A busy summer vacation
Known for its atypical geography, Ax-les-Thermes is a tourist destination in the heart of the Occitanie region. During the summer months, the town is a popular destination for holidaymakers, with its hot springs and a wide range of entertainment.
Ax-les-Thermes, thermal spa
Ax-les-Thermes is a world famous hydromineral resort. It is fed by a spring located 4,000 meters underground, in the depths of the granite massif on which the town is built. With temperatures of up to 120°C, the water from these sources is characterized by its sodium sulfide nature. Even at the surface, these waters are considered the warmest in the Pyrenees, averaging between 43 and 78°C.
The sixty or so springs listed in Ax-les-Thermes are divided into three groups of water. First, there’s the Couloubret group, the town’s very first spa. You’ll also find the “Le Teich” group, founded by Dr Boulié on the left bank of the Orlu river. The town’s last facility is the “Breilh” group. It includes about thirty springs which are among the hottest and most sulfurous in the area.
Thermalism and well-being in Ax-les-Thermes
Nicknamed l’Axéenne, Ax-les-Thermesthermal spring water is not only rich in silica and sodium, but also in sulfur and sulfuric acid. It is known for its many healing properties. It owes most of its therapeutic virtues to the Axenes, microbicidal components contained in sulphurous waters of 15 to 45°C. Oral consumption is only prescribed on the advice of a health professional.
Thermal spring water in Ax-les-Thermes is used for the prevention, relief and treatment of a wide range of pathologies. Some of the most common include bone, muscle and joint disorders such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Its decongestant attributes also make it a great ally against respiratory tract obstructions. This water also has analgesic properties capable of soothing pain and inflammation.
Hiking in Ax-les-Thermes
In Ax-les-Thermes in summer, you can discover sublime panoramic landscapes from the hiking trails in and around the town. A verdant panorama awaits you at the end of a fifteen-kilometer stroll to the Refuge de Prat Redoun. You can alsotake a path through the trees, leading directly to the commune of Orgeix and its château on the shores of Lac de Campauleil.
If you prefer long, multi-day adventures, Ax-les-Thermes has just what you’re looking for. The town offers a 60-kilometer round trip from Ax to Mérens in the Haute-Ariège region. The route crosses the Croix du Larguis and passes through Porteille, the Refuge des Bésines and the Vallée de Savignac. For novices, an ascent of the Signal du Chioula via the pass is an option to consider.
Festivals in Ariege
On your vacation in the Ariège, it’s inconceivable not to pass through Ax-les-Thermes and its not-to-be-missed activities, such as the Spectacles de Grands Chemins festival. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Ariège, events are spread over five days. This celebration is the annual rendezvous for all nature lovers and art enthusiasts in all its forms. Various activities such as street theater, concerts and show rides are on the program.
Around the last week of June, you’ll have the chance to discover an ancient Christian tradition still celebrated today in Ariège. This festival, known as Saint John’s Fire, celebrates the start of summer in style. At the beginning of July, film enthusiasts will be able to attend the “Resistances” film festival, which focuses on committed filmmakers who are unknown to the general public. Over a hundred documentaries and short and feature-length films covering a variety of themes will be screened during the 9-day event.
Ariège also showcases cultures and traditions from around the world during events such as the Festival Latino de Tarascon-sur-Ariège. Throughout the festivities, you’ll be transported by the music and dance steps of Latin America. There’s also the Terre de couleurs festival, organized by the association of the same name, featuring artists representing various musical disciplines from around the world.
Mountain biking & cycling in Ax-les-Thermes
Are you wondering what to do in Ax-les-Thermes in summer to quench your thirst for thrills? Let yourself be tempted by a little mountain bike ride! The commune has a wealth of trails suitable for both novices and more experienced cyclists.
The choice is yours: take up the challenge of the more difficult routes, or opt for a short family stroll to discover the many facets of the municipality. During the walk, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the sublime panorama andfresh air while getting a little exercise.
A mountain of leisure in Ariège!
Ax-les-Thermes has plenty of leisure activities to make your stay unforgettable. In its countryside, the municipality provides tourists with various establishments and structures for entertainment purposes.
There’s the Orlu wildlife park, better known as La Maison des Loups, where you can spend an afternoon with the whole family. You can also take a tour of the Ornithological Reserve of Le Teich to observe shorebirds and various species of endangered mammals.
Cultural visits in Ax-les-Thermes
Ax-les-Thermes is renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The town abounds in priceless monuments such as its unmissable pools.
Built somewhere between the 17th and 18th centuries, these buildings bear witness to the importance attached to thermal springs by successive rulers and inhabitants of the municipality since the Renaissance. There are three basins: Bassin de la Basse, Bassin des Ladres and Bassin de l’Axéenne.
In addition to the baths, you can also discover the other buildings of the commune such as the castle of Villemur. This is an early 20th-century manor house built by Georges Goubeau, general engineer of the Trimouns talc quarries. There’s also the Art Nouveau-style Château Delcassé, and religious buildings such as the Saint-Vincent church, the Saint-Jérôme chapel and the oratoire de la Vierge.
White water sports at Ax-les-Thermes in Ariège
In Ax-les-Thermes, whitewater sports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in terms offun and thrills.
The town is crossed by a number of waterways offering a wide range of activities. TheAriège is 162.9 km long and runs through the northern end of the town, making it ideal for activities such as rafting and canoeing.
The same goes for the Oriège, which is ideal for sliding. For swimming, Ax-les-Thermes boasts several lakes and ponds with peaceful surfaces, such as the Etang des Bésines and the Etang de Comte.
With the kids in Ax-les-Thermes
With its parks and playgrounds, the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes promises fun and memorable moments for young and old alike. The town offers a wide range of activities, including forest adventure courses, more commonly known as accrobranches.
Some leisure establishments offer the thrill of sliding down a giant toboggan. You can also let yourself be tempted by a few jumps in the void, above adapted mattresses and under the supervision of professionals. If you like a challenge for the whole family, climbing walls are also a great option.
Fishing in Ax-les-Thermes
For those who prefer to spend their days relaxing on the banks of a waterhole, Ax-les-Thermes offers a number of quiet spots populated by different species of freshwater fish.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, all you have to do is wet your line and wait for something to take the bait. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able tocatch some nice brown trout, big brook salmon or even a few Arctic char.
Climbing in Ariège
Part of the Ariege Pyrenees, Ax-les-Thermes is a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts. Whether you are an amateur or a true specialist in this field, you will find the sites adapted to your level in this city. Popular peaks such as the Dent d’Orlu, the Génat cliff or the Quié de Sinsat are ready to welcome climbers who want to take up the challenge.
If you’re a beginner, you can start with a slow, relaxedascent of the Laramade de Vicdessos boulders. At the same time, you’ll be able to enjoy the sublime view over the vast wooded expanse of this small Ariège town. Regular climbers can set off to conquer the Pic de la Madelon and its ancient, short, steep, east-facing route. It has the advantage of offering a wide range of difficulty levels, and the panorama at the end of the climb is well worth theeffort.
Paragliding in Ax-les-Thermes
In addition to water sports, Ax-les-Thermes offers you a unique and memorable experience in the air. Before you take to the skies, you’ll be trained by qualified instructors and informed of the instructions for safe flying.
You can then take off and let the wind carry you away. During the flight, you’ll be invited to contemplate the beauty of the forest’s verdant landscape and the resplendence of the city.
Where to stay in Ax-les-Thermes in summer ?
An exceptional gîte is essential to make your stay in Ax-les-Thermes truly unforgettable. If you don’t know yet where to stay, you can turn to Marc et Montmija, a specialist in good vacation plans in the Ariège Pyrenees.
Vacation villages in the heart of the Pyrenees
Located in Ariège, a department on the border between Andorra, France and Spain, the Marc et Montmija vacation rental group offers a choice of comfortable accommodation. For example, you can choose the Village Vacances Le Tarbesou, which is just as suitable for couples as it is for families. This 4-star establishment has 74 suites and 16 apartments equipped with all the necessary equipment for a pleasant day. On the entertainment front, we offer a full program of mountain hikes, staff-organized shows and entertainment, and swimming in our large indoor pool.
If you are a nature lover, you can book your places in the village Les Lambrilles. This 400-meter-high establishment offers you the chance to discover the beauty and heritage of the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises. This vacation village has a total of 32 accommodations for rent for groups of 2 to 6 people. There’s a bar with terrace for a drink and a chat, several ping-pong tables for fun with family and friends, and even a store for buying souvenirs. There’s also a heated outdoor pool for swimming at any time of day, and an auditorium for entertainment and concerts.
If you prefer to immerse yourself entirely in the culture and the traditional setting of the Ariège Pyrenees, the Village de Vacances de Marc is for you. It’s nestled at an altitude of 1000 meters, between the Artigue valleys and the Soulcem pond. During your stay, you’ll have the chance to discover the charms of Ariège at your own pace through walks and hikes. Between outings, you can relax with a drink on the terrace of the on-site bar, or store in the boutique.
Meals fully paid for
In the mornings, the Marc et Montmija group offers a buffet breakfast featuring a variety of dishes from the Ariege and Catalonia regions. For lunch, you can ask for a packed lunch to take with you on an outing or picnic. For mid-day munchies and aperitifs, barbecues and tapas are also on the menu.
Lunch includes wine and coffee. You can then end the day with a cocktail outside, on the terrace of one of the association’s bars. The little ones are also spoilt for choice, with “special children’s menus ” available at every meal.
