Best things to do in Perpignan

A Roman Catholic cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Lyon, Cathedrale St-Jean dates back to the 12th century. The Bourbon chapel is widely considered a masterpiece of 15th-century sculpture. In the cathedral sits the 14th-century Lyon astronomical clock, a sophisticated, highly sculptural mechanical clock featuring moving celestial bodies and religious figures. The two crosses to the right and left of the altar symbolize the union of the two churches. Also look for the grand cathedral organ with 30 stops, three keyboards of 54 notes, and pedals for 27. The ornate front elevation of the cathedral stands as a prime example of French Gothic architecture.

Cité de Carcassonne, a fully restored, fortified French town dates back more than 2,000 years. This site is widely considered one of the best examples of a well-preserved medieval city with heavy fortifications. A classic fortress on a high peak features architectural influences from the Romans, fifth-century Visigoths, and later occupants. You can explore two rings of fortified walls with battlements, conical towers, bridges, stone streets, and medieval buildings. A famous Gothic cathedral with carved stone columns and stained glass windows crowns the city.

Castillet was formerly the gate of the city and then a prison. Now it's a historic monument where you can explore the Catalan Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions. The building is known for its variation on military architecture, featuring turrets, crowning battlements, and Moorish-style consoles. The structure was built as a strong defensive castle, but over time it also has served as a prison and a public building. Alterations include the addition of statuary and the removal of certain defensive components, such as the drawbridge. However, you can still see the battlements, barred windows, and domed watchtower.

Natural scenery and wildlife draw people to Navivoile, where you can experience a wide range of sailing excursions on the Mediterranean Sea including wildlife watching, fishing, swimming, and other outings. Take part in sailing barbeques, coastal tours, sea fishing, and swimming with whales and dolphins. You can also arrange for special viewings of the sea at sunset and fireworks displays from the water. The range of wildlife, sport, adventure, and scenic-based excursions make this attraction particularly memorable.

A large wildlife park, Reserve Africaine de Sigean features more than 3,800 animals from more than 160 species, including at least 2,000 birds, 900 mammals, and 900 reptiles. The park also features a rich assortment of plant life in its hills, plains, marshes, pine forests, and ponds. The reserve specializes in the conservation of large African animals, including antelopes, giraffes, horses, an elephant, and a white rhino. Conservation efforts here have led to more than 10,000 births since 1974, including chimpanzees, wild dogs, African elephants, cheetahs, pelicans, and zebras.

A scenic, family-owned vineyard, O'Vineyards aims to combine new-world techniques and tasting practices with old-world refinement and character. The local grape-growing area allows for a balance between Atlantic and Mediterranean influences for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. You can arrange for guided tours and tastings.

Well-preserved medieval city walls, including Tours et Remparts d'Aigues-Mortes, surround this small French town. The Tower of Constance is one of the most famous examples of 13th-century Western European military architecture in the marshlands. It was designed to provide warning signals in case of invading fleets and to offer a spiritual headquarters for clergy. Look for the ground-floor guardroom with protective portcullis, a cellar with a pantry and ammunition storage, and dungeons. The structure also includes the Knight's Hall. Take in the views of the region from the terrace. The ramparts stretch for a distance of 1,650 m (138 ft).