Most of Perpignan’s population is of Spanish origin. They are refugees from the Civil War and their descendants. The southern persuasion is further amplified by a significant blend of North Africans, including both Arabs and white French settlers banished after the independence of Algeria in 1962.

Perpignan airport can be found about 10 kilometers from Junction 41 of the A9 motorway. It is about 10 minutes after exiting the motorway at Junction 41. It is a little airport. It has one runway of 2500 meters and another of 1260 meters. The passenger flow s up to 700,000 each year. Right now direct flights between Birmingham to Perpignan and Stansted to Perpignan are available.

As small as it is, car hire is easily accessible at Perpignan airport. There are six major companies represented, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National. Desks are located on the ground floor of the terminal building. All members of the staff speak English. Cars are in a numbered parking bay outside the terminal building, reservation booklet provided by the car hire staff will include all the details.

Perpignan is a lively city known of its street life. Its glory days were in the 13th and 14th centuries. During this time, the kings of Majorca ruled here, and the majority of its historical significance is derived from this era. There are some outstanding monuments to visit. Situated beautifully on the Mediterranean coast, it is the best place for discovering the eastern end of the Cathar castles of the Corbières, and the Pyrenees.