Historic Perpignan, the colourful mix of old and new, chic and shabby, trendy boutiques, narrow, cobbled streets and small intimate bistros, was also a pivotal location in supporting the British and Allied war effort.
Many a Bac (equivalent of A-Levels) student has quivered at the sight of Victor Hugo’s name on the test paper… how will you fare with this 19th century poem?
Rivesaltes. So handy for the railway. Destination: Auschwitz, via Drancy.
The Château de Castelnou was also the base of one of the most successful Allied spies of World War II
Towards the end of August 1944, resistance fighters from all around the region fought Germans and French militia to take back Perpignan.
How about a day out in an iconic Citroën 2CV?
Not a drive for the faint hearted, or the easily travel sick, but for lovers of wild and remote country, it is a joy!
The Avions war memorial at Port Vendres quotes the now legendary tribute from Winston Churchill to the heroic pilots and aircrews who, from June to October 1940 fought the Battle of Britain.
Walter Benjamin has a plaque dedicated to him in Banyuls-sur-Mer.
The poor were starving to death on the streets of Paris. In the royal palace, the king’s breakfast consisted of 4 chops, a full chicken, six poached eggs and a slice of ham, washed down with a bottle and a half of champagne.