AX-LES-THERMES (FR)
In spa treatment in Ax-les-Thermes, the mountains are saving. Pure and fresh air, restorative waters, treat rheumatological and ENT-respiratory diseases, thanks to their analgesic and decongestant properties.

AX-LES-THERMES’s HISTORY
Ax-les-Thermes is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of south-western France. It is mainly known for its thermal baths and its Ax 3 Domaines ski resort. The warm waters, whose temperatures reach 77 ° C, mainly treated lepers in the Middle Ages. Its name, Ladres basin, testimony to this function, was built by the Count of Foix in the 13th century.

MUST SEE – The Springs
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.

PLACES TO VISIT
1. Medieval Castle – The way up to the castle is beautiful! Among the streets, which are decorated with lots of flowers, the houses and old stone floor, of a grayish colour .. almost as grey as the weather. It is just five minutes walk from the base of the rock that holds it up there. The views are very nice. You see the whole town and the hills that surround it.

2. Garrigou Felix and Church Squares – The village is rather big, not your typical small mountain village. It spreads out over both sides of the two rivers that start in several places in the town, although the oldest part, where is the Felix Square and the Church which is located to the east, is somewhat more interesting than the modern part in the west.

MY OPINION
Ax-les-Thermes is a charming and pleasant mountain town. A two-day stay in a place like this will rejuvenate you and drive away all the stress and anxiety of everyday life. So if you decide to climb the Pyrenees, keep two days for Ax-les-Thermes.