The Best Brunches And Breakfasts In Perpignan, France

Shelves upon shelves of teas line the walls at La Théière Gourmande, a sleek restaurant and tearoom in the center of Perpignan. In addition to the more than 200 loose-leaf varieties available to drink, they also serve a fine brunch here. On offer are bacon, eggs, sausages, fruit, miniature pastries, a cake, country bread with butter and homemade jam, and a house compote with cottage cheese and mountain honey. You can also add a touch of class to the proceedings with a glass of champagne and an organic smoked salmon tartine.

The aptly named Tango Brunch at this Argentinian spot combines the cuisine of South America and Catalonia. Beneath murals of the pampasyou’ll be dining on a range of cold appetizers and hot entrées, including gazpacho, crudités, shrimp, Iberian charcuterie, empanadas, croquettes, quiche, chorizo, morcilla(blood sausage), and escalivada(a traditional Catalan dish of smoked, grilled vegetables similar to ratatouille). This eclectic selection is followed by El Gaucho’s house medley of fish or meat. Then there’s a plate of desserts with a cup of coffee.

A L’Heure des Thés is a tastefully decorated tea house located in a protected mansion in Perpignan’s city center. The light brunch here consists of a hot drink, orange juice, homemade pastries, and toast with butter and jam, with the option of adding fried eggs and bacon. Make sure to sample their vast range of teas, from green and black varieties to herbal infusions. Of particular note is the mate, a South American brew said to have numerous health benefits. It is drunk through a metal straw from a hollowed-out gourd. Le Castillet | © thierry llansades/Flickr

Traditional recipes from Catalonia and across the Mediterranean make up the sweet and savory buffet at the refined Le VIP. The restaurant is found in Perpignan’s Old Town, in a cobblestone alleyway just around the corner from the 14th-century fortification Le Castillet, which has served as both the city gate and a state prison over the course of its history. Le VIP’s outdoor seating is the perfect way to experience the atmosphere in this part of Perpignan while enjoying the buffet of toast, omelets, sausages, sandwiches, pastries, ham, and other dishes.

Try a classic French breakfast of pastries, bread, butter, jam, and orange juice at Le Petit Comité. You can also get your choice of a cappuccino, espresso, hot chocolate, tea, or a café allongé. This French version of the Italian lungo is a coffee beverage prepared with twice the usual amount of water in order to dilute the strength of the espresso shot. Make use of the mezzanine seating area or take your meal outside on the terrace and bask in the Perpignan sun.