Mountain village with a church and houses surrounded by treesView of a mountain village with a central church and colorful houses surrounded by trees. The roofs of the buildings are of different colors and there is a large building in the background. The village is surrounded by greenery and mountains.
©A peaceful mountain village with a central church and colorful houses.|STEPHANEMEURISSE

My spa treatment

Ax-les-Thermes
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That was 5 years ago, after an arthritis attack. My GP suggested natural medicine and prescribed a spa treatment at Ax-les-Thermes. This spa boasts the hottest sulfurous waters in the Pyrenees. I’ve been coming back every year since. The thermal water, the mountain air, the beauty of the landscape, the nature, it’s all there! This healing water and exceptional environment guarantee me better health all year round.

Coming!

A year-round spa

The spa is open all year round, so I can choose my cure dates with complete peace of mind. Once I’ve submitted my application to the Social Security, all that’s left to do is book my accommodation and train ticket to Ax-les-Thermes.

On arrival in Ax-les-Thermes, I settle into my accommodation. I have an appointment with the spa doctor, who will prescribe personalized treatments adapted to my pathology.

Snow-covered village with snow-covered roofs and bare treesView of a snowy village with roofs covered in snow and bare trees. The buildings are close together, creating a picturesque atmosphere. The snow covers the ground and the roofs, giving a sense of calm and serenity.
©A peaceful village under a thick layer of snow, with white roofs and bare trees.|Alain BASCHENIS

    Care

    Two orientations

    Rheumatology care

    From the very first day, habits return… The staff are as attentive, patient and friendly as ever, guiding me from one treatment to the next. With my schedule, bathrobe and towels in hand, I begin to think only of myself.

    I find the treatments my doctor had mentioned at the time of my prescription: jet showers, vaporarium, drink cure. My course of treatment lasts 2 hours, and in complete tranquillity I pass through the expert hands of physiotherapists for massages under thermal water and mobilization exercises in the pool.

    I finish with the directed steam treatment, Ax-les-Thermes’ specialty, where I let myself be warmed up in a large armchair, a real relief for my aching joints.

    ENT/respiratory tract care

    Since this year, on the advice of my doctor, I have opted for a second ENT/respiratory tract orientation, which reduces, among other things, the recurrence of sinusitis and breathing difficulties.

    I therefore have access to the floors reserved for ENT care. With my accessories, I start with a sinus wash, nasal bath with a pipette, humming and gargling.

    Woman in a white coat preparing a medical treatmentA woman in a white coat is in a sterile room, likely a medical laboratory. She holds a small transparent container with a liquid and there are blue cone-shaped objects next to her. The room is equipped with a large white apparatus and a window with partially closed blinds.
    ©A healthcare professional prepares a medical treatment in a sterile environment.
    Two people doing aquagym in an indoor poolTwo people, a man and a woman, are doing aquagym in an indoor pool. They are wearing swim caps and performing arm movements above the water. The pool is equipped with swim lanes and starting blocks. The walls are tiled in white with a blue border and green frog motifs. Natural light enters through skylights in the ceiling.
    ©Two people are practicing aquagym in an indoor pool, surrounded by swim lanes and frog motifs on the walls.
    Relaxed woman in a therapeutic mud bathA woman is sitting in a white bathtub filled with water and mud. She is wearing a black bra and her eyes are closed, suggesting deep relaxation. The room is tiled in white and a shower head is visible above the bathtub.
    ©A wellness session in a mud bath for revitalized skin.
    Man sitting in a bathtub with grab barsA man is sitting in a white bathtub equipped with grab bars on both sides. The bathtub is located in a tiled white bathroom. The man is wearing black underwear and appears relaxed. There is a wall-mounted showerhead next to the bathtub.
    ©A man enjoys a bathtub designed for people with reduced mobility.
    A physiotherapist treats a patient lying on a treatment tableA physiotherapist in a white and blue uniform manipulates the back of a patient lying face down on a treatment table. The patient wears a black bra and has her arms crossed on a blue cushion. The room is tiled in white and has a skylight offering an outdoor view with trees.
    ©A physiotherapy session in progress in a medical office.
    Man relaxing on a lounge chair in a spaA man is sitting on a white lounge chair in a spa. He is wearing a white spa robe and appears relaxed. Behind him, there is a wall decorated with a mural painting depicting a landscape with arches. The floor is covered with green carpet, and there is another white lounge chair next to him.
    ©A man enjoys a relaxing moment in a luxurious spa.

      After care

      Take advantage

      During these 3 weeks, while rest is of course essential, it’s also an opportunity to meet, talk and have fun with the other curists.

      I try to take time out without getting tired, to visit a few sites: especially the talc quarry, which I wasn’t able to visit last year. So, quite simply, I enjoy strolling through the little streets on the guided tour of the town, catching up with acquaintances who are trying their luck at the Casino or spending a convivial moment at the Tuesday evening ball, where I’ve met people who have become friends and with whom we’re already crossing our diaries to book our cure next year.

      Aerial view of a mountain quarry with winding roads and construction areasAerial view of a mountain quarry under construction. Winding roads crisscross the landscape, with visible construction areas. The surrounding mountains are lush and green, contrasting with the areas of bare white rock. The sky is blue with a few scattered clouds.
      ©The mountain quarry is transforming with winding roads and construction areas.
      Stone bridge with lampposts and a view of a mountain villageA stone bridge with lampposts on either side leads to a mountain village. The village consists of colorful buildings and is surrounded by lush green hills. The sky is clear and blue, and the ground is paved with geometric patterns.
      ©A stone bridge crosses a mountain village, offering a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes.|STEPHANEMEURISSE
      Medieval stone abbey with a tower and Romanesque archesA medieval stone abbey with a central tower and Romanesque arches. The building is surrounded by trees and towering mountains. The structure is well-preserved and features architectural details typical of the medieval period.
      ©The abbey stands majestically at the foot of the mountains.|STEPHANE MEURISSE

        Oxygenate

        Good for the soul

        And if I’m feeling up to it, why not try a little nature walk? A stay in the mountains is also an opportunity to enjoy nature, the fir trees and the landscape, and to take a welcome break. Oxygenating the mind is also a way of accompanying body care. I’m keeping it reasonable, though, because it climbs fast here!

        Let's make a reservation!

        Everything for a beautiful day

        Living in the Ariège Pyrenees

        Try it out
        Two people backcountry skiing in a snowy landscapeTwo people equipped with skis and poles are moving up a snowy slope. They are surrounded by snow-covered trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. Ski tracks are visible in the snow.
        ©Two skiers enjoy a sunny day in the snowy mountains.|STEPHANEMEURISSE
        Skiing in the fir trees at Ax 3 Domaines
        A platter with bread, wine, beer, and accompaniments in front of a fireplaceA wicker platter holds bread, a bottle of Hypocras wine, a bottle of MISTRAL beer, a jar of jam, and a wine glass. All of this is arranged in front of a lit fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
        ©A relaxing moment with local products in front of a fireplace.|Yannick RIOUT
        Immersion in the mountain spirit
        Winding ski trail in a snowy mountainous landscapeView of a winding ski trail in a snowy mountainous landscape. Two skiers are descending the trail under a clear blue sky. Snow-covered trees and mountains surround the trail, creating a picturesque setting.
        ©Two skiers enjoy a sunny day on the slopes.
        Northern ambience at Beille
        Relaxed woman in a bubbly hot tubA woman is lying in a hot tub with her eyes closed, surrounded by bubbles. She is wearing a black swimsuit and appears to be relaxing. The water is a light turquoise color.
        ©A woman enjoys a relaxing moment in a hot tub.
        My thermal water wellness day at Ax-les-Thermes
        Person throwing snow in the mountains with snowy landscapesA person in winter clothing throws snow into the air, creating a cloud of flakes. The snowy mountainous landscape stretches out in the background under a clear blue sky. Snow-covered bushes are visible on the right side of the image.
        ©A moment of pure joy in a snowy landscape.|Maxime REY
        Snowshoeing in Chioula
        Ski slope with skiers and beginners on conveyor beltsView of a ski slope with skiers descending the slope. Beginners are using conveyor belts to go up. The slope is surrounded by trees and snow-covered mountains. Buildings and vehicles are visible in the background.
        ©A sunny day on the ski slopes with skiers of all levels.
        Goulier, my favorite resort
        Fountain with multiple water levels in a garden surrounded by vegetation and an old buildingA multi-tiered fountain is located in a garden surrounded by lush vegetation. An old building with arches and columns is visible in the background. Climbing plants partially cover the building, and flowers are planted in pots near the fountain.
        ©A peaceful garden with a fountain and lush plants.
        My anti-burn-out cure at Ussat-les-Bains
        Child dressed warmly playing in the snow with gloves and a scarfA child, dressed warmly in a jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf, is playing in the snow. The child appears joyful and is raising their arms in the air. In the background, there are ski slopes and ski lifts. The sky is clear and the snow is plentiful.
        ©A moment of pure joy in the middle of winter, a child plays in the fresh snow.
        Family vacations in the snow
        Ariege's little extras
        The Ariege Pyrenees, your oxygen bubble!

        Looking for unspoilt nature, the great outdoors and white water?
        In winter, ski, snowboard, skating, snowshoeing, sledging and dog sledding at Ax 3 Domaines, Beille, Ascou and le Chioula, Mijanés and Goulier...

        In summer, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or canyoning...

        And all year round, enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters at Ax-les-Thermes, Ussat-les-Bains or the Bains du Couloubret.
        And don't miss the Grotte de Niaux and the Parc de la Préhistoire.

        Not forgetting the history of our mountains and their heritage, pastoralism and local produce!

        Book your next mountain vacation!