Molitg-les-Bains is a small village and spa located in and above the Gorges de la Castellane in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of Languedoc-Roussillon.
Driving along the Gorges de la Castellane from Prades toward the village of Mosset, suddenly in the gorge ahead the beautiful thermal station of Molitg-les-Bains appears in front of you, built into the rocky slope of the gorge. The buildings are beautiful and nestle attractively in their dramatic setting. Unfortunately we didn't have time for a spa break on this trip but next time ...
France This Way review: sometimes when we are driving around France we come across somewhere that we didn't know about and did not expect but is very picturesque and a lovely surprise. Molitg-les-Bains was one of those places.
Exploring Molitg-les-Bains
Molitg-les-Bains is in two locations, with a thermal station at the foot of the gorge and the village itself on a sunny plateau 600 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains including the dramatic Mont Canigou.
Molitg-les-Bains
The thermal station is part of the spa chain of 'Chaine Thermale du Soleil' and the spa is beautifully equipped. For a visit you can stay in the 3 star Grand Hotel or the 4 star Chateau de Riell. The Grand Hotel has direct access to the spa and the Chateau de Riell, an attractive Baroque folie, sits above the spa.
Both are in lovely peaceful locations perfect for enjoying a spa break. Along the edge of the river in the bottom of the gorge there is an attractive walk leading to the thermes.
Also interesting is the little Chapelle des Bains built in neo-gothic style in the mid 19th century. This was built because visitors to the spa found the long climb to the village church too much. The Chapelle is set in attractive gardens.
Molitg village
The village above the spa is small and dominated by its church and attached chateau of Molitg. The castle, known as 'Le Casteil', has now been converted into holiday appartments for visitors to the area. The church is an unusal structure as it is attached to the chateau and its bell tower is one of the original castle towers.
You can also see the chateau de Riell, built in 1895 in medieval style as this was fashionable at the time. It is now a luxury hotel.
A third chateau in Molitg is the fortress de Paracolls which is now in ruins. It can be reached on foot from the thermal park and has great views over Molitg when you get there.
Attractions nearby
As well as exploring the scenery along the Gorges de la Castellane to the north-west from here, other highlights nearby include the natural amphitheatre at the Orgues of Ille-sur-Tet, east of Molitg and Prades, and the impressive fortified town at Villefranche-de-Conflent, just a few kilometres to the west.
You can find more travel ideas in the Pyrenees-Orientales guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
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Map of Molitg-les-Bains and places nearby
Visit near Molitg-les-Bains with France This Way reviews
Mosset
The medieval streets in the heart of Mosset have helped it become listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France'
Mosset guide
Prades
Prades makes a pleasant detour when you are exploring the valleys of the western Pyrenees
Prades guide
Eus
The steep streets of Eus re very lovely to explore - and it is said to be the sunniest village in France!
Eus guide
Villefranche-de-Conflent
Villefranche-de-Conflent is a fascinating place to explore, with a fortified ancient village in the valley and a substantial fort high on the cliff above the village
Villefranche-de-Conflent guide
Mount Canigou
Although not very high, Mont Canigou dominates the landscape and culture of the wetern Pyrenees
Mount Canigou guide
Chateau de Puilaurens
Castle Puilaurens is a Cathar castle of France in a beautiful mountain location
Chateau de Puilaurens guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Pyrenees-Orientales
Address: Molitg-les-Bains, Prades, Languedoc-Roussillon, 66500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 42.653333, longitude 2.389167
Plan your visit to Molitg-les-Bains, Pyrenees-Orientales
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Mosset: most beautiful village (4 km)
- Prades: recommended detour (5 km)
- Eus: most beautiful village (6 km)
- Villefranche-de-Conflent: most beautiful village (7 km)
- Villefranche-de-Conflent enceinte / fort (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (7 km)
- Abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixa (Codalet): religious monument (8 km)
- Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols): religious monument (9 km)
- Eglise de Sainte-Marie (Corneilla-de-Conflent): religious monument (10 km)
- Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou (Casteil): religious monument (15 km)
- Massif du Canigou: grand site of france (16 km)
- Pic du Canigou: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Réserve naturelle régionale de Nyer: site of natural beauty (16 km)
The French version of this page is at Molitg-les-Bains (Francais)