This fortunate country, Catalan country! On one side, the coast with its soft curves or with its sharp cut-outs, and on the other, the proud mountains … and in the middle? A fertile plain, with its cooling streams and rivers which give generous orchards and the fruit from the vine, neighbours of the wild scrubs.

 

Perpignan, the capital, rich with the tumultuous history which is shown through its monuments: The Castillet, the only remaining monument with old walls, The Loge de Mer, in the centre of town, built in the 14^th century is where the maritime tribunal is housed, and very near, the old Town Hall (Hotel de Ville), built at the same time, where you can still find the present day Town Hall. And then, high and dominating, The Palace of the Majorcan Kings (le Palais des Rois de Majorque), a fortress with a bright courtyard which offers a view over the whole city but also, from its enchanting gardens, give you a view of the whole of the Pyrenees-Orientales.