Llo and Behold! Absolutely worth the drive.
In the Cerdagne and Capcir, when the winter snows cover the land, it’s natural that thoughts turn to snow sports, but have you thought of combining a day in the mountains with the delights of the natural, hot thermal springs at Llo?
Hello!
Originally named Parrochia Allone, shortened to Hello, then Llo, this pretty mountain village is dominated by La tour del Vacaro, tower of an ancient ruined chateau fort, once home to 19th century ‘witch’ Jean Gobern, known for his skill with herbs, and the ruined monastery of Sant Felieu.
Recently taken over and renovated by English speaking Yves and Pascal Jail, a visit to Les Bains de Llo is a luxurious treat within everyone’s pocket.
Three large outdoor pools, heated to between 34 and 36°, and an indoor pool, have a range of hydro jets positioned to massage your neck and back, legs, feet….
There is something surreal about swimming in a warm pool surrounded by cold snow – an indisputable ‘wow’ factor, and the sulphurous waters are known to detoxify, maintain soft, smooth skin, ease rheumatism, shoulder, neck and wrist pains…..
Aqua Music
An entertaining touch is the ‘Aqua musique’ – lie on a watery bed of bubbles, head supported on a specially designed ledge, ears submerged, and gentle music soothes the soul….. lift your ears out of the water and the music is gone! How do they do that?
Take a Break
For a break between the hard slog of moving from pool to Jacuzzi to sauna to steam, a ‘relaxation room’ is equipped with a large screen showing stunning photos of the region. On Saturday mornings, join in the aqua aerobics class free of charge.
A range of health and beauty treatments and massages are also available to soothe those aching joints, or iron out the creases of a hard day’s skiing, climbing or walking nearby.
Lunch or snack in the cafe/restaurant, take a picnic if you want to soak up some of that winter sun, or make a weekend of it and book into one of the large, modern, newly renovated and fully equipped apartments available on site. Great weekend rates include spa treatments, massage, facials and unlimited entry to the baths.
For walking and climbing enthusiasts, the nearby Gorges du Sègre boasts the first ‘via ferrata’ of the Pyrenees. Hire harness and helmet, click onto the route of hand and foot holds, and boldly venture across rope bridge and precipice to the Chapel of St Felieu. For the less adventurous, a footpath through the gorge to the refuge of Culasse at 1800 metres will keep your feet firmly on the ground.
Between skiing, walking, climbing and total wind-down, your weekend can be as energetic or as relaxing as you wish.
