A pilgrimage today to find the Palais de Kings of Mallorca that looked close on the map but wasn’t. Thank goodness for directional signs. We’d stop every block or so, consult more signs and map, and a passerby took pity on us when he saw us standing stock-still looking bewildered. (Don’t ever argue the point with us that the French are rude.)

The Palace was built from 1276 onward and is considered a remarkable example of medieval civil and military architecture in Southern France. The Palace was built for the court of Jaime II (James II) of Mallorca with the last important building carried out by his successors, the Kings of Aragon. The main courtyard is entered through red brick ramparts and up ramps…View image, paid an admission charge, and used a series of stairways to visit the Upper Chapel (the lower one wasn’t open) and Dining Room.

James II of Mallorca Palace, Perpignan

entrance of Palais des Rois de Mallorca, Perpignan

There was an exhibition inside one of the Palace rooms opening a dialogue on unity between religions. Interesting old bibles, torahs…View image, literature, and implements used by each religion. One example, Buddhist prayer flags. There were also displays illustrating and explaining Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, etc.

Back outside to enjoy the snowcapped mountain views (cold rain at sea level meant snow on the mountains) and a lengthy walk back to the hotel, looking for a restaurant to have a late lunch or early dinner.

Perpignan views, France

Great looking menu in Perpignan, France

There’s no lack of restaurants in Perpignan but, without exception, it was either too late for lunch, too early for dinner, or the restaurant hadn’t opened for the season. Too tired to even think of going out again later on, we bought sandwiches, salads, pastries (again), and brought back to the Best Western Park Hotel for dinner.

If the local weatherman is right about tomorrow’s weather (sunny but cool), we’re going to take the train to Carcassonne for the day.