Angoustrine-Villeneuve-Des-Escaldes offers several distinct points of interest for a cultural and historical stay: a listed church, a former thermal spa, a washhouse and a named walking route. Many details about the art and the area relate to Villeneuve-des-Escaldes. The former thermal spa at Les Escaldes is located in the municipality of Angoustrine-Villeneuve-Des-Escaldes.
Church, Art and Local History
The Church of Saint-Assiscle and Sainte-Victoire in Villeneuve-des-Escaldes is listed as a historic monument. Villeneuve-des-Escaldes was mentioned in 925 in the will of MirĂł II, Count of Cerdanya. The altarpiece of Our Lady of Mercy is dated 1715 and attributed to Josep Sunyer. A classified 18th-century altarpiece features polychromy dating from 1738 and was created by Paul Sunyer and Louis Baixa. These dates represent different points in time: a mention of the place, the dating of an altarpiece and the date of a polychrome finish.
The church also houses a statue of Saint Joseph with the infant Jesus. It has been protected as a movable cultural object since 2 May 1907. Earlier religious customs are brought to life by the bell wheel: with its 13 small bells, it was used for baptisms, weddings and indulgence celebrations, and was also associated with vows for healing. The mention of the place, the artworks and their history of protection thus offer different ways to explore Villeneuve’s past.
Water Sites and Thermal History
The Villeneuve fountain and its livestock trough stand in the church square. The washhouse is behind the roundabout on the road to Dorres and is supplied with hot sulphurous water. The two local features have different landmarks: the fountain and trough are in the square, while the washhouse is on the road to Dorres.
The former thermal spa at Les Escaldes was 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. Colomer was the warmest of the three springs. The d’En Margall spring, or Copéta, was reserved for four special tubs. The temperature difference between the coolest spring, Copéta at 33°C, and the warmest, Colomer at 42°C, was nine degrees.
Walk and Ceramics
The cultural and historical walk from Angoustrine to Villeneuve passes over the Collet and along Rue du Moutier. These named places provide clear landmarks along the route. If you want to explore local history on foot, you can take the named walking route between Angoustrine and Villeneuve.
Poterie La Ferme in Angoustrine-Villeneuve-Des-Escaldes offers workshop and exhibition visits, as well as ceramics classes in a former 18th-century farmstead. This provides a craft-focused alternative to the walk: the route runs from Angoustrine to Villeneuve, while Poterie La Ferme’s offering combines a workshop, exhibition and ceramics. If you are planning a specific visit or class, check in advance whether your preferred date is available.
Discover more destinations: Trilla, Saint-Génis-Des-Fontaines, Montalba-Le-Château, Sainte-Léocadie, Vinça, Laroque-Des-Albères, Sahorre, Tresserre.
For the broader travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.
