Source du Monjolet – Amelie-Les-Bains

## Overview Source du Monjolet is a free-access 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. Amélie-les-Bains has been celebrated for its thermal waters since antiquity — the Romans built baths here, and remnants of Roman thermal infrastructure have been discovered in the area. The town was officially renamed in 1840 after Queen Marie Amélie, wife of King Louis-Philippe, who patronized the spa for its reputed healing properties. The hot springs of Amélie-les-Bains are among the warmest natural springs in mainland France, with some sources in the area reaching temperatures between 40°C and 60°C (104°F–140°F). The waters are historically associated with sulfurous mineral content, which has long been valued in balneotherapy for respiratory and rheumatic conditions. Source du Monjolet is one of the publicly accessible spring outlets in the vicinity, offering visitors a chance to experience the area's renowned geothermal activity without the cost of the commercial spa facilities. The GPS coordinates for Source du Monjolet are approximately 42.4690°N, 2.6661°E, placing it within or very near the town center of Amélie-les-Bains. ## Directions 1. From Perpignan, head southwest on the D115 toward Le Boulou and continue following the D115 as it winds into the Tech river valley toward Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda (approximately 35 km / 45 minutes). 2. Upon entering Amélie-les-Bains, follow signs toward the town center and the thermal quarter. 3. Navigate to the GPS coordinates **42.4690, 2.6661** — the spring is situated in the Monjolet area of the town, near the riverbanks of the Tech. 4. Parking is generally available in the town center. From there, the spring can be reached on foot. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates provided and general knowledge of the town layout. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the exact access point locally, as signage for free springs may be limited.* ## What to Expect Source du Monjolet offers a free, open-air hot spring experience in a charming Pyrenean setting. The thermal waters in Amélie-les-Bains are historically known for their warmth and sulfurous mineral character — visitors have reported that the water has a distinctive mineral smell typical of the region's geothermal sources. Water temperatures at various free springs in the area have been reported to range from pleasantly warm to quite hot, so it is wise to test the water carefully before immersing. The town of Amélie-les-Bains itself is a delightful base for exploration, with narrow streets, Catalan architecture, and a mild microclimate that makes it one of the warmest towns in France year-round. The surrounding Vallespir valley offers excellent hiking, including trails into the Gorges de Mondony and up toward the higher Pyrenean peaks. As this is a free, unmanaged natural hot spring, there are no formal facilities at the source itself. Visitors should bring their own towels and footwear suitable for potentially slippery, mineral-coated surfaces. The spring is accessible year-round, though the experience is especially enjoyable during the cooler months when the contrast between the warm water and crisp mountain air is most pronounced.