|
Back
Ax Les Thermes
Back
Driving distance from Calais:
676 miles (Approx. 10hrs 30m)
Print This
Tell a Friend
Get a Quote
Resort Info
Why Ax-Les-Thermes?
- Charming Spa town with local heritage
- The nearby Foix castle and the Ax valley to explore
- Accommodation on the mountain or in the town
The pretty spa town of Ax Les Thermes is located in the Ax valley in the Ariege region. The charming old village of Ax Les Thermes stands on the confluence of the Oriège, Ariège and Lauze rivers has a friendly, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere and a rich history. The town is a pleasure to wander around and has a good selection of bars, restaurants and general amenities - there is always something to do.
Ax is perhaps most famous for its thermal baths, Les Bains Couloubret, with its sulphurous hot springs (25-78°C), of which there are about sixty. The waters were originally used by the Romans and it is claimed that they are able to treat rheumatism, skin diseases, and other maladies. The springs were developed in the medieval period in order to treat soldiers returning from the Crusades afflicted with leprosy. The baths became very popular, as did those in other areas of the Pyrenees during the nineteenth century when the spa tourism industry developed in the Victorian era.
The Bassin des Ladres (Lepers' Pond), built by Roger, Count of Foix, during the reign of Saint Louis can be found in the centre of the town and is fed by hot springs supplying water from the ground at a temperature of 77°C. The best known fountain is the "fountain of cannons". Every year on St John's Day, the Axéens, having been daubed with ashes, bathe in the Bassin des Ladres for fun and celebration.
Throughout the year, the resort hosts many major international sporting events including the “Atitoy Ternua” at the end of January. There are also daily entertainment organised at the foot of the ski slopes for family and friends alike. Events include sledging, slalom courses and even Rugby on the snow just to mention a few.
The whole valley and surrounding area has a wealth of stories, legends and historical sites and abounds in unusual places and spectacular landscapes with numerous cultural and Heritage sights to visit. Visit the Cathar castles of Montsegur and Roquefixade, the caves at Niaux, the Castle at Foix, the Prehistoric Park at Tarascon or the Route Cornices (cliff road) and Its Romanesque churches.
Ax Bonascre above the village is a ski resort in the winter but during the summer months, this natural mountain area which extends from 1400 metres to 2000 metres and is great for walking or mountain biking. There are also many other leisure activities on offer including tennis, mini-golf, fishing in mountain-rivers or lakes, BMX, swimming, and horse-riding.
Resort Shuttle Bus “Axeval” in the Ax Valley
A resort shuttle bus service runs from early July to late September taking in the major sights in the Ax valley and surrounding villages. All three lines stop in front of the Thermal baths (Bains du Couloubet) and you can only travel on the buses with a reservation that needs to be made the night before you travel by 17.00. Reservations can be made by phone, on the internet of via your accommodation supplier.
Line 1 “Vallee d’Orlu” Green line: Aston – Orlu Nature Reserve
Sights on the route: Acrobranche (Treetrails), Maison des loups (Wolf sanctuary), Orlu Mountain Observatory, Azaret Magical Forest, the Beys refuge.
Line 2 “Corniche” Blue line: Orlu – Trimouns
Sights on the route: The Luzenac Talc Quarry
Line 3 “Underground Discovery” Yellow line: Orlu – Usat-les-Bains
Sights on the route: Lombrives Cavern
Booking: Ax Les Thermes Tourist Office/Tel:0033 (0)561 646805 / http://axeval.m-vallees-ax.com (before 17.00)
Price: Return adult ticket adult/2€; Return child ticket (6-12 yrs.)/1€; Under 6 yrs./FOC
The friendly and helpful Vallees D’Ax Tourist Office is open every day during the winter season, 08:30 – 19:00. Their comprehensive website is full of useful information, tips and suggestions.
Office de Tourisme des Vallees D’Ax
6, Ave Théophile Delcassé,
09110 Ax Les Thermes, France
Telephone: +33 561 646060
Website: http://www.vallees-ax.com/
- Opening Times
- Activities
- Access
- Eating
- Resort News
- Other Amenities
Opening Times
Ax-Les-Thermes opening dates: All year.
Activities
Ax Les Thermes and its valley offers a wide range of additional summer activities. The must do is the “Bains Du Couloubret” Spa and Well-being Centre. There is also a town casino, the nearby observatory at Forgues, as well as local cavern and farm visits. The “Discovery” walks showcase the heritage of the area whilst on the mountain, there are plenty of sporting activities for all the family.
Sports & Leisure
Bains Du Couloubret Thermal Spa & Well-being Centre
Road Cycling and Mountain Biking
Hiking and walking in the Ax Valley
Chioula and Beille Plateau walking and hiking areas
Discover Mountaineering
Treetop Trails
Pot-holing
Canyoning
Paint ball
Paragliding
Via Ferrata
Climbing
Speed Riding
Dog Sledging
Fishing
Canoe-raft/kayaking/rafting
Deval’Kart
Downhill Scooter (Trottinette)
Pottery in Orlu
Cinema
Casino
Cycling the green route of St Girons
Cycling the green route of the Cathar Pyrenees
The "GR 10" hiking footpath
Walking the green route of St Girons
Walking the green route of the Cathar Pyrenees
Go to the Sports & Leisure Page >
Culture and Heritage
Visits to the local Farms
The Roman churches of Ax Valley
Route Des Corniches (Cliff Road)
Orlu Mountain Observatory
The Luzenac Talc Quarry
Parc De La Préhistoire (The Prehistoric Park at Tarascon)
Château De Foix
Forges De Pyrène
Château De Montségur
Bastide De Mirepoix
Cité De Saint-Lizier
Heliodyssée Solar Centre
The Fortifications of Vauban at Mont Louis
Yellow Train
Go to the Culture & Heritage Page >
Natural Wonders & Wildlife
Natural Regional Park of the Ariège Pyrenees
Orlu National Wildlife Reserve
Parking at Orlu National Wildlife Reserve
Azaret Magical Forest
Wolf sanctuary
Grotte De Lombrives (Lombrives Cave)
Grotte De Niaux (Niaux Cave)
Grotte Du Mas-d'Azil (Mas-d'Azil Cave)
Natural Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees
Caranca Gorge
Lake Matemale
Lake Balcère
Go to the Natural Wonders & Wildlife Page >
Child Specific
Treetop Trails
Paint ball
Dog Sledging
Canoe-raft/kayaking/rafting
Deval’Kart
Downhill Scooter (Trottinette)
Visits to the local Farms
“Through the Town of Ax-Les-Thermes” Walking Route
Go to the Child Specific Page >
Contact details of all activity suppliers:
Vallees D’Ax Tourist Office. 6, Ave Théophile Delcassé, 09110 Ax Les Thermes, Telephone: +33 561 646060. www.vallees-ax.com
Angaka. Plateau de beille, 09310 Les Cabannes. Tel: 0033 (0)561 017560. Email: contact@angaka.com
Acrobranche d’Orlu. Les Forgues d’orlu. 09110 Orlu. Tel: 0033 (0)561 059733. www.acrobranche-ariege.com
Waterploof. Etang de Sinsat, 09310 Sinsat. Tel: 0033 (0)684 532949.Email: arnaudpatte@yahoo.fr www.waterploof.com
La Montagne Des Loisirs. Plateau de Bonascre.09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33 (0)561 642006
Access
Road
Driving distance from Calais: 1088km /676 miles, 10hrs 30mins
Driving distance from Le Harve: 955km / 592 miles, 9hrs 30mins
Driving distance from Caen: 899km /559 miles, 9hrs 10mins
Driving distance from Cherbourg: 1057km /657 miles, 9hrs 50mins
Driving distance from Saint Malo: 895km /556 miles, 8hrs 30mins
Driving distance from Bilbao: 509km / 316 miles, 5hrs 05mins
Driving distance from Santander: 605km / 376 miles, 6hrs 10mins
Air
International Airport Carcassonne
Tel: +33(0)468 719646. Website: www.aeroport-carcassonne.com.
Distance to Ax Les Thermes: 120km / 75 miles, approx.1hr 40mins
Ryanair operates 3 weekly flights from London Stansted on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.
Ryanair operates 2 weekly flights from Liverpool John Lennon airport on Tuesday & Saturday.
International Airport Perpignan
Tel: +33(0)468 526070. Website: http://www.aeroport-perpignan.com/
Distance to Ax Les Thermes: 122km / 76 miles, approx.2hr 10mins
Ryanair operates daily flights from London Stansted on Tuesday, Friday & Saturday
Air France operates 3 -5 flights daily from Paris-Orly.
International Airport Tarbes – Lourdes
Tel: +33(0)562 329222. Website: http://www.tlp.aeroport.fr/
Distance to Ax Les Thermes: 43km, approx. 43mins
Air France operates flights from Paris-Orly. 3 flights daily from Monday to Friday, 2 flights on weekends.
Ryanair operate 2 weekly flights from London Stansted on Monday and Friday.
International Airport Pau – Pyrenees
Tel: +33(0)559 333300. Website: http://www.pau.aeroport.fr/
Distance to Ax Les Thermes: 226km/140 miles, approx. 2hr 30mins
Air France operates flights from Paris-Orly. 10 daily flights from Sunday – Friday, 2 flights on Saturday.
Air France operates flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. 10 daily flights from Sunday – Friday, 3 flights on Saturday.
International Airport Toulouse - Blagnac
Tel: +33(0)561 424441. Website: http://www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/
Distance to Ax Les Thermes: 138km/85 miles, approx. 1hrs 35mins
Easyjet operates flights from London Gatwick. 2 flights (Sunday, Monday, Thursday Friday) 1 flight (Wednesday, Tuesday, Saturday)
Easyjet operates 3 weekly flights from Bristol on Sunday, Monday & Friday and daily flights during holiday periods.
British Airways operates flights from London Heathrow. 2 flights (Wednesday – Friday), 3 flights (Sunday – Tuesday), 1 flight (Saturdays).
Private taxi transfers from airports to Ax Les Thermes are pre-bookable via Pyrenees Collection. See our Airport Transfer page for more information.
Rail
Toulouse Matabiau – Direct evening train – Ax Les Thermes: 1hrs 58mins
Toulouse Matabiau – Via Foix or Pamiers – Ax Les Thermes: 2hrs 28mins
Carcassonne– Via Toulouse – Ax Les Thermes: 3hrs 39mins
Paris Austerlitz – Direct Overnight train – Ax Les Thermes: 8hrs 51mins
Paris Austerlitz – Via Toulouse – Ax Les Thermes: 8hrs 5mins
Need to speak to Voyages SNCF
Reservation number:
0844 848 5848
Opening Times:
Monday to Friday 09.00- 19.00 and Saturday 09.00-18.00
Car Hire
Pyrenees Collection can arrange very competitive car hire at all airports, train stations and other town locations. See our car hire pages for more information.
Eating
Eating/Nightlife:
Mountain Restaurants
There is a selection of restaurants at the base of the lifts in the area of Ax Bonascre with great views of the slopes and ski resort above.
Le Biba
Plateau De Bonasce. Tel: +33(0)561 646464.
Located at the bottom of the ski lifts in the Bonascre area, this is a fast food restaurant with a large sun terrace at the foot of the pistes.
Lou Cantou
Plateau De Bonasce. 09110 Ax Bonascre. Tel: +33(0)561 643125.
Located at the base of the lifts in the Bonascre area, this restaurant is open for lunch and evening meals and offers set menus and A La carte food. Choose from grilled meats, local specialities and homemade desserts.
Restaurants
The town has a great selection of restaurants showcasing many different cuisines.
Le Chalet
4, Ave de Turrel, 09110 Ax Les Thermes, Tel: +33 (0)561 642431. www.lechalet.fr
French Gastro cuisine restaurant selected by the “Guide Michelin” with outdoor terrace. Has set menus and A La carte menu. Closed Mondays.
Le P’tit Montagnard
6, Rue Joseph Rigal, 09110 Ax Les Thermes, Tél: +33 (0)561 642201. www.leptitmontagnard.fr
Traditional restaurant
Crêperie “L’Oiseau Bleu”
3, Rue Victor-Pilhes, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 640737
A creative Crêperie owned by an Alsatian couple. The portions are huge and the food is good. Pancakes with sausage and caramelised onions, mushrooms, spinach, or even Confit Duck!! For desert and Black forest sweet pancake. Themed evenings and culinary discover evenings.
Joacasino
Promenade Paul Salette, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33 (0)561 640185. Email: contact-axlesthermes@joa.fr. www.joa-casino.com
Casino restaurant located in the centre of Ax Les Thermes. Traditional and gastro food and Brasserie style. Open evenings only.
L’Auzeraie
1, Ave Théophile Delcassé, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 6462070. Wwwauzeraie.com
Traditional restaurant with an outdoor terrace.
Le Rouge Tendance
7, Rue de L’Horloge, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33 (0)581 641804
Traditional restaurant with local food and ingredients. Wine cellar and outdoor terrace.
Le Cave
2, Rue de L’Horloge, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33 (0)581 642026
Pizzeria and Grill with a wine cellar and selection of bottled beers. Terrace.
Le Bellevue
10, Ave Adolphe Authie, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 642078
Traditional restaurant with an outdoor terrace. Bar in the evenings.
La Petite Fringale
6, Rue Joseph Rigal, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 013640
Traditional restaurant with outdoor terrace.
La Pizzatière D’Ax
2, Rue Joseph Rigal, 09110 Ax Les Thermes, Tel: +33(0)561 643395.
This Italian style restaurant specialises in pizzas.
La Grand Cordee
31, Ave du Docteur Gomma, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33 (0)581 657700. www.grande-cordee.com
Traditional restaurant with local food and ingredients. Mentioned in the “Guide Routard”. Outdoor terrace.
Les 4 Saisons
Place du Breih, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 035326
Gastro pub specialising in French cuisine. Speciality is the huge “Cassoulet” they serve up. Does great salads. Good food and service and has outdoor seating and take away service.
Restaurant Le Breilh
Place du Breih, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 642429
Located in the hotel of the same name in the centre of Ax Les Thermes with a large outdoor terrace, this restaurant offer traditional and mountain cuisine such as Tartiflette, Raclette and casseroles as well as grilled meats and numerous gratins. Open daily in high season and Wednesday to Monday in low season for lunch and dinner.
Le Couloubret
Place Couloubret, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 0309606. www.brasserie-le-couloubret.com/
French cuisine served in a Bistro – Brasserie - Pizzeria. Open daily with set menus and a children’s’ menu. Serves up pizzas, Tartiflette, ice creams. Good service with a smile, Try the hot –pot of Banana flambé. Specialities include: Ariege Raclette, fondu and Savoyarde Raclette. Seafood on Friday and Sunday night.
L'Oustal
Ave de la Griolle, 09110 Ax Le Thermes.
Traditional French food in the centre of Ax Les Thermes.
Le Grand Cafe
1, Ave Théophile Delacassé, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 646716
This Brasserie restaurant doubles as a café bar in the evenings.
Café Fruithé
2B, Rue de L’Horloge, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33 (0)581 157230
Fast food restaurant that does home delivery. Specialises in mountain pies and tarts. Has an outdoor covered terrace.
Le Comptoir Des Negociants
4, Place Roussel, 09110 Ax Les Thermes
Fast food restaurant that does home delivery.
Bars, Casinos & Clubs
Le PMU
13, Ave Théophile Delacassé, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 642204.
Urgence Club
Allée Paul Salette, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 014031.
Bar Le Couloubret
Place Couloubret, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 0309606. www.brasserie-le-couloubret.com/
This Bistro – Brasserie – Pizzeria also functions as a bar in the evenings. Good service with a smile.
Le Bellevue
10, Ave Adolphe Authie, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 642078
Traditional restaurant with an outdoor terrace. Bar in the evenings.
Bar Le Helder
Bonascre, 09110 Ax Bonascre.
This brasserie restaurant on the slopes doubles as a great cocktail bar/pub in the evenings.
Café – Bar Le Breilh
Place du Breilh, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Located in the hotel of the same name in the centre of Ax Les Thermes with a large outdoor terrace, this restaurant doubles as a café - bar in the evenings.
Le Grand Cafe
1, Ave Théophile Delacassé, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 646716
This Brasserie restaurant doubles as a café bar in the evenings.
Casino
Promenade Paul Salette, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33 (0)561 640185. Email: contact-axlesthermes@joa.fr. www.joa-casino.com
The casino is located in the centre of Ax Les Thermes and has a baroque style to it. The large games room has a Spanish theme to it and has some superb frescos. On Friday and Saturday there are musical evenings on the huge terrace where cocktails are also served. Open daily from 14.00 – 01.00 (02.00 Thurs & Sun; 03.00 Fri & Sat and National Holidays). ID necessary for entry.
Klub AX
Promenade Paul Salette, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
The atmosphere is always one of laid back and welcoming in this late night haunt. Located under the casino with free entry not only for girls but men too.
El Much Disco/Nightclub
3, Rue chalets, Ax Bonascre, 09110 Ax Bonascre.
Go Bananas Disco/Nightclub
09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 646574.
Le Yeti Disco/Nightclub
09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 642234.
Resort News
Coming soon
Other Amenities
Food Stores
Carrefour Contact
Zone Activite de Castelet. 09110 Perles et Castelet, Ax valley.
Located just 10 minutes from the centre of Ax les Thermes. Mon – Sat: 08.00 – 20.00 and Sun morning.
Intermarche
Savignac Les ormeaux. Ax valley.
Located just 10 minutes from the centre of Ax les Thermes. Mon – Sat: 09.00 – 19.30 and Sun: 09.00 – 12.30.
Butchers
BOUCHERIE Vergé
10, Rue Gaspard Astrie, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Bakers and Confectioners
Boulangerie Saveurs D'ariege
9, Place du Marché, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Saveurs D'ariege
1, Rue De L’Horloge, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Le Fournil De La Forge D'ascou
5, Rue Gaspard Astrie, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Saveurs D'ariege
1, Ave Docteur Francois Gomma, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Bianchin Joelle
9, Place Roussel, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Banks
Banque Populaire Du Sud
9, Ave Théophile Delacassé, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)820 361054
Open Mondays, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 08.30 – 12.00
Credit Agricole Sud
29, Ave Théophile Delacassé, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Caisse D’Epargne De Midi Pyrenees
Place Du Breih, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Taxis
Taxi de LAriege
Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 642284/ 0)688 892663
Ax Taxi Laura
Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 643064/ 0)685 104221
Pharmacies
Pharmacie Aybram A
4, Rue Horloge, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Pharmacie Rouanet
7, Ave Théophile Delacassé, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Medical Centres & hospitals
Doctor Michel Marques
Rue Moulinas, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Doctors Robert and Gerard Balista
28, Rue Francois Mansart, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Doctor Claire Bertrand-Peyronne
Place Saint Jerome, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Doctor Herve Gay
3, Rue Gaspard Astrie, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Hospital Saint Louis
Place Breih, 09110 Ax Les Thermes. Tel: +33(0)561 022400.
Massage and Physiotherapists
Mr Dominique Fourcade
9, Rue de Moulins, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Physiotherapist
Ms Nicole Sicre
Place Saint Jerome, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Physiotherapist
Mr Daniel Barthez
Boulevard Oriege, 09110 Ax Les Thermes.
Physiotherapist
Other Accommodation In: Ax Les Thermes
Residence Chalets d'Ax
3* Superior Apartments Sleeps 2-8
Peaceful location with Pool
Les Balcons D’Ax is located in Ax Bonascre, which sits at the foot of the hills. The lifts are ideally located just 100m away.
3* Superior Apartments Sleeps 2-8
Peaceful location with Pool
Les Balcons D’Ax is located in Ax Bonascre, which sits at the foot of the hills. The lifts are ideally located just 100m away.
Les 3 Domaines
3* Superior Apartments Sleeps 2-6
Central riverside location with access to Spa
Les 3 Domaines is a recently-built residence in the centre of Ax les Thermes. It is ideally located next to the cable car that accesses the area of Ax 3 Domaines.
3* Superior Apartments Sleeps 2-6
Central riverside location with access to Spa
Les 3 Domaines is a recently-built residence in the centre of Ax les Thermes. It is ideally located next to the cable car that accesses the area of Ax 3 Domaines.
Le Grand Tetras Spa & Hotel Residence
3* Superior Apartments Sleeps 1-4
Excellent central location for amenties
This modern hotel residence on the main square is ideally located opposite the spa.
3* Superior Apartments Sleeps 1-4
Excellent central location for amenties
This modern hotel residence on the main square is ideally located opposite the spa.
Residence Balcons d'Ax
3* Apartments Sleeps 2-8
Peaceful location with Pool & Sauna
Balcons d’Ax residence is located in Ax Bonascre, which sits at the foot of the hills. The lifts are ideally located 100m away.
3* Apartments Sleeps 2-8
Peaceful location with Pool & Sauna
Balcons d’Ax residence is located in Ax Bonascre, which sits at the foot of the hills. The lifts are ideally located 100m away.
%20-%20Exterior.png)
