You put in great context as to your thoughts about the trip, but zip as to just who you are? At a minimum, age and sex would be helpful. Adding area where you live, and some favorite things to do would be good. Traveling alone or with somebody? Budget, or preferred style of traveling? Do you speak (or even have a smattering of) any languages? Family immigrated from one of the countries?

There are many reasons why the above detail lets people help you better. A few examples..... Driving in Europe is very different than driving in the US. If you are young and have a lot of nerve and really prefer driving, I won't bother to tell you all about how fine European trains are (I'm a grandmother and don't particularly like driving anyway). If you are male, I won't bother to tell you of the really fine street market in Madrid that has really unique and fun women's clothes. Lavish budget and like things "normal", I won't suggest AirBNB.

One thing I can do right now is a tiny bit about Perpignan. Many of the Impressionist painters lived and worked in the general area. When they were young and poor, they sometimes swapped a piece of their work for accommodations. There is a bar/hotel absolutely lined solid with early work of the future masters. There are guided walks where there are examples of paintings, sited so one can see the exact view the painter had as he/she worked on the particular piece. If you are into art at all, the place is astounding. Gives me goosebumps just remembering. The city has an excellent tourist bureau to help you get details.