Pyrénées-Orientales

department, France

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July 13, 2026

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Pyrénées-Orientales is a department in southern France, part of the Occitanie region. Historically, it was known as the province of Roussillon and its chief city is Perpignan. The region's geography includes the eastern end of the Pyrenees mountains and Mediterranean coastal lowlands.12

The area has a rich history, having been settled by various peoples including Iberians, Gauls, Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs before becoming part of Aragon and eventually France in the 17th century. Catalan is widely spoken, and the cuisine features olive oil and stews. The department is known for its wines from areas like Banyuls-sur-Mer and Rivesaltes.1

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Languedoc-Roussillon
Hérault, Aude, and Pyrénées-Orientales and was roughly coextensive with the former province of Languedoc. In 2016 the Languedoc-Roussillon région was joined with the région of Midi-Pyrénées to form the new administrative entity of Occitanie.
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Hérault, Aude, and Pyrénées-Orientales and was roughly coextensive with the former province of Languedoc. In 2016 the Languedoc-Roussillon région was joined with the région of Midi-Pyrénées to form the new administrative entity of Occitanie.
Read More