Coast, countryside, culture: three great day trips from Perpignan

Perpignan might be your destination, but it doesn’t have to be your final stop. This sun-drenched city in southern France puts you within easy reach of the coast, the countryside, and some of the prettiest villages you can imagine.

And with our great value direct flights from Dublin to Perpignan, it’s all a lot closer than you might think. Whether you’re in the mood for coastal hikes, exploring regional wines, or taking a wander through medieval streets, here are three easy day trips that show off the best of the region.

Things to do in Perpignan

Set between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, Perpignan is a small city with a big personality. Here, French and Catalan cultures are naturally intertwined — you’ll taste both influences in the city’s restaurants and cafés, hear both languages on the street, and get a sense of the distinct local traditions they give rise to. The food scene is proudly local, with Catalan-style dishes like cargolade (grilled snails), boles de picolat (meatballs in sauce), and plenty of fresh seafood showing up on menus across the city.

The city itself is compact and colourful, brimming with palm trees, terracotta rooftops and historic charm. Café terraces spill onto sunny squares, daily markets sell local produce, and narrow back streets welcome wanderers. A walk through the old town reveals everything from Moorish-influenced architecture to Belle Époque mansions.

Perpignan is vibrant without being chaotic, and relaxed without being two-dimensional. But what really sets it apart is how easy it is to get out and explore — within 30 to 60 minutes, you can be at the beach, in the hills, or sipping wine in a peaceful valley.

Perpignan

1. The coastal gem: Collioure

If you only make one trip from Perpignan, make it to Collioure. Just a 30-minute drive or train ride from the city, this small fishing town has bucket loads of atmosphere. Spend some time wandering through its colourful harbour and old stone lanes, then head to one of its delicious seafood restaurants for a plate of local anchovies and a glass of chilled rosé.

Collioure has long been a favourite destination for artists — Matisse and Derain were both fascinated by the light and painted some of their most interesting work here. Don’t miss the walking trail through the town that explores some of their old haunts and viewpoints. There’s even an open-air gallery made up of reproduction paintings dotted through the streets.

Collioure’s beach is small but perfectly formed, and a dip in the sea will revive you after a climb to the 17th-century Fort Saint-Elme. The fort itself is worth a visit for the incredible views and its eccentric museum. If you’re up for something more gruelling, the coastal path heading south towards Port-Vendres offers views over vineyards, pine forests and tiny coves that most visitors miss.

Something a bit special: Book a table at Le 5ème Péché — a Michelin-recognised spot in Collioure that combines Japanese technique with regional Catalan ingredients.

The Charm of Collioure!

2. The wine route: Agly Valley and the Roussillon countryside

Head north from Perpignan and you’ll find yourself in the wide open landscape of the Agly Valley. This is wine country, but without the polish and glamour of the kind you might expect in Bordeaux. Here, it’s all rugged hills, old vines, and small-scale producers making punchy reds, crisp whites and an occasional rosé.

The region is known for its Grenache and Carignan grapes, and many winemakers focus on organic or biodynamic wines. You can stop by family-run domaines for tastings, some of which welcome drop-ins (though it’s worth calling ahead to make sure you get the most out of your visit). You’ll often get to meet the winemakers themselves, who are more than happy to talk you through their process.

The villages in this area are sleepy and traditional, with crumbling stone houses and shuttered windows. In places like Maury or Rasiguères, you’ll find rustic wine caves, small cafés and an enticingly slow pace of life.

While you’re there, consider a visit to the Cathar castle ruins at Quéribus or Peyrepertuse — both perched high in the hills with incredible views. These medieval fortresses offer steep but manageable climbs and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered onto a film set.

Something a bit special: Domaine de Majas near Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes offers tasting appointments with a relaxed setting; this producer has a great backstory if you’re into natural wine.

View of Casteil, France

3. The storybook village: Castelnou

There’s a reason Castelnou is officially one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages.’ Tucked into the foothills of the Albères mountains, it’s just 30 minutes from Perpignan but feels like stepping into another century. It’s a quiet, photogenic place to slow down, with cobbled lanes, terracotta roofs, and views that stretch out to the plains below.

Visit the 10th-century castle (Château de Castelnou) and stroll the narrow streets where artists and craft makers sell their work from tiny ateliers. There’s not a huge amount to “do” here — but that’s the charm. It’s all about taking it slow, having a coffee in the square, and soaking up the calm.

You’ll spot fig trees, old stone arches, and hand-painted tiles as you make your way through the lanes. Small galleries sell ceramics, textiles and paintings, many of them made right there. And every corner seems to come with its own photo opportunity.

If you’ve been to Castelnou before or want to explore another tucked-away gem, Eus is a great option. Built into the hillside and full of quiet corners and quirky details, it’s also listed among France’s most beautiful villages.

Something a bit special: Time your visit with Castelnou’s weekly market (usually Mondays) for fresh produce, local cheese and locally made honey.

Windy streets in Castelnou

Making it easy with Aer Lingus

The beauty of all of these trips is that they’re really easy. With direct flights from Dublin to Perpignan, you’ll have beaches, wine country and picturesque villages at your fingertips. It’s a great way to turn your city break into an adventure of discovery — and with the summer season now in full swing, there’s no better time to go.

Whether you’re planning a weekend away or adding on a few extra days to explore the region, Perpignan is your starting point for something a little different. And with flights that get you from Dublin to Perpignan in just a few hours, the journey couldn’t be easier. Ready to book?