Walk around Ax-les-Thermes
Ax-les-Thermes, the Small Town of Ariège
Nestled at the end of the valley, in the protective shadow of the surrounding mountains, at the foot of the Principality of Andorra, the town of Ax-Les-Thermes overlooks a string of small villages that surround it.
Despite invasions and numerous fires that destroyed it, Ax still retains a few charming medieval streets and the famous Ladres Basin, built under the reign of Saint Louis to treat lepers returning from the Crusades. Today, its thermal waters help soothe the tired feet of hikers and skiers.
Discover the Town and Its Surroundings
Bourg Centre of the Ax Valleys
The former free city, which, under Gaston Phœbus, "served as the head and border of the Spanish lands," has now become one of the main tourist centers of the Pyrenees. Its reputation naturally spreads to the surrounding villages, which invest more each year in tourism.
Thus, Ax, the main hub for accommodation and activities, is the leading organizer of events and entertainment in the valley. Cinema, theater, concerts, dances, fireworks, street performances, and festivals cheer up the two tourist seasons – summer and winter.
Add to this the proximity to Andorra, typical villages, the mountains that in summer offer exploration like the Orlu National Wildlife Reserve and in winter provide snow activities, the 4 ski resorts including Ax 3 Domaines and Ascou-Pailhères for downhill skiing, and Beille (the largest Nordic ski area in the Pyrenees) and Chioula for cross-country skiing, the wonders of Romanesque architecture along the corniche roads, the largest open-air talc mine in the world above Luzenac, etc.; you’ll understand the appeal of this little corner of the Pyrenees.
Spa Town
Curative Thermalism
Whether it comes from the Latin "aquae" – meaning "water" – which became Acqs then Ax, or as some claim, from the Basque "ats" – meaning "foul odor" – the name of our town undeniably owes its origin to its thermal waters.
The sodium sulfuric waters of Ax (the hottest in the Pyrenees) belong to the group of hyper-thermal waters, ranging from 43° to 78° C. They are used to treat rheumatic conditions and respiratory diseases in the Teich and Modèle establishments.
With 6,700 curists per year, Ax enjoys a strong medical reputation.
Thermal Wellbeing
In February 2009, the "Les Bains du Couloubret" thermal relaxation center opened to the public.
This 3000 m² space was installed in the former Couloubret baths. The thermal water that gives Ax-les-Thermes its reputation supplies the various pools. The decor and ambiance are inspired by Roman Antiquity: marble, colonnades, warm colors, frescoes, mosaics, etc.
To make it a meeting spot for all, a small aquatic area is reserved for children, with mini-jets and small waterfalls.
The 2 outdoor pools, also equipped with water games, and the solarium allow you to enjoy the benefits of ancient water while breathing in the fresh air of our Pyrenees... a sensation of wellbeing that never grows old...
The Ax Valleys in Summer
Exploring Nature: 450 km of marked trails, 4 guarded mountain huts, themed hiking guides, discovery trails, orientation tables, strolls... A preserved natural heritage: Orlu National Wildlife Reserve, the Massif of Aston and Hospitalet.
Exploring Heritage: Montaillou, a Cathar witness site, the Château de Lordat, Romanesque churches, Fort de Prades... and nearby, the Niaux Cave, Château de Foix, Montségur, Parc de la Préhistoire...
Sights to visit: The Mountain Observatory and hydroelectric plant in Orlu, the Wolf House in Orlu, the Trimouns Talc Quarry, free or guided tours of Ax-les-Thermes.
Activities: Hiking (independent or guided), FFC mountain biking area, horseback riding, climbing, caving, downhill karting, Arapaho, via ferrata, canyoning, white-water sports, fishing, and the Akrobranch’d’Orlu course…
Facilities: Outdoor pool, covered tennis courts, clay tennis courts, pétanque, Lyonnaise bowls, Ax casino games, children’s playgrounds, parks, weekly markets: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday….
The Ax Valleys in Winter
Its ski resort, Ax 3 Domaines (1400/2400), is beloved by the people of Toulouse, who love the charm of its pistes carved through the fir trees, the beauty of its high-mountain landscapes, and the opportunity to practice reassuring off-piste skiing.
With 80 km of slopes, 1 snowpark, ultra-modern ski lifts, and 160 snow cannons… Ax 3 Domaines has become one of the top ski resorts in the Pyrenees.
The cable car connection between Ax-les-Thermes (720m) and the ski resort (1400m) allows the two hubs’ assets and services to complement each other, promoting tourist stays and making the slogan "Ax, the trendy white" a reality. Ax 3 Domaines is also labeled "Handisport Leisure Space".
Discover the Ax Valleys on its official website: pyrenees-ariegeoises.com
