Amélie les Bains

Amélie les Bains (alt. 243 m/797ft; pop. 3,644), in the valley of the Tech, is a popular spa, named after Louis- Philippe's queen. Its mineral springs were already being used in Roman times, and remains of Roman baths are to be seen in the modern spa establishment. The local festivals - the traditional masquerade on Shrove Tuesday and the blessing of the mules on June 25 - attract many visitors. Above Amélie lies the little Catalan town of Palalda. Parts of its church date from the 10th C.

Amélie les Bains is also a good base for a trip into the Mondony valley (8km/5mi southeast). The Roc de France near Montalba will prove a rewarding climb; it is 1,450 m/4,760ft high and the climb takes about three hours.