Trail des Thermes in Amelie-les-Bains-Palalda is beautiful nature trail with various points of interest such as Chapelle Santa Engracia and great views on the Pyrenees. The village is in France, nearby to the Spanish boarder and it is also worth the visit. Walk along the river as you might spot muskrats.
GETTING THERE
Perpignan – 40km (45min)
Narbonne – 100km (1 hour 15min)
Girona (Spain) – 90km (1 hour 15min)
The easiest start is at free parking lot at “Parking de l’ancien l’hopital”. Instead of turning into village, get to the start of parking lot and turn up where is yellow sign.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
The trail map is available outside of the Tourist office or HERE
I recommend to download GPX file online in advance as the trail marking can be slightly confusing but it is possible to do without.
The same trail split into 5 different options. I have done trail number 1 (Trail des Thermes). You can optionally do trail 5, or start 1 and then trail 7, which are shorter or 4,6 which are longer. Trail are marked only in one direction, clockwise.
You will often see signs with these trail numbers, but they are not everywhere, I followed mostly blue dots, which are on trees or rocks. Having picture of the map gave me general understanding of the trail splits when unsure.
I have went to see the viewing points along the way which made the trail about 1km longer. For example I went to see the view point Le drapeau or explored the area of Post de la route du Mas Pagris and Chapelle Santa Engracia. All are worth the detour.
TRAIL DETAILS
The trail des Thermes starts with steep uphill for over 1km. It is in relatively dense forrest area, so you don’t get to see much of the views unless there is small opening between the trees. At the top of the hill there is trail split. At this point there was no trail number sign, so pay close attention to the signs, you need to follow sign for Montalba to the left. I have done small side trip to the Le drapeau viewing point, which is nice stop to enjoy views and take a small break after all the uphill.
From the trail split the trail follows the mountain side, mostly flat/gentle down. This part is easy and very enjoyable and you get more views on the other hills and mountains. Follow the trail until you reach road and turn to the left, following blue dots and arrows until you reach bridge. From here you need to pay attention. If you want take trail 1 or 7, pass across the bridge and shortly after there is sign for trail 7 down towards the river and just few meters further there is sign for trail 1 going up to the chapel. For trails 4 or 6 you need to turn left before crossing the bridge.
If you continue on trail 1 (Trail des Thermes) you get into another steep climb through forrest. It is tough but there are more view points, such as walls, terraces and various ruins. Some parts of the trail are slightly unclear, in that case follow the blue dots.
Finally you will reach the chapel after little over 1,5km of ascent, the trail continues without passing by the church but of course you will stop and enjoy the views, there are many picnic tables around. Little further is viewing point with cross, this place has really nice view on the valley, the villages and Pyrennees mountain range. For me this was my favorite part of the trail. From here the trail continues very steep down passing by the flag, you can spot the blue dots, this part is bit difficult and technical, but ease up into less and less steep descent. The rest of the trail is zig zag descent.
OTHER TRAIL DETAILS
Tree coverage: Majority of the trail is under trees.
Geocaching: There are two geocaches along the trail (at the chapel and the nearby cross). Otherwise there is Adventure Lab in the village as well few geocaches.
Dogs: It is possible to do this route with your dog, if he is used to hiking steeper uphills.
Trail running: The longest distance, trek 6 is trek of Vallespir Skyrace, which is annual trail running event taking place in May. I suggest to check the exact dates in advance, so you do not plan your hike at the same time. Unless you want to participate in the race. More information about the race HERE
FACILITIES
There are no facilities along the trail. There are several shops and restaurants at the village.
I completed this hike in March 2024, dry weather, sunny, around 19 degrees but with strong wind. Hike completed on the weekend, people met only at the Le drapeau viewing point and them some on the final descent as there are some shorter hikes going in the opposite direction, otherwise the trail was empty.
Tips for other hikes in France
