The Best Cultural Hotels in and Around Perpignan, France
After an ecstatic vision in 1963, famed surrealist Salvador Dalí proclaimed La Gare de Perpignan, the city’s train station, to be “the center of the world” – quite the honor, but there is plenty more to Perpignan than its transport links. Take a look at what there is to see and do here and prepare for your visit by choosing one of the area’s best cultural hotels.
Located in the historic center of Perpignan, just 200m from the city’s cathedral, Can Artists La Loge is a boutique B&B composed of three stylish rooms. “Water” has a four-poster bed, “Air” features a spa bath, and “Earth” is decorated with the traditional Moroccan wall coating tadelakt. Although these rooms are the result of refurbishments, the original façade of the hotel has been preserved, as is the case with many of the centuries-old buildings lining the Place de la Loge.
Built in the Belle Époque by a local baron, the grand Château La Tour Apollinaire is made up of seven individually decorated apartments. The terracotta roof tiles typical of the Languedoc region are present; the garden, over an acre in size, contains over 300 exotic plants, palms, and shrubs; and the view from the windows, taking in vineyards, mountains, and the surrounding landscape, is magnificent. Guests can also opt for a self-catered stay and can rent one of the two- or three-bedroom apartments privately, for an added dose of tranquility. Address & telephone number: 15 Rue Guillaume Apollinaire, Perpignan, France, +33 4 68 64 45 72
To the southwest of Perpignan lies the small town of Thuir, which is where you’ll find Casa9 Hôtel. The locale is nothing short of idyllic: nestled in the countryside, a small creek and lush vegetation surround the renovated Catalan mas, or farmhouse, that dates back as far as the 11th century. Some rooms come with private patios and the hotel also offers deals that add massages or quad bike excursions to your stay. If you’re looking to go off the beaten track without sacrificing comfort and luxury, this is the place for you.
Formerly a merchant’s residence, the Hôtel De La Loge, built in the 16th century, is part of the city’s heritage. It has retained much of its old Catalan charm, with statues, ornaments, furnishings, and a wrought iron staircase all attesting to its centuries of occupation. The hotel is found at the heart of Perpignan’s old town, with some of its rooms having balconies overlooking the Place de la Loge. It is thus a perfect jumping-off point for tourists wishing to explore the network of winding streets and alleyways here.
The 30 rooms and suites of La Villa Duflot are centered around a Mediterranean patio with an infinity pool and a garden filled with olive, pine, cypress, eucalyptus, and palm trees. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant has a terrace that also opens up onto this patio, as well as a 120-seat dining room. Here chef Michel Védrines presents regional and Catalan flavours to La Villa Duflot’s guests. Art is also prized, with the hotel hosting sculpture and painting exhibitions and the rooms featuring Art Deco touches.
Mas Latour Lavail occupies a 16th-century Catalan farmhouse in the middle of a sprawling expanse of vineyards. Each of the hotel’s five rooms is named after a vin doux naturel, a sweet wine of southern France, the color of which is integrated into the design of the room. What were once the wine vats are now the spa facilities, and the hotel also offers a Jacuzzi, hammam, fitness room, pool, and wooded garden. The contemporary interiors create a pleasing contrast with the character of the building’s original wooden beams and stonework.
