Luzenac talc career
From the Ariège Evasion campsite , take the RN20 towards Ax-les-Thermes for approximately 25 km. Along the way, you'll see the Pic de Saint-Barthélemy, the Cathar ruins of Lordat Castle , and you'll pass through the village of Luzenac, known for its talc quarries, some of the largest in the world. Take the opportunity to stop at Talcaneo , the Talc Museum, where you can book excursions to the heart of the open-pit talc quarries. A few kilometers further on, you'll arrive in Ax-les-Thermes.
Ruin of Lordat Castle
The story of AX les Thermes:
The town of Ax-les-Thermes boasts over sixty hot springs with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 78°C. Knowledge and use of these waters date back to the Middle Ages, but it was their rediscovery in the mid-18thcentury that led to the construction of dedicated buildings and the development of new practices that would become the main economic activity. The town established a network of public and private thermal spas, offering a wide range of treatments. The arrival of the trans-Pyrenean railway in the second half of the 19th century opened the valley to a greater number of people. Modernization progressed faster than in the rest of the department; Ax was one of the first towns to have a sewer system, running water, and electricity. Public fountains of sulfurous water provided the residents of Ax with a constant supply of hot water for hygiene, household chores, 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, where you'll find a wide variety of local produce. There are two markets a week year-round in the town: Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. From July 1st to August 31st, an additional market takes place on Thursdays.
The Bains du Couloubret:
The ideal place to recharge the day after a sporty day of canoeing.
The warm, natural thermal water, with its particularly relaxing properties, flows between 33 and 38°C in the various pools of the Couloubret Baths.
On the ground floor, a large central pool of 200 m² is illuminated by a glass roof. Surrounded by colonnades, this pool is enhanced with water features (geyser, swan necks, hydromassage jets, bubbling jets…) and has four alcoves.
Discover also a series of baths on the Roman model:
• the frigidarium, cold water bath (15°C),
• the caldarium, hot water baths (38°C),
• the vaporarium, natural thermal water vapor.
Couloubret baths
Outside, on two levels, two pools await you:
• The Amphitheater is equipped with a variety of features such as: counter-current swimming, geysers, massage jets, swan neck fountains, whirlpools, etc.
• The Panoramic Pool: also equipped with massage jets, swan neck fountains, and whirlpools. The upper terrace is furnished as a solarium with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Couloubret outdoor basin
Upstairs, the over 16s will be able to discover:
– The Irish-Roman bath with its bubbling benches.
– The Nordic Area: where the dry heat of the saunas and the icy shower offer a striking contrast.
– The Oriental Area: where you can experience the rituals of the hammam in a warm and humid atmosphere so conducive to tranquility.
– The Wellness Area, designed to complete your sensory experience. It welcomes you 7 days a week for massages, body treatments, and facials.
The casino:
If you feel like trying your luck, head to the JOA casino in Ax les thermes ; it is also the cultural hub of Ax les thermes with a cinema and a hall where numerous exhibitions and festivals are held.
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:
Local cuisine, traditional dishes, tapas, takeaway meals, fast food – Ax-les-Thermes offers a wide range of options to suit all tastes!
Useful links:
The entertainment, festivals and exhibition program:
The story of Ax the thermal baths and thermalism:
