Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, at the confluence of three rivers - the Oriège, Ariège and Lauze - lies the charming town of Ax-les-Thermes. Renowned since Roman times for its healing and relaxing thermal waters , Ax-les-Thermes offers a unique experience in relaxation and well-being. As part of Ax 3 Domaines, the largest ski area in Ariège, the town also attracts thousands of thrill-seeking visitors every year. In fine weather, hikers flock here to explore mythical trails such as the GR10 or the Chemin des Bonshommes, which wind their way between France and Catalonia.
In this article, we'll take a look at the 8 must-do trails.
1. What to do in Ax-les-Thermes Enjoy the thermal waters
Ax-les-Thermes is a world-renowned spa, fed by a spring located 4,000 meters below ground, whose waters can reach temperatures of 120°C. In fact, they are considered the hottest in the Pyrenees. The sixty or so springs in Ax-les-Thermes are divided into three distinct groups. Les Bains du Couloubret is the town's very first spa. Housed in the former Thermes, whose neo-classical façade has been preserved, they offer an enchanting setting with their Pompeian-red colonnades and refined multicolored earthenware. You'll also find the "Le Teich" group, and the "Breilh". Enjoying the benefits of these thermal waters is an unmissable experience for any visitor to Ax-les-Thermes.
Read more: What to see and do in the Pyrenees? The 20 most beautiful places to visit
2. Enjoy the Ax 3 Domaines ski resort
From the Bonascre plateau to the Saquet peak stretches the largest and most complete ski area in Ariège and the Pyrenees: theAx 3 Domaines ski resort. Starting at an altitude of 1,400 meters, 80 km of pistes stretch over three areas, offering a wide range of sensations. Bonascre, located between 1,400 and 2,000 meters above sea level, is ideal for discovering the pleasures of skiing in the middle of a fir-tree forest, with gentle, welcoming slopes. Le Saquet, between 1,900 and 2,300 meters, lends itself to both touring and more sporty skiing. Finally, Les Campels, between 1,700 and 2,400 meters, offers huge expanses for adrenalin-filled descents. A gondola links the town to the resort, making access easy for all.
Did you know? Ax-les-Thermes is one of the 12 best train-accessible ski resorts in France. Thanks to its adapted facilities, Ax-les-Thermes has also been awarded the Handisport label.
3. Snowshoeing in the Chiaoula area
The Domaine du Chioula offers five snowshoe trails suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Itineraries range from 2 kilometers (Chemin du Refuge) to 5 kilometers (Col du Riufred), so you can combine several routes in a single day, depending on your time and energy. The Chioula refuge, just an hour's walk away, is the heart of the snowshoeing (and skiing) network, offering a well-deserved and enjoyable break. Prices start from €6 for the Day Pass, with free duration and varying difficulty depending on the route chosen.
See also What to do and see in Ariège The 15 must-sees
4. What to do in Ax-les-Thermes Enjoy the hiking trails
In summer in Ax-les-Thermes, explore the breathtaking panoramic scenery on the many hiking trails in and around the village. A fifteen-kilometer stroll will take you to the green panorama of the Refuge de Prat Redoun. You can also follow a forest trail that takes you directly to the commune of Orgeix and its château on the shores of Lac de Campauleil.
For lovers of long treks, Ax-les-Thermes offers a sixty-kilometer round trip between Ax and Mérens in Haute-Ariège. This circuit takes in the Croix du Larguis, Porteille, the Refuge des Bésines and the Vallée de Savignac.
Read more: Where to go hiking? Top destinations
5. Getting to Montagne Passion
The resort's guides and climbing instructors regularly organize winter outings throughout the snow season. To find out about the schedule, simply contact the office. During summer and spring hikes, they'll show you the traces left on the rock by the passage of a glacier, tell you about the history of man in the mountains, and tell you about the forests and their inhabitants. From the track of an isard to the path of the clouds, the mountain will reveal all its secrets.
Other activities include hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, caving, climbing and via ferrata. For youngsters, fun and educational activitiesare organized, such as treasure hunts, learning to use a compass, recognizing animal tracks or hunting with an assegai, for an unforgettable adventure.
Read more: Where to go on vacation in the mountains? The best destinations
6. Enjoy a breathtaking view from Château de Lordat
Perched on a rocky outcrop 10km from Ax-les-Thermes, the Château de Lordat offers a breathtaking view over the Ariège valley. Considered one of the largest and oldest medieval fortresses in the county of Foix , it served as a refuge for the Cathars fleeing Montségur. Between the remains of the three walls, the gates, the towers and the cistern, you can imagine life in the Middle Ages. Numerous activities, such as escape games, are on offer to immerse you in history. You can also picnic and hike around the typical villages of this listed site.
Read more : What to do and see in Foix The 13 must-sees and The 15 most beautiful Cathar castles to visit in Occitanie
7. The Maison des Loups, a must-see with children
Located 5km from Ax-les-Thermes, La Maison des Loups is a 6-hectare wildlife park housing five species of wolf from different parts of the world. One of the highlights of the visit is the live feeding of animals living in semi-liberty in a vast forest. You can also observe the wolf packs up close and safely from wooden lookout towers along the discovery trail, or from the viewing tunnel. Explanatory panels provide a wealth of information on these mythical animals.
8. Visit the Niaux cave, a unique prehistoric site
Located 30km from Ax-les-Thermes, the Niaux cave is one of the last decorated caves still open to the public, making it a unique site to visit in the Occitanie region. With its vast halls and varied decorations, it rivals Altamira and Lascaux among the world's most beautiful caves. Its spacious galleries, low vaults and underground lakes offer a breathtaking spectacle. In the Salon Noir, poignant works of art adorn the walls: 14,000-year-old paintings depicting the large mammals of the Magdalenian fauna, with over 100 black line drawings. The cave also conceals clay engravings, bare footprints and various geometric signs. A fascinating adventure for the whole family, where young and old alike will marvel.
Good to know: To preserve the paintings, booking is compulsory, with a maximum of eleven visits per day, limited to 25 people per group. The tour lasts around two hours, and you'll walk 800m to admire the ancestral vaults.
Where to stay in Ax-les-Thermes?
Here's a selection of places to stay in Ax-les-Thermes:
- Best placed: Hotel Restaurant Le Bellevue
Bookable here, this establishment is located 200 meters from the center of Ax-les-Thermes, on the heights, in a perfectly calm environment. It's close to the Thermes, the Casino, the Thermoludique center and all the shops. You'll be welcomed into a vast room with wood-panelled walls that recreate the atmosphere of a chalet.
- The best view: Le Castelet
Click here to book this hotel, set in an oasis of peace and greenery with a view of the mountains. The friendly, discreet staff at Le Castelet will give you a warm welcome and help you make the most of your stay in this calm, relaxing region. You can also enjoya tasty breakfast.
- Exceptional value for money: Le Clos St Louis
Top-of-the-range at low prices in Ax-les-Thermes! In this luxury residence bookable right here, it's all about refinement, design, good taste and "arts de la table". Exceptional value for money, with amenities worthy of a 4-star hotel. There's even a ski room to keep your boots warm.
What beautiful villages to visit around Ax-les-Thermes?
Around Ax-les-Thermes, there are several beautiful villages worth a visit for their charm and heritage. Here are a few suggestions:
- Lordat: This village is famous for its medieval castle perched on a rocky outcrop, offering a breathtaking view over the Ariège valley. Lordat castle is one of the oldest in the county of Foix, and served as a refuge for the Cathars.
- Luzenac: Known for its talc quarries, Luzenac is a picturesque village in the Ariège valley. The Trimouns talc quarries offer a unique and impressive landscape.
- Les Cabannes: This small village near Ax-les-Thermes offers a peaceful and charming setting. It's ideal for a leisurely stroll or a lunch break in one of the local restaurants.
- Ascou: Known for its family-friendly ski resort, Ascou-Pailhères, this village offers a magnificent backdrop of mountain scenery and hiking trails.
These villages each offer their own unique charm and attractions, making them ideal destinations for day trips from Ax-les-Thermes.
