Car Rental in Perpignan

Why rent a car in Perpignan?

Perpignan is a great place to visit in the South of France. From unique medieval architecture and contemporary museums to a number of beautiful nearby Mediterranean beaches, the city has something for everyone. Perpignan is also the capital of the Catalan community in France and has plenty of landmarks and cultural centers for those who wish to learn more about it. 

Top ways to enter Perpignan

• Perpignan Airport: One of the smallest international airports in France, Perpignan-Rivesaltes handles more than 450,000 travelers every year. The airport hosts a number of domestic flights, as well as flights to and from Morocco, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. Located 7km (4.3 miles) north of the city center, the airport can be reached in about 10 minutes.
• Montpellier Airport: One of the fastest-growing airports in the country, Montpellier–Méditerranée handled nearly 2 million travelers in 2019. The airport is especially active during the summer months when it hosts flights by about 20 different airlines. Located 160km (100 miles) northeast of Perpignan, Montpellier Airport can be reached in about 90 minutes.
• Toulouse Airport: Serving France’s fourth-largest city, Toulouse-Blagnac Airport handles nearly ten million travelers every year. The airport is a large hub for the low-cost carriers easyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea and is served by around 25 other airlines from more than 70 destinations.. Located 215km (133 miles) northwest of Perpignan, the airport takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach.
• Barcelona El Prat Airport: The second-busiest in Spain and among the largest in Europe, in 2018, El Prat Airport handled more than 50 million travelers for the first time in its history. A focus city for a number of large airlines, it offers flights to and from destinations in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Barcelona El Prat Airport is just 205km (128 miles) south of Perpignan and can be reached in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Since you’d have to cross the border between Spain and France, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. If not, you can travel by public transportation and pick up your rental car upon arrival in Perpignan.
• By rail: If you arrive in Perpignan by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Gare de Perpignan railway station.

City facts

• Located on rivers Têt and Basse near the sea coast, Perpignan has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and short, mild winters. The average high temperature is 29°C  (85°F) in July, the warmest month, and 12°C (54°F) in January. Its summers are drier than its winters, but the precipitation differences between the seasons are not as stark as in some of the nearby coastal cities of Italy and Spain.
• Just 8km (5 miles) from the Mediterranean, Perpignan is a popular beach destination. Some well-known spots include Leucate Beach and La Franqui Beach which are great for water sports like kite-surfing, Torreilles Beach which attracts visitors with impressive sand dunes, and Canet Beach which has the largest crowds. Towards the border with Spain, the charming fishing villages of Collioure, Banuyls, and Port-Vendre have the most beautiful rocky beaches with clear blue water, perfect for snorkeling and paddling in the summer. With a rental car, you can easily travel up or down the coast and explore the best that the Mediterranean shoreline has to offer near Perpignan.
• La Gare de Perpignan, or Perpignan Train Station, is not only a public transit hub but also a famous painting by Salvador Dalí. The Spanish surrealist created it shortly after experiencing a “cosmogonic ecstasy” when visiting Perpignan in 1963; he would later always refer to the station as the center of the universe. The original 3m x 4m painting is now on display in Ludwig Museum in Cologne, Germany, but Perpignan’s visitors can still see the train station itself. Fittingly, it is located at 1 Salvador Dalí Square. 
• As mentioned above, Perpignan is the center of the French Catalan community. Located in the southwestern part of the country and bordering the Spanish region of Catalonia with which it shares language and history, Perpignan has many landmarks and cultural venues dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage. Alongside French, the Catalan language can be frequently heard in the city streets.

Top sights and activities

• Perpignan Cathedral. Also known as the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the most famous building of Perpignan took nearly 200 years to build - the first stone was laid in 1324, but the cathedral was only finished in the early 16th Century. Built in the Catalan Gothic style and therefore similar to the famous churches of Barcelona, it is one of the symbols of Perpignan.
• Palace of the Kings of Majorca. An impressive architectural complex, the fortified palace was built in the early 14th century. At the time, Perpignan had been recently made the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca and the building of the palace cemented its status as a center of power. In the 16th century, the palace suffered heavily during the Franco-Spanish wars, but was later restored to its former glory. Today, it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and often serves as a venue for concerts and other cultural events.
• The Aviation Museum. In 1976, a former French war pilot, Charles Notinger, purchased a large vineyard with a dream of turning it into an aviation museum. Now having been open for more than four decades, this small and interesting museum houses a number of French fighter jets as well as some civilian aircraft and different exhibits related to the aviation industry in France.
• Castillet. Castillet (or Castellet in Catalan) is an imposing structure, an over 30 m (100 feet) tall dungeon, and a fortification dating back to the 14th century. Although Perpignan has since grown around it, the former city gate has remained one of its most notable symbols. Nowadays, it provides a home to the Catalan Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.
• Visit a winery! The region of Perpignan is renowned for producing some of the best wines in France. There are several vineyards located within a short drive from the city center where visitors can take a guided tour, learn about the winemaking process, and sample the local wines. Some of the most popular vineyards include Domaine de Rombeau, Domaine Lafage or Cazes.

Traffic and parking

• The speed limit in cities is 50km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30km/h. Unlike for inter-city roads, the urban speed limit is unaffected by weather.
• Outside cities and as of May 2019, the speed limit depends on the type of road. Highways are limited to 130km/h, 4-lane expressways to 110km/h, and 2 or 3-lane roads to 80 or 90km/h. When it is raining, the limits are respectively lowered to 110km/h, 100km/h, and 80km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50km/h during periods of heavy fog or other times of impaired visibility.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• When you are driving, you need to have your driver's license and passport or ID card with you at all times.
• As of 2019, hands-free mobile phone use is banned in France and the fines are hefty.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers.
• The emergency number is 112.

Toll roads

Most of the main highways in France (autoroute in French) are toll roads. Their names begin with the letter A and you can recognize them by their red number sign. The price for using a toll road depends on the specific route, distance traveled, as well as the type of vehicle - trailer cars and caravans have to pay more than regular cars. You can pay by credit card or with cash. You’ll be given a ticket that you have to keep while on the toll road that will indicate where you got on. Then you have to pay for the distance you have traveled upon exiting the road using that same ticket.

Some rental cars are equipped with toll transponders that can be used at the automatic toll booths (Télépéage). Ask your rental car provider to find out if they offer cars with transponders.

See the official French toll road website for more information. Use the website's toll road calculator to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay for using the toll roads on your planned route. 

Ideas for day trips

• Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. One of the largest protected areas in Southwestern France, this national park is the perfect place to escape the city. Made up of the Montagne Noire mountain range, deep gorges, and picturesque rivers, it is home to a large number of bird species and the mouflon wild sheep. Located 115km (70 miles) north of Perpignan, it can be reached in about 90 minutes.
• Beziers. An idyllic French town, Beziers is split into two halves by the Canal du Midi. Built in the 17th century, it connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the very few canals in the world that has a UNESCO World Heritage status. In Beziers, you can take a nice and long walk along the canal which will let you see much of the city. Beziers is also famous for its architecture, of which the Saint-Nazaire cathedral and the Saint-Jean-de Aureilhan tower are examples. Located 95km (59 miles) north of Perpignan, Beziers can be reached in about one hour.
• Carcassonne. The city of Carcassonne is best known for its impressive fortifications. Known as Cité de Carcassonne, the fortified citadel was first built in the 3rd century during the Gallo-Roman period. It was later ruled by the Visigoths, Moors, and Franks, all of whom added new fortifications but left the initial structure intact. Located 115km (70 miles) northwest of Perpignan, Carcassonne can be reached in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• The Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park. Located on the French side of the border, this national park is the easiest way to access the Pyrenees if you’re driving from Perpignan. Home to stunning peaks, valleys, and hiking trails, the region is also known for its distinct mountain village where visitors can experience the unique culture and traditions of the French Catalan Pyrenees. The drive from Perpignan only takes about an hour.
• Figueres. Located just across the border in Spain, this historic town is famous for being the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, the surrealist painter. The most famous attraction in Figueres is the Dalí Theatre-Museum, which was designed by Dalí himself and contains the largest collection of his works in the world. Another popular attraction is the Castle of San Fernando, a 19th-century fortress that offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside. After a day of exploring Figueres, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants that serve delicious Spanish cuisine, including tapas, paella, and fresh seafood. Figueres is about a 45-minute drive from Perpignan.
• Collioure. This beautiful village is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque harbor, and colorful Catalan architecture. You can explore the town's rich history by visiting its numerous museums, including the Musée d'Art Moderne, which houses works by famous artists such as Picasso and Matisse, and the Château Royal, which was built in the 13th century and served as the residence of the Kings of Majorca. Wine lovers can also visit the nearby Banyuls vineyards and taste the region's famous fortified wine.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Perpignan is the Opel Corsa, closely followed by the Citroen C4 and the Renault Clio. The most popular rental car types are economy, compact, and intermediate.

Further destinations

• Catalonia. Rich in both nature and culture, Catalonia is one of the most interesting regions of Europe. From sparsely populated mountainous areas to scenic vineyards and from the beaches of Costa Brava to the architecture of Gaudi, Catalonia has something for every traveler. Barcelona, it’s largest city and capital, is just 195km (120 miles) south of Perpignan and can be reached in about two hours. Since you’d have to cross the border between France and Spain, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. If not, you can go by public transportation and pick up a rental car after arriving in Barcelona.
• Andorra. Hidden high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is one of Europe’s smallest countries. But that should not stop anyone from visiting, as its great skiing resorts, medieval villages, and stunning mountain scenery are more than enough reasons to go and see it if you’re nearby. Andorra la Vella, the country’s capital, is 170km (105 miles) from Perpignan and can be reached in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Like with Spain, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit you crossing the border.
• Marseille. France’s second largest city is located right in the heart of the French Mediterranean. You’ll find countless beautiful beaches to the east and west of Marseille, but the city itself also has plenty to offer including the old Vieux Port area, Marseille Cathedral and Longchamp Palace which houses some classy museums. After seeing Marseille, you can travel further to visit other famous destinations such as Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Located 318km (197 miles) east of Perpignan, Marseille can be reached in about 3 hours. 
• Aragon. Often overlooked by foreign travelers, the inland Spanish region of Aragon is the right place to get off the beaten track. Inhabited since prehistory, it is home to plenty of ancient and medieval sites, as well as several national parks and bucolic countryside. Zaragoza, the scenic capital of Aragon, is some 460 km (285 miles) southwest of Perpignan and can be reached in about five hours by car.
• Toulouse. Also known as the "Pink City," Toulouse is a vibrant destination that makes for an excellent weekend getaway from Perpignan. Located about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car, this bustling city is rich in history, culture, and delicious cuisine. As you wander through the city's winding streets, you'll come across a range of architectural gems, from the imposing Basilique Saint-Sernin to the ornate Capitole building, which houses the city hall and opera house. Foodies will delight in the city's diverse culinary offerings, which range from traditional cassoulet to cutting-edge gastronomy. Be sure to try the local specialty, saucisse de Toulouse, a flavorful sausage made with pork and red wine.

Car rental prices in Perpignan

• Large cars - from $53 per day
• Small cars - from $53 per day
• Medium cars - from $55 per day
• SUVs - from $88 per day
• Vans - from $137 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Follow these tips and land a great rental car in Perpignan:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Perpignan is the cheapest in April when renting a car is about 44% cheaper than the yearly average and 63% cheaper than renting a vehicle in July.