It borders Spain (Catalonia), Andorra, the Mediterranean Sea, and the departments of Aude and Ariège.
Capital / Préfecture: Perpignan (Perpinyà in Catalan) – a vibrant city with a strong Catalan atmosphere.
Nickname: Also called Northern Catalonia (Catalunya Nord), because it was historically part of the Principality of Catalonia until the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659).
Landscape & Climate: A unique mix within easy reach: High Pyrenees with peaks such as the iconic Pic du Canigó (2,784 m) – a symbol of the Catalans.
Ski and hiking areas (including Cerdagne, Capcir, Font-Romeu).
Fertile Roussillon plain with vineyards, peach and apricot orchards.
Mediterranean coast (Côte Vermeille) with rocky coves, beaches, and picturesque coastal towns such as Collioure, Banyuls-sur-Mer, Argelès-sur-Mer, and Cerbère.
Culture & Identity: Strong Catalan character: many people still speak Catalan, street names are bilingual, there are Catalan traditions, dance (sardana), and cuisine (including cargolada (snail festival), crema catalana, anchovies, Banyuls sweet wine).
Languages: French, Catalan, and to a lesser extent Occitan.
Economy & Tourism: Main sectors: tourism, wine production (Côtes du Roussillon, Collioure, Maury, Banyuls), fruit growing, and fishing.
Very popular with sun worshippers.
Hikers, skiers, and culture & gastronomy enthusiasts.
In short: a mini-Catalonia on the French side with sea, mountains, sun, wine, and a unique identity – “la Catalogne française.”
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