What to do in Ax-les-Thermes in summer
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, this municipality is very popular with vacationers for its hot springs and its many entertainments.
Ax-les-Thermes, thermal spa
Ax-les-Thermes is a world famous hydromineral resort. It is fed by a spring located 4000 meters underground, in the depths of the granitic massif on which the city rests. With temperatures that can reach 120°C, the waters that come from it are distinguished by their sodium sulfide nature. Even when brought to the surface, these waters are considered the warmest in the Pyrenees and reach an average of 43 to 78°C.
The sixty or so springs listed in Ax-les-Thermes are divided into three groups of water. First of all, there is the “Couloubret” group, which is the very first thermal establishment in the city. You will also find the group “Le Teich”, founded by Dr. Boulié on the left bank of the river Orlu. The last establishment in the city 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 the Axéenne, thethermal water of Ax-les-Thermes 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. Its oral consumption is only prescribed on the advice of a health professional.
The thermal water of Ax-les-Thermes is used for the prevention, the relief and the treatment of various pathologies. Some of the most common are bone, muscle and joint conditions 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 the summer, you can discover beautiful panoramic landscapes from the hiking trails of the town and its surroundings. A green panorama awaits you at the end of a fifteen kilometer walk to the Refuge of Prat Redoun. It is also possible totake a path between the trees, leading directly to the village of Orgeix and its castle located on the shore of the Lake of Campauleil.
If you prefer long adventures lasting several days, Ax-les-Thermes has what you need. The commune proposes a trip of about sixty kilometers consisting of a round trip from Ax to Mérens in Haute-Ariège. The circuit crosses the Cross of Larguis and passes by Porteille, by the Refuge of Bésines and by the Valley of Savignac. For novices, an ascent of the Signal du Chioula via the pass is an option to consider.
Festivals in Ariege
During your vacations in Ariège, it is inconceivable not to pass by Ax-les-Thermes and its inescapable activities like the festival Spectacles de Grands Chemins. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Ariège, events are spread over five days. This celebration is the annual rendezvous of all nature lovers and art enthusiasts in all its forms. Various activities such as street theater, concerts and show rides are on the program.
Towards the last week of June, you will have the opportunity to discover an ancient Christian tradition still celebrated today in Ariege. This festival, called Saint John’s fire, is intended to celebrate the beginning of summer with great pomp. 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. More than a hundred documentaries and short and feature films covering different themes are shown during the 9 days of the 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 will be overwhelmed by the music and dance steps of Latin America. There is also the festival Terre de couleurs, organized by the association of the same name, which features artists representing various musical disciplines from around the world.
Mountain biking & bicycle touring
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! There are plenty of trails in the area suitable for both novices and more experienced cyclists.
You can choose to take on the challenge of the most difficult courses or opt for a short family walk to discover the many facets of the municipality. During the walk, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful view and thefresh air while getting some exercise.
A mountain of leisure!
Ax-les-Thermes does not lack leisure activities to make your stay unforgettable. In its countryside, the municipality provides tourists with various establishments and structures for entertainment purposes.
There is for example the animal park of Orlu, better known as La Maison des Loups, which you can visit with your family for an afternoon. You can also take a tour of the Ornithological Reserve of Le Teich to observe shorebirds and various species of endangered mammals.
Cultural visits
The richness of its cultural and historical heritage is one of the elements that have contributed to the reputation of Ax-les-Thermes. 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 the thermal springs by the successive leaders and inhabitants of the municipality since the Renaissance. There are three basins: the Basse basin, the Ladres basin and the Axéenne basin.
In addition to the baths, you can also discover the other buildings of the commune such as the castle of Villemur. It is a manor house dating from the early twentieth century, built by the general engineer of the talc quarries of Trimouns, Georges Goubeau. There is also the Delcassé castle and its Art Nouveau style, as well as religious buildings such as the Saint-Vincent church, the Saint Jerome chapel and the oratory of the Virgin.
White water sports
In Ax-les-Thermes, white water sports enthusiasts have plenty of choice in terms offun and thrillingactivities.
The municipality is crossed by several waterways on which it is possible to practice different disciplines. TheAriège, a 162.9 km long river passing through the northern end of the city, is perfect for activities such as rafting and canoeing.
The same goes for the Oriège, which is ideal for sliding. For swimming, Ax-les-Thermes has several lakes and ponds with a peaceful surface such as the pond of Bésines or the pond of Comte.
With the children
With its parks and playgrounds, the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes promises fun and memorable moments for young and old alike. The commune offers a wide range of activities such as adventure courses in the forest, more commonly known as accrobranches.
Someleisure establishments offer you the chance to experience the thrill of a slide down a giant slide. 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 with your family, climbing walls are also a great option.
Fishing
For those who prefer to spend their days relaxing on the shore of a waterhole, Ax-les-Thermes offers several quiet spots populated with different species of freshwater fish .
Once you find the perfect spot, simply wet your line and wait for something to take the bait. If you are lucky, you will be able tocatch some nice brown trout, large brook salmon, or some Arctic char.
Climbing
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. The most popular summits like the Dent d’Orlu, the cliff of Génat, or the Quié de Sinsat are ready to welcome climbers wishing to take up the challenge.
If you are a beginner, you can start with a slow and relaxed ascent of the Laramade de Vicdessos boulders. At the same time, you will be able to enjoy the sublime view of the vast wooded area of this small town in the Ariège. The regulars can conquer the Pic de la Madelon and its old, short, steep, and eastward facing route. It has the advantage of offering various levels of difficulty and the panorama at the end of the climb is well worth theeffort.
Paragliding
In addition to water sports, Ax-les-Thermes offers you a unique and memorable experience in the air. Before you take off, you will be trained by qualified instructors and will be informed of the instructions to follow to fly safely.
You can then take off and let the wind carry you away. During the flight, you will be invited to contemplate the beauty of the green landscape of the forest and the resplendence of the city.
Where to stay in Ax-les-Thermes in summer ?
An exceptional gite 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 positioned at the border between Andorra, France and Spain, the group of accommodation rentals for your vacations Marc et Montmija gives you the choice between several comfortable accommodations. For example, you can opt for the Village Vacances Le Tarbesou which is equally suitable for couples and families. This 4-star establishment has 74 suites and 16 apartments equipped with all the necessary equipment for a pleasant day. On the entertainment side, it offers a full schedule of mountain hikes, staff-organized shows and entertainment, and swimming in its large indoor pool.
If you are a nature lover, you can book your places in the village Les Lambrilles. The establishment proposes to you to discover the beauty and the inheritance of the Regional Natural reserve of the Pyrenees Ariegeoises since its 400 meters of altitude. This vacation village has a total of 32 accommodations for rent for groups of 2 to 6 people. It has a bar with a terrace for drinks and conversation, several ping-pong tables for fun with family and friends, and even a store to buy souvenirs. There is also a heated outdoor pool for swimming at any time of the day as well as 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 is nestled at an altitude of 1000 meters, between the valleys of the Artigue and the pond of Soulcem. During your stay, you will have the chance to discover the charms of Ariège at your own pace through walks and hikes. Between outings, you can relax on the terrace of the bar of the establishment, with a drink in hand, or store in its boutique area.
Meals fully paid for
In the morning, the Marc and Montmija group offers you a buffet breakfast, composed of different preparations of Ariège and Catalan origin. For lunch, you can ask for a packed lunch to take with you on an outing or picnic. For mid-day snacks and aperitifs, barbecues and tapas are also on the menu.
Wine and coffee for lunch are included in the package. 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 spoiled with “special children’s menus ” that the establishment offers at every meal.