The city of Perpignan is located in the southernmost part of the Languedoc in the south of France. It is a perfect destination for lovers of the sea, mountains, nature, history and art. It also possesses mile after mile of wide sandy beaches extending from the Spanish border all the length of the Vermillion coast. It is a not-to-be-missed cultural center for anyone visiting south-west France or northern Spain. The city of Perpignan is situated in the region of France known as Languedoc-Roussillon. It is right on the Mediterranean coast, not far from the Spanish border, and has the Pyrenees as a stunning backdrop, together with the famous Corbieres wine-growing region. Perpignon is also the most southern City in France. Perpignan possesses a unique history and is well-known for both for its old architecture and the modern-day tourist industry. It's also famous as the city whose rail station roof was painted by the artist Salvador Dali, who called the station the "cosmological center of the universe". The ancient area around Perpignan, originally known as Ruscino, which gave its name to the entire region, was occupied from the sixth century BC, and was a major trading partner with Greece, until falling under Celtic domination in the second century BC. In the eleventh century AD, the city belonged to the counts of Roussillon who made it there home, until in 1172 and the death of the last count who bequeathed it to the king of Aragon. However in 1262 it again changed hands and was willed to the kingdom of Majorca. Perpignan is also well-known for being the owner of one of the most amazing and unusual carillons. It is the last surviving operational carillon that possesses a range of four full octaves. It dates from the 19th century, being constructed in the famous French bell foundry belonging to Amadee Bollee and Sons from Mans. Before being installed in the church at Perpignan, it was exhibited at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in the year 1878. The carillon is owned by the town and in 1996 it was fully restored to its original glory by the French carillon experts, Herepian. Since being restored, carillon players have been employed, and nominated by decree of the church, to demonstrate the instrument at its best. And since it was electrified in 1956, every day in the morning, mid-day and evening, a player will sit at the keyboard and play the Angelus prayer. There are four museums in Perpignan, all possessing outstanding collections. Firstly there is the Museum of Catalan Art and Traditions. Then there are the renowned Museum of Coins and Medals and the Natural history Museum. Then there is the glorious Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum of Painting. As if that isn't enough, it's unbelievable that in a conurbation such as Perpignan, teeming with people, there are still acres of land inhabited by nesting birds of all kinds. But not surprising once you realise that the central area of the town also contains over 130 hectares of parkland, with over 2000 hectares of outlying cultivated land, all conserving a huge variety of wildlife and bird species. As for the regional cuisine, naturally enough the local delicacies embrace the finest of Catalan culinary delights - a culinary, indeed gastronomic, experience definitely not to be missed by all those new to the region. So there you have it, Perpignan in a nutshell - city of history, art, culture and not forgetting the wonderful Mediterranean sea right on its doorstep - Perpignan has it all and is the ideal location as a starting point for visiting the Mediterranean shores of southern France.
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The city of Perpignan is located in the southernmost part of the Languedoc in the south of France. It is a perfect destination for lovers of the sea, mountains, nature, history and art. It also possesses mile after mile of wide sandy beaches extending from the Spanish border all the length of the Vermillion coast. It is a not-to-be-missed cultural center for anyone visiting south-west France or northern Spain.
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