The Saint-Louis hospital in Ax-les-Thermes was built in the 13th century for soldiers returning from the Crusades with leprosy.
In front of the hospital, in 1260, the Bassin des Ladres was added, whose hot springs emerge from the earth at 77°C.
The basin still belches out steam and steaming sludge, much to the benefit of local washerwomen who take advantage of this generous gift from Mother Nature.
Until the mid-18th century, Ax's spa center or “Barry des Bains” was concentrated around the Bassin des Ladres, with the steam rooms on one side and the cannons on the other.
It was located next to the hospital and the adjoining chapel known as “Notre Dame du Bain”.
In 1241, probably to compensate for fire damage, the Count of Foix granted Ax extensive tax privileges.
As a result, the town became even more sought-after, and space within its walls became scarce.
Ax's water was freely available for washing wool, boiling pigs, making soup and treating ailments.
The area around the ovens was notorious for its beggars, acrobats and “filles de joie”.
Prior to 1715, the use of Ax's waters was free, no payment was required, and the town maintained pools, steam rooms and rudimentary piping.
Urgent repairs served as a pretext for introducing a tax.
Today, tourists are quick to dip their feet in the pool, which is said to have relaxing and healing properties.
Other spa sites: Bassin de la Basse proximité du Couloubret, Fontaine des Canons, Fontaine du Coustou, Fontaine des Neiges, Fontaine du Couzillou....
The focal point for curists remains the thermal baths and the Bains du Couloubret.
Les Bains du Couloubret
Promenade Paul Salette,
09110 Ax-les-Thermes
Tél. : 05 61 02 64 41
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