Aug 16

Amélie of Pyrénées Orientales

Updated: Aug 24

Remember when you saw the advert for the "Fabulous Adventures of Amélie Poulain"—the hit French movie at the beginning of the millennium? What was it about the mysterious, delicate Parisian young woman incarnated marvelously by Audrey Tautou that captured so many audiences from all over the world?

The delicate young woman with big, wide eyes made the name Amelie a symbol of the unique character of Paris, especially the old and bohemian 18 quarter, and years later, an American series, Emily in Paris, was produced.

So, how is it related to Amélie les Bains, a beautiful town surrounded by nature in the Pyrénées Orientales?

If I close my eyes, I can imagine a young fairy named Amélie -who arrives in this charming little town and decides to build there her second home.

After the cultural immersion in Perpignan, I found it rejuvenating to escape to the natural beauty of Amelie Les Bains. If you're planning a trip to this region, the Pyrénées Orientals, I highly recommend exploring the surrounding area, which deserves your full attention.

That is what I did. I went to a town named Amelie Les Bains, which is about an hour's drive from Perpignan.

You can get to Amelie by car or bus.

The first thing that welcomes you to Amelie is the scenery, such as the Tech River, which flows beneath a bridge with colorful houses surrounding it.

Amelie les Bains will take you delicately to unexpected places.

It is known for its cure and healing hot and sulfur water, which already flew from previous centuries from a mountain source near Amelie.

One of the most prominent places there is, the thermal station.

The ancient building in the heart of Amelie was built in a Roman style. It is beautiful both outside and inside.

As a historical monument, it feels like I was in an ancient Roman baths. I enjoyed listening to the guide's explanations before trying some cures.

It is a medical cure thermal for people with rheumatology concern. who need to cure health issues such as heart and respiration, but not only, since trying a few of the terms, such as massaging bad with water or bathing in hot water from white mud was very effective for relaxing and feeling regenerated, and who doesn't need it in our chaotic world?

The place is very well organised, with a very efficient staff that gently guides you to all the spaces and takes care of you. After benefiting from the treatments, I was ready to explore Amelie.

What I loved about Amelie was the feeling that I could slow down and appreciate calmely the views surrounding me.

I was wandering through the retro alleys of Amelie's center, having a delicious lunch on a restaurant's balcony. The colourful houses and the water below the bridge were an incredible sight.

I also climbed a path from the thermal cure, and the more you climb, the more you are exposed to great sites, such as an old military hospital located below.

There are many places to watch and see in the area.

Céret

It is an adorable medieval town with an animated market on Saturday—many stalls with various products, cafes, and restaurants filled with people.

I found an immaculate and chilling coffee place for roaster coffee lovers, "Un café Céret." It was enjoyable to pause from the hectic market and have a great coffee time

In Céret, there is also a modern art museum. The weather that day was so fine and it was so pleasant to be outdoor that it would wait for a second visit.

it is essential to know that in many restaurants in the province, at 14h the kitchen could be closed. So be aware. But there were a few bistrots that served all day long.

In Céret,

Collioure

This renowned, stunning city is also a 45-minute drive from Amelie. The town is like a drawing, and there is no better advice than to hang around, discover the charming streets in the city's old heart,( the colours - houses in pink, light blue and violet are dreamy and enchanting) and enjoy the sea view.

Although it is a famous town with many tourists, it preserved its identity and didn't become too commercial.

Village Palalda

You can drive or even walk to this retreat village from Amelie les Bains. It is quiet and surrounded by incredible nature, like Amélie. Actually the two towns are linked as they share the same Municipality.

The village is in the height so you can climb there and on the way, you will find a mysterious and amazing medieval church.

There is also a charming café "Café Perché as the village up the cliff. It was enjoyable and inspiring to have a coffee in this unique café that offres you such a panorama - a "room with a view" While I was there .end of march and beginning of April, it was a special Catalan celebration. It was lovely to see the villagers in the traditional cloths gathering in front of the café and singing.

During my stay in Amelie, I met the mayor, Marie Costa, and had a fascinating conversation with her. She is a very active and energizing mayor who has made many beneficial changes to the city.

So Amélie is not just in Paris; she also has a discreet place .When she wants to withdraw from the buzzy capital ,she goes to Amelie Les Bains.

Report and photos- Niva Josef

Recommendations

Restaurant Authentic. A few minutes later the place was packed. link inside the picture

To eat for lunch or dinner was a very good gastronomic experience in the restaurant

L'autentic. The weather was nice enough to sit outside et lunch time and have dinner inside, Two different atmospheres, a a very friendly owner. and a lot of various dishes propositions in the menu. All was very fresh and homey cooking. Il se trouve dans la place principale " Place de la république"