Perpignan

Perpignan, city in southern France, capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales Department, in the Languedoc-Rousillon region. Perpignan lies about 30 km (19 mi) north of the Spanish region of Catalonia, and Catalan culture is evident in the language and cuisine of the city. The city is an important centre for trade in fruit, vegetables, and wine, and also has factories making clothing, processed food, and building materials. It is the site of the Gothic cathedral of St Jean and the castle of the kings of Majorca. The University of Perpignan (1971) is here. Tactically situated near the main mountain passes in the east Pyrenees, Perpignan was the capital of the kingdom of Majorca until 1344 when it became the capital of the ancient province of Roussillon. It became a part of France in 1659. Probably because of its proximity to the Spanish frontier, the artist Salvador Dalí used to claim that the cultural centre of France was the railway buffet at Perpignan station! Population 114,800 (2005 estimate).