Things To Do
in Cabestany
Cabestany is a small, sun-kissed commune just inland from the historic city of Perpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales region. It blends Catalan influences with Provençal flavors, creating a welcoming, sun-drenched gateway to the Catalan coast. Set among olive groves and rolling hills, it serves as a calm base for exploring the coast and the Pyrenees.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, local markets, and easy access to both city facilities and outdoor adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up with a fresh croissant and coffee at a sunlit café in Cabestany’s charming center. Stroll to the medieval church of Sainte-Marie la Major to admire its famous 12th-century Maillol sculpture relief. Let the serene ambiance and historic architecture inspire your day.
Head to the Ceramic Arts Studio for a hands-on workshop in traditional terracotta techniques led by local artisans. Shape clay on the wheel, learning centuries-old methods passed down in this Catalan region. Browse the gallery to select a handcrafted piece to take home.
Reserve a table at a cozy bistro serving Catalan specialties like escalivada and botifarra. Pair your meal with a chilled local rosé or a robust Roussillon red. End the night with live Catalan folk music under the soft glow of lanterns in the village square.
Take the short train ride to Perpignan and begin at the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Wander through its Gothic halls and terraces overlooking the Pyrenees foothills. Savor a buttery pastel de nata at a nearby patisserie before moving on.
Explore the narrow streets of Le Castillet, home to a historic city gate and maritime museum. Stop at local boutiques for regional ceramics and handwoven textiles. Pause for a gourmet tapas lunch at a lively plaza café.
Return to Cabestany for dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant showcasing freshly foraged mushrooms and seasonal vegetables. Watch the sunset from a terrace overlooking vineyard-clad hills. After dinner, sip a digestif while strolling through tranquil village lanes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread | $2-3 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚌One-way public transport | $1-3 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $6-9 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to the Mediterranean coast and Catalan culture
- Pleasant year-round climate and relaxed pace of life
- Limited nightlife within Cabestany itself; better in nearby Perpignan and coastal towns
- Smaller town size means fewer big-city amenities and events
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Cabestany
Visit one of these nice places.
Medieval gate with a striking red stone and views over the city.
Historic castle ruins and Gothic cathedral with atmospheric photos.
Lush botanical garden with colorful plant beds and water features.
Marina and beachside promenade with boats and sunrise reflections.
Alpine foothills offering sweeping valley panoramas.
Food in Cabestany
Cabestany Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Catalan salt cod salad with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil.
Must-Try!
Grilled peppers, eggplant, onions, and tomatoes with olive oil.
Catalan sausage served with white beans.
Seasonal grilled green onions with romesco sauce (winter months).
Catalan creme brulée-style dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic market in Perpignan offering seafood, produce, and Catalan specialties.
Local weekly market with fresh produce, cheeses, and prepared foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say bonjour on entering shops, and use polite forms like s'il vous plaît and merci.
Be punctual for appointments; take a relaxed attitude in social settings.
Table manners are similar to other Western European countries; keep hands visible and avoid loud dining.
Safety
Tipping in Cabestany
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, a service charge is often included; leaving 5-10% for good service is customary if not included.
Cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with coastal breezes; plan early morning or late afternoon shoots and stay hydrated.
Mild days, harvest scenes in markets, and changing foliage in parks.
Mild with cooler evenings; daylight is shorter and some activities close early.
Longer days, flowering landscapes, and vibrant street life; ideal for photography.
Cabestany at Night
Hiking in Cabestany
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic high-mountain route with stunning valleys and Canigó summit views.
Scenic canyon hike with waterfalls and forested paths.
Ridge hikes offering panoramic views over the coast and Pyrenees.
Airports
How to reach Cabestany by plane.
Small international airport serving regional destinations; 20-40 minutes from Cabestany by car.
Major airport in Girona, Spain; about 1.5-2 hours drive from Cabestany.
Major international airport; about 2-3 hours by car/train from Cabestany.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of residents with Catalan cultural ties and French locals; bilingual in French and Catalan widely spoken in the area.
A steady flow of visitors in summer; temporary workers in hospitality and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed; local clubs and friendly pickup games available.
Popular in the region; regional teams and schools host matches.
Sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking along the coast and near the Etang de Leucate.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cabestany.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options; ask for 'plat végétarien' or 'salade composée' and look for vegetarian menus.