Along the French Mediterranean Coast from Spain to Italy

We start our adventure in Perpignan, on the Mediterranean, 38 km (24 miles) north of the French-Spanish border, staying at the beach in the small town of Canet-en-Roussillon, about 10 km (6 miles) from Perpignan.  What tempting beaches:  incredible sand and water, with small hotels and restaurants facing the Mediterranean and harbors full of pleasure craft and fishing boats.

Along the beach

 To the harbor

The old town in the city of Perpignan is a warren of alleys, palm-shaded squares, and buildings painted in lemon, peach, and tangerine.  Perpignan was the capital of the kingdom of Mallorca (Majorca), an ancient Mediterranean power and the Mallorcan kings' palace is still standing at the southern end of town.

        

Entrance to old town

            

 Streets of old town

It's a short walk through old town to the castle, former home of the ruler of the Kingdom of Mallorca (Palais des Rois de Majorque), built in 1276 by King Jaime II of Mallorca with great views of the city and the Pyrenees in the distance.

Castle courtyards

 View from the castle (Pyrenees in the distance

Perpignan offers a great start for the journey along the Mediterranean, through the Côte d'Azur, and on to Italy.