Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, Thermal spa town in Pyrénées-Orientales, France
Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda is a thermal spa town in the Pyrenees where two rivers meet and the landscape rises into mountains in southern France. The place combines traditional spa buildings with natural hot springs that flow year-round and a town center where residents and visitors gather.
The settlement began as Les-Bains-d'Arles before gaining its current name in 1840 to honor Queen Amelia. In 1942 it merged with Palalda, creating the combined town that exists today.
The town's name honors Queen Amelia, granted in 1840, reflecting how the thermal springs shaped its identity and social role over time. You can see this heritage reflected in how the spa remains central to the town's character and how locals relate to the water.
The town is walkable and accessible, with weekly markets where local producers sell fresh goods and regional items. Most visitor services and amenities are located near the town center, making exploration straightforward.
The natural springs here release water at different temperatures, traditionally used to treat breathing problems and joint pain in visitors. This healing tradition has shaped the town's development for generations and still draws people seeking these treatments today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
