LE PETIT TRAIN DE PERPIGNAN

Getting to know the heart of the old town becomes much more vibrant when you hop on the "Little Train of Perpignan." This charming tourist attraction lets you comfortably explore the historic center of Perpignan without tiring yourself out with long walks across cobblestone streets.

The Little Train of Perpignan. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This eco-friendly electric train begins its journey from the famous Le Castillet monument and covers a route of over 7 kilometers in 50–55 minutes. Its compact size allows it to maneuver easily through narrow alleys, revealing hidden squares, lavish Renaissance mansions, and majestic Baroque buildings for which Southern France is famous.

The tour features an audio guide (available in 9 languages), making it accessible and engaging for international visitors. With comfortable seating and a smooth ride, this trip is ideal for families with children, elderly travelers, and anyone looking to get their bearings before exploring the city on foot.

To check the current schedule or book group tours, you can use the following contact details:

The main thing to do here is to sit back and soak in the atmosphere of the medieval city to the accompaniment of fascinating stories. Settling into your seat, you'll pass iconic landmarks like the Palace of the Kings of Majorca and the majestic Saint John the Baptist Cathedral. The audio guide doesn't just list facts—it shares local legends and fun anecdotes that bring the ancient walls to life.

For photographers and fans of beautiful shots, the ride is a great chance to capture panoramic views of the old town and its fortifications from unique angles. The train's leisurely pace allows you to catch the perfect moment when historic facades or cozy café terraces come into view.

Families will find it especially engaging: there are specially adapted commentaries for young passengers, turning the trip into a game. Additionally, it's a great way to "scout the area" and decide which museum, such as the Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum of Art, you'd like to visit on foot after the tour.

Finding the departure point is very easy: the "Little Train of Perpignan" waits for its passengers at Place de la Victoire. Your landmark is the famous Le Castillet monument—the historic gateway at the foot of which the route begins.

If you're arriving by car, it's most convenient to leave it in one of the nearby underground parking lots, such as Arago & Wilson or the Wilson Boulevard parking, located just 100 meters from the ticket office. For those who prefer public transport, city bus stops connecting the center to all districts are within walking distance.

Thanks to its central location, the train is easily reachable on foot from the main railway station or during a walk through the old town. It is an ideal option for tourists who want to see as much as possible without needing a taxi or car rental.

A ride on this cozy train is, above all, an immersion into the golden age of Perpignan, back when the city held the proud status of the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. The route is designed to bring history to life, showing how Perpignan served as a strategic bridge between French and Spanish lands.

Special attention is paid to the architectural heritage: from the rugged medieval walls of Le Castillet, built in the 14th century to protect the city, to elegant Renaissance mansions. The audio guide explains how the city transformed through different eras while maintaining its unique Catalan identity, which is evident in every detail—from street names to facade decorations.

While the electric train itself is a modern and eco-friendly addition to the city's infrastructure, it has become an important tool for preserving memory. As you pass the Palace of the Kings of Majorca and ancient churches, you'll learn how cultures have intertwined here over centuries, shaping the unique face of Southern France.

The ride through the historic quarters takes approximately 50–55 minutes. This is enough time to see the main sights at a relaxed pace while listening to the engaging audio guide commentary.

It is recommended to set aside about 1–1.5 hours for the visit. Extra time will be needed for ticket purchases and boarding, especially during the peak tourist season. This format fits perfectly into a one-day itinerary, leaving plenty of time for museum visits or lunch at a local café.

The attraction operates daily, allowing visitors to plan their leisure time with maximum flexibility. From April to December, the trains run seven days a week according to the following schedule:

• Monday — Saturday: from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:45 PM;
• Sunday: from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM.

Please note that the schedule includes a lunch break, and the last trip usually departs an hour before closing. Depending on the season or weather conditions, operating hours may change slightly, so it’s worth checking the current details on-site or on the official website.

The starting point's location in the very heart of the historic center makes it easy to continue exploring the city right after the tour. Essential architectural monuments and museums are within walking distance and are well worth a closer look.

A stroll through the surrounding area will help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of Catalan France and peek into the charming courtyards you just saw from the train window.