🇫🇷 Perpignan | Where Snow-Capped Peaks Meet Orange-Roofed Charm

I scored €1 TER tickets (thanks, SNCF!) and spontaneously hopped down to this sun-drenched gem near the Spanish border—and wow, was it worth it! 🎉 With two stunning viewpoints (hello, Pyrenees vistas!), a maze of terracotta-hued lanes, and palm trees swaying like California 🌴, Perpignan is pure magic. 🍽️ Foodie Picks 1️⃣ Artapas 🦑 – Run by a Xinjiang-born chef (English-friendly staff!). Must-tries: Black paella & classic seafood paella – both delish! Tapas = zero regrets. 🎶 Live music at night! 2️⃣ Café Leo ☕ – The owner’s a sweetheart (and a coffee wizard!). His hand-ground brew + homemade pastries = chef’s kiss. 🌄 Viewpoints Not to Miss 1️⃣ Le Castillet 🏰 – Free for under-26s (normally €5). The highest vantage point in town—panoramic city + mountain views! 2️⃣ Palais des Rois de Majorque 👑 – A hike uphill (worth the sweat!), but the snowy Pyrenees backdrop from the entrance? Iconic. 🚶♀️ Wander Like a Local No transit needed—Perpignan’s super walkable. Riverside strolls = Thai vibes 🌊, palm-lined boulevards = California dreams 🌴. Hidden gardens = perfect for quiet escapes. #SouthOfFrance #Perpignan #BudgetTravel #SchengenAdventures #FranceTravel