Contents of article "How to get here ?"
TRAVEL TO THE PYRENEES-ORIENTALES
By train
By plane
Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport, (PGF)
Girona airport (GRO)
Barcelona airport (BCN)
By road
TRAVEL TO THE PYRENEES-ORIENTALES
Not so many years ago, the region of the Pyrénées-Orientales was an area of France which could only be considered as a holiday destination for those with both the means to pay high travel costs and the time to make the return journey and still have some time in between for a holiday! These days, not only is the region very accessible due to the excellent motorways that link the north of France directly with the south, but also thanks to the low cost airlines flying into Perpignan, Barcelona and Girona.
By train
SNCF (Socièté Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français)
This equivalent to British Rail tends to be much more punctual! Through trains are available directly from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to Perpignan and from most of the main stations in the capital. TGV trains (Trains à grande vitesse) are rapid and comfortable, although not particularly cheap.
Reserving your ticket on line
You are able to check time tables, buy your ticket and even print it out on this page.
This passenger guide will give you clear and concise information in English on fares, timetables and all aspects of your journey and SNCF services.
By plane
The Pyrénées-Orientales is spoilt for choice where airports are concerned.
Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport, (PGF)
Situated just 3 kilometres from Perpignan centre, is central to the whole region. Although only a small airport, it has parking and buffet facilities, all the well known car hire firms, and good taxi and shuttle links. There are now direct daily flights from Birmingham and London Stanstead in England with Ryanair and Paris Orly with Air France. Believe it or not, on the right days, flights can cost as little as 99p! (plus airport tax of course)
Girona airport (GRO)
(called Barcelona Girona but don’t be fooled. It is a good hour’s drive from Barcelona which has its own excellent airport (details below)
Originally a small local airport 7km away from Girona centre, the aiport is being extended with better parking, improved facilities and more flight choice. You can fly to Girona with Ryanair from Blackpool, Bournemouth, Dublin, Glasgow, Liverpool and London Luton and Stanstead along with many other european cities. Depending on the date, flights are also very cheap. At the moment, parking is awkward (and free) because of the improvements but they should be finished by 2006.
Barcelona airport (BCN)
A modern and well organised airport about 12km from the centre of Barcelona with very good link facilities via shuttle and coach and a train service taking you directly into Barcelona and linking up with the metro.
You can find quite cheap flights with Jet2 from Leeds or Dublin or fly with EasyJet from Bristol, London, Liverpool or Newcastle.
I have only mentioned here the cheaper airlines but if luxury and comfort are your priorities, there are other airlines going to Barcelona!
Another airline well worth checking out is flybe.com who run flights from Birmingham and Southampton to Perpignan.
By road
I wouldn’t dream of taking away the pleasure of planning the itinerary for your trip down to the Pyrénées-Orientales, although if you click here, you will find a helping hand to give you an idea of routes, distances, and various useful road info. Motorways into the region are excellent but it is worth consulting the Bison Futé which will give you details of dates and areas to avoid in high season. The site is in French only but if you click on the map for the region you need, graphics will show roadworks and hotspots to avoid, accidents and events leading to jams. If you then click on Prévisions Bison Futé on that page, it will give you travel dates to avoid due to anticipated heavy traffic.
The A9 motorway crosses the Pyrénées-Orientales and continues into Spain towards Barcelona. The following should give you some idea of which exit to take off the A9 to arrive at your destination in the PO.
Exit Perpignan Nord: Fenouillèdes, Aspres-Riberal, Cerdagne, Capcir, Conflent areas and seaside resorts (Rivesaltes, St Esteve, Barcares, Port Leucate.....)
Exit Perpignan Sud: Cerdagne Capcir, Conflent, Aspres (Prades, Thuir, Eus, St Cyprien.....)
Exit Le Boulou: Vallespir area and seaside resorts (Céret, Amélie-les-Bains, Argelès, Coullioure, Le Perthus, Prats de Mollo......) This is the last exit in France before crossing the border into spain and arriving at La Jonquera.
