Audio Guide of Saint John the Old Church

The old church (Saint-Jean-le-Vieux), located next to the cathedral in Perpignan, is usually visible from the outside all day, although interior access is often limited to temporary exhibitions or events. To confirm special openings, I suggest checking with the Perpignan Tourist Office.

Visiting the exterior and the Romanesque portal is completely free, as is entry to the adjacent cathedral. If there is a temporary exhibition inside the nave of the old church, there may be a small fee, but it is generally a freely accessible site.

As it is a historic monument forming part of the cathedral complex, a specific visit to Saint John the Old Church will take about 20 to 30 minutes. However, I recommend setting aside at least an hour to see the whole complex, including Saint John the Baptist Cathedral and Campo Santo.

It is a Romanesque jewel that served as the original church before becoming too small and being replaced by the neighboring Gothic cathedral. Its history is fascinating because, after being abandoned as a place of worship, it was even turned into a power station, a curious transformation well worth exploring in depth with a good audio guide.

Spring and early autumn are ideal for avoiding the intense heat of southern France. I recommend going early in the morning, when the light falls best on the ancient stone and there are fewer crowds in the cathedral complex.

Exterior access is possible, although historic areas with old cobbled paving may make wheelchair movement difficult. The interior, when open, usually has ramps for exhibitions, but it is best to check current conditions before going.

You are in the historic heart of the city, so do not miss Campo Santo, the only cloister-cemetery in France, and the iconic Castillet, which is just a few minutes away on foot.

Take a close look at the Romanesque portal on the south side; it is the most valuable architectural detail that has survived. Also, download an audio guide before you arrive; on-site signage is limited, and without a narrated guide you will miss the hidden stories of its ruins and reconstructions.