Car Hire in Perpignan

About Perpignan

Perpignan is the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department in the Occitanie region of southern France. The city has a rich history with many turbulent times in the past, but also many prosperous eras. This mixture of turbulence and growth has resulted in a vibrant city with a promising future, both economically and in terms of tourism. The city's population is multicultural, as Perpignan was a refugee city in the 20th century for refugees from the Spanish Civil War and also for emigrants from North Africa.

The river Têt flows through the city, but a great influence on the climate, culture, and economy of the city is also the Mediterranean Sea, which is only 30 kilometers from the city, and another geographical feature is the Pyrenees, which are also only a few kilometers away.

Perpignan is an important port from where mainly wine, fruits, and vegetables are exported which are a trademark of the land around the city. Perpignan and its surrounding areas are known for their fertile land, so many people here grow their vegetables and fruit and of course, produce excellent French wine.

Besides well-developed agriculture and industry, the city has plenty to offer architecture, history, and art lovers. You can visit some fabulous museums here and also admire some great architectural remains from the diverse past of this charming little town.

There is also a rich cultural program in the city throughout the year. At the end of April, usually around the 23rd, the Festival de Sant Jordi takes place and during this festival, the whole town becomes an open-air bookshop. There are many stalls with books and other products all over the city. This festival is held here continuously since the 15th century and is special. If you are in Perpignan at the end of April, you should visit this festival, you will not regret it!

Basic info and car hire in Perpignan

• Location:  Southern France
• Population: 119,188
• Official language: Catalan, French
• Currency: Euro
• Weather:   Perpignan has a typical Mediterranean climate
• Holidays in Perpignan:   For public holidays in Perpignan follow this link
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Perpignan are in good condition.
• Car hire in Perpignan:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Perpignan is at Perpignan airport and Perpignan Railway Station. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Perpignan!

 Driving in Perpignan

The growth of the city of Perpignan in the last decade, both economically and in terms of tourism, has had a major impact on traffic in the city. But since the renovation of the railway lines and the construction of another line to and from the port, the situation here has improved considerably. There are still some traffic jams, especially during rush hour and high season, but all in all, driving here is not as stressful as in bigger cities like Paris, Lyon, Lille or Marseille.

There are some pedestrianized areas in the city center, so you will need to follow the signs on the road to avoid these areas as you drive around the city. There are also many one-way streets in the old town, which also requires extra caution. In general, you just need to follow the rules and obey the speed limits and you will not have much trouble driving in Perpignan.

You will especially enjoy driving outside the city, as the roads are in really good condition and the views are stunning. So, a drive from Perpignan to other places around the city is a real treat for any driver who loves well-maintained roads and the beautiful scenery around them. So if you are planning a road trip through the south of France or perhaps the whole of France and you start your journey here in Perpignan, buckle up and drive safely.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18 years.
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passports for all people in the car), the car's registration certificate, and your M.O.T. certificate (for cars over three years old, proving the vehicle meets environmental and road safety standards), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in France)
• Additional requirements:  High-visibility, reflective vest for every person in the car, Warning triangle, Full set of replacement bulbs for head and taillights, Spare pair of glasses, Headlight converters (required if driving from, "Crit'Air" badge (required in central Paris), Breathalyzer.
• Children in the car:  Children under 13 must be in car seats or wearing seat belts appropriate for their age and height. Babies and infants about a year old or under should always be positioned in rear-facing car seats.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: There is a variable maximum speed on French roads, depending on weather conditions. In dry weather, 2- or 3-lane rural roads are limited to 80 km/h, 4-lane expressways (in rural areas) are limited to 110 km/h, and motorways (in rural areas if classified as highways) are limited to 130 km/h. In rainy conditions, the limits are lowered to 80, 100, and 110 km/h respectively. The 50 km/h speed limit in cities is independent of weather conditions. The general speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on all roads in fog or other poor visibility conditions when visibility is less than 50 meters.
• Parking suggestions: In the city area, you must pay for all street parking from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am-8:00 pm, and you pay per hour. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. Generally, you can park for up to 6 hours at a time if you do not have a resident's permit, and up to a week at a time with a permit.

What to see in Perpignan

Le Castillet

This former prison is now one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the city. There are many mystical tunnels and so many chambers to discover in the building that you just need to bring comfortable shoes to explore this historical jewel of Perpignan. Every first Sunday of the month, the entrance to the museum inside the building is free.

Palais des Rois de Majorque

This interesting and unique building was built in the 14th century when Perpignan was the capital of the Kingdom of Mallorca. Today it hosts many concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events. You can also take a guided tour of this architectural masterpiece and learn more about the history of the area. 

Théâtre de l'Archipelago

This modern theatre was built in 2011 and represents the fresh and young spirit of the city. It is a true architectural masterpiece and you should visit this theatre both from inside and outside. This theatre hosts many first-class performances and if you have time, you should go and see a play in the evening, you will not regret it.

Best restaurants Perpignan:

O Grain de Sel

L'Hibiscus

Les Antiquaires

La Berbere

Restaurant l'Atelier de Jean-Paul

Restaurant L'AbSix