Rent a Motorhome in Perpignan and Explore Catalonia

Perpignan: Your Gateway to French Catalonia

Welcome to Perpignan, the vibrant capital of French Catalonia! Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Pyrenees mountains, this city is the perfect starting point for your adventure. When you rent a motorhome Perpignan, you unlock a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Geography and Location:
Perpignan is strategically located in the heart of the Roussillon plain, just 30 kilometers from the Spanish border and 15 kilometers from the sea. This unique position makes it a crossroads of cultures and a fantastic base for diverse explorations. The Têt river flows through the city, adding to its charm. Your decision to rent a camper Perpignan allows you to experience both sun-drenched beaches and cool mountain air within a single day's drive.

A Rich History:
Perpignan’s history is deeply intertwined with that of Catalonia. For a glorious period in the 13th and 14th centuries, it was the mainland capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. This golden age left behind a spectacular architectural legacy, most notably the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Walking through the old town, with its narrow, winding streets and colorful buildings, feels like stepping back in time. It’s a history best explored at your own pace, a freedom that comes with your choice to rent a motorhome in Perpignan.

People and Culture:
With a population of around 120,000, Perpignan is a lively city with a strong Catalan identity. You'll see it in the street names, hear it in the language, and taste it in the cuisine. The locals, or 'Perpignanais', are proud of their heritage. The city even famously inspired surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, who declared its train station the "center of the universe." When you arrange to rent a camper in Perpignan, you are positioning yourself to dive deep into this unique cultural blend.

Weather and Best Time to Travel:
Perpignan enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. It boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year! The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons: spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities, and the tourist crowds are thinner. Summer (July-August) can be very hot, which might be ideal for beach lovers. To make the most of the fantastic climate, you should rent a motorhome Perpignan and follow the sun. For those seeking more rugged terrain, you might even consider to rent a 4x4 camper Perpignan to explore the mountain tracks of the Pyrenees. Your journey of discovery starts here, in this sun-kissed corner of France.

Must-See Sights and Activities Around Perpignan

Once you've picked up your vehicle after deciding to rent a camper Perpignan, the city and its surroundings are your oyster. Perpignan is packed with historical sites, beautiful parks, and cultural hotspots that you can easily explore.

Palace of the Kings of Majorca (Palais des Rois de Majorque):
Dominating the city from its southern hill, this magnificent 13th-century Gothic fortress-palace is a must-see. Explore its grand courtyards, royal chapels, and towering walls, and enjoy panoramic views of the Roussillon plain and Mount Canigou. It's a testament to Perpignan's golden age.

Le Castillet:
This iconic red-brick monument was once the main gate to the city. Today, it houses the Casa Pairal, a museum dedicated to Catalan arts and traditions. Climb to the top for a fantastic view of the old town and the Pyrenees.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and Campo Santo:
This beautiful cathedral showcases Southern Gothic architecture. Right next to it is the Campo Santo, a unique and serene cloister-cemetery, one of the largest and oldest of its kind in France. The freedom you get when you rent a motorhome Perpignan means you can visit these tranquil spots early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum of Art:
This impressive art museum features a collection spanning from Gothic art to modern masterpieces, including works by local hero Hyacinthe Rigaud, as well as Picasso, Dufy, and Maillol.

Exploring the Surroundings:
The real magic begins when you drive your camper out of the city. Head east to the Mediterranean coast and visit charming fishing villages like Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer. Go west to the foothills of the Pyrenees and discover the thermal spa town of Amélie-les-Bains or the fortified town of Villefranche-de-Conflent. Every journey is an adventure when you opt to rent a camper Perpignan.

Unforgettable Road Trips Starting From Perpignan

With the keys to your campervan, the entire region is open for exploration. Here are a couple of tour ideas to get you started on your journey after you rent a motorhome Perpignan.

🎨 The Vermilion Coast & Dalí's Triangle (4-5 Days)

🏰 Cathar Castles & Pyrenean Peaks (4-5 Days)

Returning Your Motorhome Clean: Washing Stations in Perpignan

At the end of your fantastic road trip, you'll need to return your campervan clean, both inside and out. Finding a suitable car wash can be tricky with a high-roof motorhome. Standard automatic car washes are too low and can cause damage. You need to find a high-pressure jet wash station with enough clearance.

Fortunately, Perpignan and its suburbs have several options designed for larger vehicles. Look for stations with open-air, high-clearance bays, often labeled 'Poids Lourd' (Heavy Goods Vehicle) or 'Camping-Car' (Motorhome).

Here are a few suitable washing stations in the Perpignan area:

1. Eléphant Bleu Perpignan Polygone Nord
These stations are well-known for their high-pressure wands and open bays that can accommodate motorhomes. They provide everything you need for a thorough exterior cleaning.
Address: 2940 Avenue Julien Panchot, 66000 Perpignan, France

2. Intermarché HYPER et Drive Perpignan
Many large supermarkets ('hypermarché') in France have adjoining service stations with high-clearance washing facilities. They are convenient as you can also refill your supplies.
Address: 132 Av. Victor Dalbiez, 66000 Perpignan, France

3. Lavage Auto Clean Center
A dedicated car wash center that often has bays suitable for vans and campers. Check for height restrictions before entering.
Address: 330 Rue Louis de Bonnefoy, 66000 Perpignan, France

Always remember to check the height clearance signs before you drive into any wash bay. Using these facilities will ensure you can return your camper in perfect condition, ready for the next adventurer.

Your Journey to Perpignan: How to Get Here

Your adventure to rent a camper Perpignan starts with your journey to the city itself. Here’s how you can get to Perpignan from major English-speaking countries.

From the UK and Ireland:
This is the most straightforward journey. You have several options for direct or nearby flights.

Direct Flights: Ryanair often operates direct flights from London Stansted (STN) and Birmingham (BHX) to Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (PGF) during the summer season. Aer Lingus flies from Dublin (DUB).

Nearby Airports: Consider flying into nearby airports which have more frequent connections, such as Béziers (BZR), Montpellier (MPL), Girona (GRO), or even Barcelona (BCN). From there, you can take a short train or bus ride to Perpignan.

From the USA and Canada:
There are no direct flights to Perpignan from North America. Your journey will involve at least one stop at a major European hub.

Typical Routes: You will likely fly from major airports like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Toronto (YYZ), or Montreal (YUL).

Connection Hubs: The most common connecting cities are Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), London (LHR), or Barcelona (BCN). From there, you can catch a short-haul flight or a high-speed train (TGV) to Perpignan. Flying into Barcelona is often a great option due to the high number of transatlantic flights and its close proximity to Perpignan (about a 2-hour train ride).

From Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa:
Your journey will be a long-haul flight involving at least one, and more likely two, connections.

Major Hubs: Expect to connect through major hubs in the Middle East (like Dubai - DXB or Doha - DOH) or Asia (like Singapore - SIN).

European Connection: From there, you'll fly to a major European city like Paris (CDG), Barcelona (BCN), or Amsterdam (AMS) before taking the final leg to Perpignan or a nearby airport. Planning your flight into a major hub like Barcelona can often be the most efficient and cost-effective option.

Once you arrive in Perpignan, our station is easily accessible, so you can quickly pick up your keys and begin the trip you've been dreaming of.