The thermal spa town of Ax-les-Thermes is a popular base for both summer and winter activities. Nestled in the valley of Ax, at a height of 720m, it is a perfect base for many of our activity holidays. It has lovely views of the mountains from the town, and the River Ariege runs through its centre. Two further rivers flow through Ax, giving it a tranquil and charming character. The town is well served by local amenities but retains an old world charm and has not been over developed for the benefits of tourism. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants in town, with various options for the type of cuisine, from local Pyrenean mountain fare to Chinese and Tapas bars. The creperie also comes highly recommended! For those wishing to relax fully after a days activity, or recover during a day off, Ax offers you some very pleasant options.
Newly opened is the fantastic spa Le Couloubret, with its jacuzzi, sauna, frigidariam (very chilly pool), steam room and outside relaxation pools amoungst other things. It is open every evening except for Sundays, and only costs 15E for 2 hours worth of relaxed pleasure! The new spa comes highly recommended - it has a lovely calm ambiance and is the perfect thing for a holiday treat.
Also in Ax (and free of charge) is the famous Basin de Ladres, where it is very easy to sit and while away the time (with or without the beer!). The natural thermal waters enter the Basin at a wonderful temperature and after a days exercise, in walking or ski boots, can do wonders/
Ax is excellently
situated approx 1 hour 40 mins from Toulouse Airport, and a little
further from Carcassonne Airport. It is less than an
hour from Andorra, with its fantastic ski facilities in the winter,
and its duty free shopping centres. Ax however also has
its own ski resort, Ax -Bonascre, to which it is linked by a
telecabine direct from the town centre, and which has a good
selection of pistes of all grades, and some great off piste
opportunities. Also just above Ax is the lovely xc ski station
of the Domaine du Chioula. It serves as a great walking and
mountain biking centre in the summer. |
