Ax-les-Thermes

French commune
nomcommune=Ax-les-Thermes
région=Midi-Pyrénées
département=Ariège
arrondissement=Foix
canton=Ax-les-Thermes
insee=09032
cp=09110
maire=Alain Chenebeau
mandat=2001-2008
intercomm=Vallées d'Ax
longitude=1.83972
latitude=42.72027
alt moy=720 m
alt mini=697
alt maxi=2411 m
hectares=3026
km²=30.26
sans=1441
date-sans=1999
dens=47
date-dens=1999

Ax-les-Thermes is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. It lies at the confluence of the Ariège River with three tributaries, 26 miles SSE of Foix by rail.

pa

Ax (from Latin "Aquae" - water; French "Thermes" - hot springs), situated at a height of 2300 ft., is well known for its warm sulphur springs (77°–172° F.), of which there are about sixty. The waters, which were used by the Romans, are claimed to treat rheumatism, skin diseases and other maladies. The springs were developed in the mediaeval period under the orders of Saint Louis to treat soldiers returning from the Crusades afflicted with leprosy. From the 19th century, a spa tourism industry grew up.

Miscellaneous

The town now benefits from spa tourism, skiing and the town casino. Its proximity to Andorra enables cross-border shopping.

ee also

*Communes of the Ariège department

References

*1911