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.

Wellness day with friends

Thermal waters at Ax-les-Thermes
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Ax-les-Thermes is all about health and well-being, thanks to the hottestthermalspring water in the Pyrenees. It’s my essential water, it’s So relAx!

The spa town of Ax is renowned for its sulfurous waters. A year-round cure for your health, they also have relaxation benefits, which you can try out at the Bains du Couloubret.

This morning, the four of us get together: Céline, Sylvie, Emilie and me. On the agenda: getting up early for an early start. It’s a busy day, but fortunately we’ve planned to finish with a RelAx moment.

Shopping morning

Direction Andorra

Here we go: off to the Principality ofAndorra for a morning’s shopping. We should be able to pick up some bargains on tax-free brand-name products. We’re already in Ax-les-Thermes, which Céline knows well, as her mom comes every year for a spa treatment to relieve her rheumatism and avoid bronchitis before winter. Only 35 minutes to Pas de la Case.

After the Ax bypass, we take the RN20 through Mérens-les-Vals. I know this village, I’ve heard it has a beautiful Romanesque church, you should go there one day. We arrive at l’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre, the last village before the border, as its name suggests. Arriving at the gates ofAndorra, we go from one store to another, the morning goes by at 100 miles an hour!

Road sign indicating the direction to Andorra and Pas de la CaseA green and white road sign indicates the direction to Andorra and Pas de la Case. The sign is located in a mountainous landscape with winding roads and lush green hills. The sky is clear and blue, with snow-capped mountains visible in the distance.
©Mountain landscape with a road sign indicating the direction to Andorra.
Historic building with columns and arches, decorated with red bannersA historic building with columns and arches, decorated with red banners. The building has a stone facade with arched arches and columns supporting a balcony. There are several red banners hanging from the balcony. The sky is clear blue and there are green flower pots in front of the building.
©A historic building with arches and columns, decorated with red banners, stands under a clear blue sky.
People in an outdoor hot tub with water jetsSeveral people are enjoying an outdoor hot tub with water jets. The setting appears to be a terrace or a private outdoor space. The individuals are sitting or lying in the water, with buildings and windows visible in the background.
©A relaxing moment in an outdoor hot tub with friends.|DDM D-ClicK

    Ax, health resort

    Winter or summer?

    We’ve got to be quick, as we’re due for an early afternoon massage at the Bains du Couloubret. We can’t wait to get into “relaxation” mode, which is the aim of this getaway with our girlfriends. We hit the road again, our trunks well-stocked, and happy with our purchases.

    Emilie tells us that she too knows Ax well: the Bains du Couloubret, the Bassin des Ladres, the Rocher de la Vierge. Céline says her mom chooses this town for her spa treatment because it’s one of the only spas open in winter. She has her morning treatments at the spa, and in the afternoons, she loves to go snowshoeing.

    Ax-Les-Termes : la ville so relax des Pyrénées françaises #axlestermes
    Ax-Les-Termes : la ville so relax des Pyrénées françaises #axlestermes
    Ax-Les-Termes : la ville so relax des Pyrénées françaises #axlestermes

    In relaxation mode

    A natural break in Ax-les-Thermes

    We’ve arrived in Ax and still have a little time before our appointment. A stop in the town center is in order. We walk down the little pedestrian shopping street and spot a small square with a fountain in the middle. We decide to sit on the terrace for a coffee at Le Comptoir, in the sunshine, which is perfect.

    We take a breath – it’s been a busy morning. Little by little, we immerse ourselves in the relaxed atmosphere of the village. We take stock of the afternoon ahead. The waitress asks us about our visit to Ax-les-Thermes.

    We explain to her that we’re expected to take part in the modelages: “I’ve chosen ‘détente du pied’ (foot relaxation), Sylvie ‘minceur métamorphose’ (slimming metamorphosis). Céline, for her part, has chosen the “Evasion Hanakasumi”, the most complete one-hour treatment. Emilie can’t remember, but it makes us smile. As for me, I spotted a sports massage, a great gift idea for Laurent!

    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
    Historic building with columns and arches, decorated with red bannersA historic building with columns and arches, decorated with red banners. The building has a stone facade with arched arches and columns supporting a balcony. There are several red banners hanging from the balcony. The sky is clear blue and there are green flower pots in front of the building.
    ©A historic building with arches and columns, decorated with red banners, stands under a clear blue sky.
    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
    Aerial view of a mountain village with red-roofed housesAerial view of a mountain village surrounded by a dense forest. The houses, mostly with red roofs, are closely packed. Winding roads and green spaces are visible. The dominant colors are the green tones of the trees and the red and beige hues of the roofs.
    ©A mountain village nestled among trees, offering a breathtaking view of the surroundings.|STEPHANEMEURISSE

      Personalized modeling

      Our moment of pleasure

      Welcomed at the Bains du Couloubret, Sandrine is waiting for us and gives us each a bathrobe. I’m the first to go, and I head upstairs to the wellness area. The cabins are ready, and we’re off for our “papouille” moment!

      I spend an hour pampering myself, it’s a real treat, I can breathe at last.

      Hot or cold?

      Thermal water bath

      To complete this moment of relaxation, I plan to unwind in thethermalwaters of the Bains du Couloubret. I start in the main pool, surrounded by red columns in a Roman-style thermal bath. I slip into one of the alcoves to sample the pleasures of the jacuzzi.

      Upstairs, I choose the hammam, while the girls prefer the dry heat of the sauna. Our rendezvous point, the unmissable Irish-Roman baths.

      We head back downstairs for a little “hot and cold” in the caldarium and frigidarium pools. It’s breathtaking! A passageway to the outside beckons. Our bodies are warm in the water, but the cold stings our faces. It’s getting dark, the lights are dimmed, the steam is dense… We can barely see each other, and a few unexpected flakes make the moment magical. We feel so relaxed!

      Time flies, and we quietly return to our cabins. Big mirrors and blow-dryers, everything we need for a successful blow-dry. We’re all rosy-cheeked, our bodies have stored up heat and we’re feeling great.

      Two people in an indoor spaTwo people are relaxing in an indoor spa. The space is lit by a large skylight and orange columns. The spa water is a clear, calm blue. In the background, glass doors lead to another part of the building.
      ©A moment of relaxation in a modern spa.
      Two people relaxing in a wooden saunaTwo people are lying on wooden benches in a wooden sauna. The walls and ceiling are made of wood, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. The individuals are wearing towels and appear to be relaxing.
      ©A shared moment of relaxation in a wooden sauna.
      People relaxing in an outdoor thermal bathSeveral people are relaxing in a circular outdoor thermal bath. The water is a light blue color and water jets are visible. In the background, there is a building with large windows and mountains covered in vegetation.
      ©A moment of relaxation in an outdoor thermal bath surrounded by mountains.|Charlene Pelut

        Playing for pleasure

        A trip to the casino!

        We plan to round off the evening at the Casino with a drink. Restaurant and slot machines are on the agenda. Céline prefers poker… With a bit of luck, we might just hit the jackpot and have another girls’ weekend!

        Building with a tower and an illegible signA building with a tower and an illegible sign is located on a hill. The building has distinctive architecture with balconies and colorful decorations. The hill is covered with trees and the sky is blue and clear.
        ©A building with distinctive architecture stands on a hill.

          Living intensely

          Experiences in the Ariège Pyrenees
          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
          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
          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
          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
          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 at Ax-Les-Thermes
          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
          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, 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!