Discover Angoustrine-Villeneuve-Des-Escaldes

Angoustrine-Villeneuve-Des-Escaldes offers several distinct cultural themes to help you plan your trip: the Church of Saint-Assiscle and Sainte-Victoire in Villeneuve-des-Escaldes, the former thermal baths of Les Escaldes, a cultural and historical walk from Angoustrine to Villeneuve, and ceramics at Poterie La Ferme. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, these themes can help you choose a destination that suits your interests.

Church and heritage in Villeneuve-des-Escaldes

The Church of Saint-Assiscle and Sainte-Victoire in Villeneuve-des-Escaldes is listed as a historic monument. Villeneuve-des-Escaldes was already mentioned in 925 in the will of Miró II, Count of Cerdanya. These two points of reference concern different things: the year refers to the mention of the town, while the monument listing applies to the church.

The church’s furnishings also have different types of historical classification. The statue of Saint Joseph with the Child Jesus has been protected as a movable cultural object since May 2, 1907. The altarpiece of Our Lady of Mercy dates to 1715 and is attributed to Josep Sunyer. A classified 18th-century altarpiece in the church has polychromy dating from 1738; it was created by Paul Sunyer and Louis Baixa.

The church’s bell wheel has 13 bells and was formerly used for baptisms, weddings, and indulgence celebrations. It was also associated with vows for healing. The church’s history thus encompasses both works of art with specific dates or attributions and a historical religious practice. If you are planning to visit the church, check in advance whether it is accessible.

The former thermal baths of Les Escaldes

The former thermal baths of Les Escaldes in the municipality of Angoustrine-Villeneuve-Des-Escaldes offer a different historical perspective. They were supplied by three springs: the large Colomer spring at 42°C, the small Merlat spring at 33.75°C, and the d’En Margall spring, also called Copéta, at 33°C. The last-named spring was reserved for four dedicated tubs. The temperature difference between Colomer and Copéta is 9°C, while Merlat and Copéta differ by only 0.75°C. This comparison links the different spring temperatures with the special designation of one spring.

Walks and water spots

The cultural and historical walk from Angoustrine to Villeneuve passes via Collet and Rue du Moutier. The route connects the two towns by way of these named points. When planning, you can therefore choose between focusing on individual cultural sites and taking a walk that connects Angoustrine and Villeneuve.

Villeneuve also has two water spots in different locations: the washhouse is behind the roundabout on the road to Dorres and is supplied with hot, sulfurous water. The Villeneuve fountain and its livestock trough are located in the church square. Their locations on the road and by the church provide clear reference points when exploring these features of the town.

Ceramics as another travel highlight

Poterie La Ferme in Angoustrine-Villeneuve-Des-Escaldes offers visits to its workshop and exhibition, as well as ceramics classes in a former 18th-century farmstead. This adds a focus on craftsmanship to the church art and thermal history. If you plan your trip around your interests, you can choose between sacred art, the historical use of thermal waters, a named walking route, and ceramics.

Discover more destinations: Estavar, Le Barcares, Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, Villefranche-de-Conflent, Felluns, Pézilla-La-Rivière, Les Angles, Llupia.

For the broader travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.