes referred to as the ‘City of Painters’ thanks to the role it played in the rise of Fauvism, and the way it inspired the likes of Picasso, André Derain and Fujita Tsuguharu. The ivy-coated hotel is an artwork unto itself, surrounded by palatial sculpture and packed with intriguing vintage furniture. The rooms all have local art on the walls, as you’d expect, and all of them have their own distinct character. The hotel offers a heated outdoor pool in a private garden, as well.
7. Can Artists La Loge
Hotel
8. Château La Tour Apollinaire
Hotel, Apartment
9. Casa9 Hôtel
Hotel
10. Hôtel De La Loge
Hotel
11. La Villa Duflot
Hotel, Villa
12. Mas Latour Lavail
Hotel
Callum Davies contributed additional reporting to this article.
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