Description:

Ax-Les-Thermes is a small spa town in the heart of the Ariege Pyrenees on the RN20 from Toulouse to Andorra.  It offers a number of spas plus quick and easy access to the Ax-3 domaines ski resort and is ideally placed for exploring the eastern end of the Pyrenees Mountain range.

Geography

The spa town of Ax-Les-Thermes is situated deep in the Pyrenees Mountain range in the department of Ariege at an altitude of 720 metres.  It stands at the confluence of three rivers, the Ariege, Oriege and the Lauze and is just 30 km from the border crossing into Andorra.  Spain and the Mediterranean are both within easy reach for day trips, with Barcelona just over two hours away.  The town is completely surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountains, giving lovely views and instant access.

Tourism

Ax-Les-Thermes is ideally placed for exploring the Pyrenees Mountains in the Ariege department.  It is very close to Andorra, with the border a mere 30 km away through some spectacular scenary.  Staying in France, the N20 from Toulouse continues through the town to Font-Romeu and Perpignan and takes you all the way to the Mediterranean in about two hours.

The town itself is pleasant enough although has little to attract other than the spas and for an enjoyable wander through the streets.  The town boasts around sixty hot springs which are now tapped by four spas leaving you spoiled for choice for that therapeutic cure you've always promised yourself.  In 1260, a hospital was built by the Count of Foix for injured troops returning from the Crusades, particularly those afflicted with Leprosy.  He also built the Bassin des Ladres (Lepers Pond) right next to the hospital, which is a pool of hot sulphurous water and is the only remnants of the hospital left today.  The pool is now free for the public to use, so after a long day you can go and cure those aching feet.

The other main attraction of the town is as a base for exploring the Ax-3 Domaine ski resorts.  There is a fast cable car from the town up to the ski resorts giving the convenience of towns facilities plus a reasonable amount of ski terrain to explore.

Economy

The local economy is mainly based on livestock (cattle, sheep), the spas, winter sports and tourism in general. The town benefits especially from spa tourism, skiing and its casino. Its proximity to Andorra enables cross-border shopping. The 'Ax-3 Domaines' winter sports resort is situated in the commune.

Transport

Ax-Les-Thermes has its own SNCF station, so access is straight forward and with a direct link to Toulouse and its TGV station the journey is not too long from most locations in France.  Flying is covered by the International airport at Toulouse with both British Airways and Easyjet flying there, while Perpignan offers more budget airline choice from Ryanair.  If driving, then there is good access, but bear in mind that dual carriageways are few and far between once you get into the mountains and travelling time can be longer than you expect.

See our travel pages for more information on getting to the Midi-Pyrenees.

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