Luzenac talc career
From the Ariège Evasion campsite Take the RN20 towards Ax le Thermes for about 25 km. On the road you will see the Pic de Saint Barthelemy, the Cathar ruins of the Château de Lordat and you will cross the village of Luzenac known for its talc quarries among the largest in the world. Take the opportunity to make a stop in Talcaneo The Talc Museum where you will be offering excursions to go to the heart of the open -air Talc quarries. A few kilometers further you arrive in Ax the thermal baths.
Ruin of Lordat Castle
The story of AX les Thermes:
The city of Ax-les-Thermes has more than sixty hot water sources whose temperatures vary between 18 ° C and 78 ° C. Knowledge and use of these waters date back to the Middle Ages, but it was their rediscovery in the middle of the 18th century that led to the construction of specific buildings and the establishment of new practices that will become the main economic activity. The city has a network of thermal, public and private establishments, offering a wide range of care for patients. The arrival of the transpyrenean railway in the second half of the 19th century opened the valley to the greatest number. Modernism progresses faster than in the rest of the department, AX is one of the first cities to have it all in the sewer, running water and electricity. The public fountains of sulfur waters allow Axesans to have hot water permanently for their hygiene, cleaning and cooking.
The golden age of the thermal city extends to the Second World War. A leisure company is installed there with the casino, theater, thermal baths and parks, luxury villas and hotels and many cafes. The first passage of the Tour de France in 1930 succeeds that of the car race "the Pyrenees Cup"; Finally, skiing took off in the 1950s.
Activities:
Strong:
Ladres basin
AX The thermal baths invites you to stroll to rush into these small alleys and to discover its open -air pools where you can dip your feet in the warm and suffered waters which go the reputation of the city.
The Ladres Basin, located in front of the hospital, is the only attributable built vestige with certainty in medieval times.
Axean basin
The axean basin in the heart of the city, on Place St Jérôme, facing the shopping street, the St Jérôme exhibition chapel, the cable car station and near the thermal baths.
Do not hesitate to go for a walk in the Teich Thermal Park shaded by centenary sequoias which are most pleasant for a picnic break or a moment of rest. A route allows you to discover the different arboreal species: Epicéa, Pin Noir…. You will discover the magnificent sculpture of the Teich Park, a giant sequoia of the park which was
Teich Park
Sick, part of the trunk of which was preserved to give it a second life, the town hall of Ax-les-Thermes called for Nicolas Dorange initially Bûcheron and Forestier who drew his axean totem project A monumental work whose colors change according to the lights of the day.
AX Les Thermes is also very lively on market days when you will find many products from the region. There are 2 markets per week year in the town: Tuesday morning and Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. From July 1 to August 31, an additional market takes place on Thursday.
The Bains du Couloubret:
The ideal place to recharge your batteries the day after a sporty day in canoeing .
Hot thermal water, natural and particularly relaxing virtues, flows between 33 and 38 ° in the different basins of the Couloubret baths .
On the ground floor, a large 200 m² central pool is illuminated by a glass roof. Surrounded by colonnades, this basin is embellished with water games (geyser, swan collars, hydromassage nozzles, bubbling, etc.) and has four alcoves.
Also discover a series of baths on the Roman model:
• Frigidarium , cold water bath (15 ° C),
• Caldarium , hot water baths (38 ° C),
• Vaporarium , natural thermal water steam.
Couloubret baths
Outside, on two levels, two pools await you:
• The amphitheater equipped with various animations such as: swimming against the tide, geysers, massage jets, swan collars, bubbling baths,…
• The panoramic: also equipped with massage jets, swan collars and bubbling baths. The upper terrace is furnished in solarium with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain.
Couloubret outdoor basin
Upstairs, the over 16s will be able to discover:
-The Irlando-Roman bath and its bubbling benches.
- Nordic space: where the dry heat of the saunas and the icy shower offer a striking contrast.
- Oriental space: where you can taste the rituals of the hammam, in a warm and humid atmosphere so conducive to calm.
-The wellness space designed to complete your sensory experience. It welcomes you 7 days a week for your massages, body care or facial care.
The casino:
A desire to attempt the destiny that you at the Casino Joa d'Ax les Thermes , it is also the place of culture of AX les Thermes with the cinema and a room where many exhibitions and festivals are organized.
AX 3 Domains station :
Winter skiers paradise with more than 80 km of slopes is also a paradise in summer.
From Ax-les-Thermes, easily access 2000m above sea level thanks to its cable car and chairlift. Discover a bike park for downhill mountain biking, entertainment and outdoor activities (mini-golf, swimming pool, tennis, yoga, geocaching, archery, the departure of more than 10 hikes and a space dedicated to beginners for cycling ...).
At the top of the Plateau du Saquet, discover in the heart of the mountain range a breathtaking 360 ° view! Something to recharge your batteries as much as possible, far from the tumult of the city!
Bars and restaurants:
Terroir cuisine, traditional, tapas, take-out, fast food, Ax-les-Thermes offers a wide range of offers for all desires!
Useful links:
The entertainment, festivals and exhibition program:
The story of Ax the thermal baths and thermalism:
