Car Hire Perpignan Airport

Perpignan Airport is in an ideal location, just a 20-minute drive from the historical city. Once you’ve collected your hire car, this welcoming and amiable region of France is yours to explore at the pace you want. In France, you’ll drive on the right and overtake on the left, seatbelts are essential for all and you can’t use your mobile phone while driving.

Look out for road signs that indicate the speed limit, which can vary from 50 km/h in towns to 130 km/h on motorways.

Exit the airport, head south on the D5G, take the D900 then exit at junction 9 to get to the city. Perpignan has plenty of off-road parking, so navigating around the city couldn’t be easier. If you want to visit the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, drive the length of Avenue Gilbert Brutus to discover this truly fascinating 13^th century site.

Once you’ve toured the town’s attractions, set off along the A9 which provides a free-flowing route to the nearby Spanish border. Drive into the country via the AP-7 and make for dazzling Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast. In the other direction, head north along the A9 and turn off onto the A61 to visit the magical city of Carcassonne.

Rural beauty can be found when you drive west and follow the N116 through dense forestry into the Pyrenees National Park. Roam the hilltops, admiring the breath-taking views and making the most of the fantastic skiing opportunities during winter.

Narbonnaise National Park, accessible via the A9, is equally impressive. A day trip here will allow you to experience its vast lagoons and secluded stretches of beach.

Flying into Perpignan Airport opens up a whole world of exploration in this charming Gallic location. Not too far from the runway is the thickly-forested Pyrenees National Park and historical Perpignan. Exuding Mediterranean flair, this region has a balance of beauty unique only to this pocket of France.

Admire Perpignan’s past

Radiating a charm that settles over the trees, through the winding streets and down along the water’s edge, Perpignan is a place like no other. Its streets sprawl in a sporadic nature, centred around the Palace of the Kings of Majorca.

Wander through the 13^th century fortress and seek out some of the best views in the city along the golden ramparts. Back down on the ground, find peace among its tranquil gardens, as you pass by lush greenery and picturesque fountains.

Perpignan has long served as inspiration for world-famous artists. In fact, Salvador Dali once proclaimed Perpignan as the centre of the universe. Picasso also had a deep connection with the city and you can admire some of his works at the Musee d'art Hyacinthe Rigaud.

The romance of Toulouse

Toulouse is ideal for a day trip. As the city moves into view you’ll be struck by a sea of pink slate rooftops on the horizon. Toulouse is, after all, known as the pink city or ‘La Ville Rose’.

Stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets of the atmospheric old quarter, past a parade of pretty pink-tinged buildings, to discover the grand city hall, Capitole de Toulouse. Built during the 18^th century in Neoclassic style, it boasts Toulouse’s signature blush façade.

Take a guided tour inside - the standout highlight is undoubtedly the Salle des Illustres. Let your gaze drift skywards to the lavish frescoes decorating the ceiling of the ornate arched hallway.

This is more than merely a pretty city – Toulouse is France’s space capital, home of the national space agency, CNES. Discover its futuristic roots at the Space Museum, a 12-acre galaxy of magic packed with interactive features and perfect if you have children in tow.

Marvel at enormous replica spacecraft, experience what it’s like to run on the moon and take a ride aboard a rotating pod.

Prepare for the Pyrenees

With the Pyrenees so tantalisingly close, the temptation to pack your skis and drive to this hugely impressive mountain range is strong. Just go with it.

The car journey from Perpignan Airport to the national park is spectacular. Drive along narrow lanes, through winding chicanes and over the lush rolling hills of the Pyrenees’ natural regional park via the N116.

If you ski, a trip here in the winter season provides some exhilarating opportunities among the slopes but it really is a year-round destination. In the summertime, the snow melts to reveal a paradise for off-road adventures, whether you’re a mountain biking fan or prefer a hiking expedition.

Don’t forget to squeeze in a visit to Andorra, a tiny principality nestled among the mountain range. Head to the capital Andorra la Vella for a duty-free shopping spree, before venturing out into the Andorran Pyrenees for more outdoor escapades.

Base your stay completely in Perpignan or explore the many attractions either side of the France-Spain border – with a hire car your options are endless.