Ax-les-Thermes

Visit Ax-les-Thermes, Midi-Pyrenees

Ax-les-Thermes is located south of Foix and Montsegur, near the Spanish border (and close to Andorra).

It is an attractive mountain town, well known as a spa destination and also popular in the summer as a base for walking and other outdoor activities, and during the winter as a ski resort.

Ax-les-Thermes - spa town

The town has long been established as a spa town. The open air 'Bassin des Ladres' is the centre of the thermal action, with the therapeutic powers of the waters being recognised for at lest 750 years, and probably back to Roman times. Formal spa treatments are available at three developed spa centres: Couloubret, Le Teich and Le Modèle.

Originally the hospital in Ax-les-Thermes was built around the spa to help cure those who had contracted leprosy. Nowadays rheumatism and breathing difficulties are more common ailments to be treated. The hottest of the sulphurous waters emerge at temperatures up to 77° celsius, the warmest spa water in the Pyrenees although there are many sources here, most at significantly lower temperatures.

Ax-3 Domaines - ski resort

Ax-3-Domaines ski resort is above the town at several kilometres distance and features more than 70kms of pistes in total. The ski region includes Bonascre (the lowest of the resorts at 1400m altitude), les Campels and Saquet (the highest of the resorts, at altitudes up to 2300m).

The location is a popular ski resort with families, and in common with many ski resorts Ax-3-Domaines also attracts many outdoor enthusiasts during the summer season, with children's activities etc available.

Outdoor activities

Although Ax-les-Thermes and the associated ski resort have much to offer visitors you will undoubtedly be keen to explore the countryside around the town. There is a great deal to enjoy and discover in the surrounding mountains and valleys, with some very fine scenery, hikes for all abilities, and many small lakes to discover between the high peaks.

The individual scenic highlights are too many to list here, with numerous lakes and waterfalls, forest trails and mountain views to be enjoyed. We particularly recommend the Natural Reserve of the Orlu valley.

Be sure to visit the Ax-les-Thermes tourist office for lots of great ideas according to how adventurous you are feeling and how far off the beaten track you plan to explore.

Suggested places to visit near Ax-les-Thermes, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Camon 35km; Mirepoix 41km; Rennes-le-Chateau 42km; Mosset 42km; Rennes-les-Bains 45km; Villefranche-de-Conflent 45km; Molitg les Bains 46km; Pamiers 48km; Limoux 49km; Prades 49km; Eus 51km; Mount Canigou 55km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Ax-les-Thermes

Ax-les-Thermes tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Lac du Bouillouses - site of natural beauty (21km) : Fontaine Intermittente de Fontestorbes - site of natural beauty (22km) : Pyrenees Catalanes - regional natural parc (31km) : Vallée de Vicdessos - site of natural beauty (32km) : Pyrenees Ariegeoises - regional natural parc (46km) : Eglise de Sainte-Marie (Corneilla-de-Conflent) - religious monument (47km) : Abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixa (Codalet) - religious monument (48km) : Parc aux Bambous - remarkable garden (48km) :

French version: see Ax-les-Thermes (Francais)