Vernet-les-Bains

Vernet-les-Bains (French pronunciation:; lit. 'Vernet-the-Baths'; Catalan: Vernet) is a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientalesdepartment in southern France.

The Catalan word for an alder tree is "vern". "Vernet" is derived from "verneda", a Catalan word meaning a group of alder trees. Vernet officially became Vernet-les-Bains in 1953.

It is a centre for visitors and holidaymakers. The village has a sunny climate (with, on average, 300 days of sunshine each year) and is set in a sheltered valley in the foothills of the Canigó mountain – which rises to a height of 2,785 metres (over 9,000 feet). Vernet-les-Bains is also known for its hot water springs. There is a professional spa/therapy centre in the village.