Bathing
Hot water-play baths and activities offered all year round, in addition to spa treatments.
5 km from Ignaux
Ax-les-Thermes: hot springs, Bassin des Ladres and things to do
Ax-les-Thermes has about 1,300 inhabitants and more than sixty hot springs. It is the town for shopping, restaurants and baths, five kilometres from the apartment.
- From the apartment5 km
- Hot springsMore than 60
- Water temperature18 to 78 °C
- Inhabitantsabout 1,300
The town
A town built on hot water
The town sits at the crossroads of three valleys, those of the Ariège, the Oriège and the Lauze. In its granite subsoil, more than sixty springs gush out at temperatures ranging from 18 to 78 °C. The water is rich in sulphur: don’t be surprised by the smell, it is part of the town.
Three spa establishments use these waters: the Couloubret, the Modèle and the Teich. They mainly treat sciatica, rheumatism and certain respiratory conditions. If you are coming for a spa treatment, see the Spa guests page.
Heritage
The Bassin des Ladres
It is the place everyone is shown first: a thermal hot-water pool in the centre of the town, where you can dip your feet, with the church in the background. The springs that feed it come out of the ground at 77 °C.
In 1260, on the orders of Saint Louis, Count Roger IV had a leper hospital built next to the pool to treat crusaders returning from the Holy Land. The basin has been listed as a historic monument since 1979.
The whole history of the basinOn site
What to do in Ax-les-Thermes
Going out
Casino, cinema, nightclub, cafés and restaurants: enough to end a day in town. Among the fountains, the best known is the cannon fountain.
Skiing
The Ax 3 Domaines resort is in the hills of the commune, with cable car access.
Skiing around IgnauxStarting point
Ax-les-Thermes, and then?
Ax 3 Domaines
8 km from the town, in the hills.
Andorra
About 35 km. Andorra from Ignaux.
Foix and the valley
To the north, Tarascon-sur-Ariège then Foix. Visit the Ariège.
The station
On the Toulouse – Latour-de-Carol line (TER Occitanie).
Questions
About Ax-les-Thermes
How far is Ax-les-Thermes from Ignaux?
About 5 km.
Why does Ax-les-Thermes smell of sulphur?
The town’s hot springs are rich in sulphides, and sulphur gives off a characteristic smell. It is normal, and a sign that the thermal water is indeed there.
Can you arrive by train in Ax-les-Thermes?
Yes, the station is on the Toulouse – Latour-de-Carol line, served by TER Occitanie trains. Remember to check the timetables before setting off. To reach Ignaux, 5 km higher up, the car remains the simplest.
Book
A stay 5 km from Ax-les-Thermes?
Rates and availability are shown live on the Airbnb listing. A question before booking? You can ask it there too.