Source Chaude – Amelie-Les-Bains

## Overview Source Chaude is a natural hot spring located in the historic thermal town of Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, nestled in the Vallespir valley of the French Pyrénées-Orientales department, in the Occitanie region of southern France. The town has been renowned for its thermal waters since antiquity — the Romans are believed to have established baths here, and remnants of Roman-era thermal infrastructure have been discovered in the area. The name "Amélie-les-Bains" itself dates to 1840, when the town was renamed in honor of Queen Marie Amélie, wife of King Louis-Philippe I, who patronized the thermal establishment. The naturally heated waters of Amélie-les-Bains emerge from deep geological fractures in the Pyrenean bedrock, where rainwater percolates to great depths, is geothermally heated, and rises back to the surface enriched with dissolved minerals. The thermal springs in this area are among the hottest in the Pyrénées, with some sources reaching temperatures well above 40°C (104°F). The sulfurous, mineral-rich waters have historically been used for therapeutic purposes, particularly for respiratory and rheumatic conditions. Source Chaude — literally "Hot Spring" — is a publicly accessible drinking spring point in the town, offering visitors the chance to sample the naturally warm, mineral-laden water that has drawn people to this valley for centuries. The water has historically been consumed by locals and visitors alike, though as with any natural source, water quality can vary and independent testing is always advisable. ## Directions 1. From Perpignan, head southwest on the D115 road toward the Vallespir valley. The drive is approximately 35 km (about 40 minutes). 2. Follow signs for Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda as you travel along the Tech river valley. 3. Upon entering the town, head toward the center and the thermal quarter, where most of the spring sources are concentrated. 4. The GPS coordinates for Source Chaude are **42.4706, 2.6692**. Use these in your navigation app to locate the specific spring point within the town. 5. Look for a public fountain or spout — the hot springs in Amélie-les-Bains are typically marked and accessible along the main streets and near the thermal baths. *Note: Parking is available in the town center. The spring is within walking distance of the main thermal establishments.* ## What to Expect Source Chaude is a public drinking spring, meaning visitors can approach and sample the water freely. Expect the water to be noticeably warm — a distinctive and somewhat surprising experience if you're used to cold spring water. The mineral content may give the water a slight sulfurous taste and aroma, which is characteristic of the thermal springs throughout Amélie-les-Bains. The town itself is a charming Catalan spa village set along the banks of the Tech and Mondony rivers, surrounded by forested Pyrenean foothills. The climate is notably mild, making Amélie-les-Bains one of the warmest towns in mainland France, and visits are pleasant year-round. The area offers excellent hiking, including trails into the nearby Gorges de Mondony and up to the medieval village of Palalda. Nearby, visitors can explore the Thermes Romains (Roman Baths), the 19th-century thermal establishments, and the old town's narrow streets. The region is rich in Catalan culture, with local markets, festivals, and cuisine adding to the experience. Bring a bottle or cup if you'd like to taste the water at the source. The spring is publicly accessible and does not require an entry fee.