The hottest spa in the Pyrenees: Les Bains Couloubret is the center of relaxation in thermal water of Ax-les-Thermes, France (Occitania, Ariège department, Pyrenees),
The natural temperature is a very important characteristic in terms of anti-bactericidal properties. This water can burn. The water is absolutely natural, therefore it is 100% curative. It is recommended for patients with sciatica, rheumatism and some respiratory tract infections. It has zero bacteria. And the composition of the water has not changed for many centuries.
According to the established tradition, every year on the day of San Joan (the celebration of the summer solstice), tourists come to Ax-les-Thermes to take a hydrogen sulfide bath amid burning torches.
These natural water sources were known about even in Gallo-Roman times. The King of Louis IX during the Crusade decided to create a hospital here to treat lepers disease. In 1260, with the blessing of Louis IX, Roger IV de Foix, count of Foix, built the Ladrov pool (Bassin des Ladres) near the hospital of Saint Louis for this purpose.
Until the mid-18th century, Ax-les-Thermes’ spa or Barry des Bains was concentrated around Bassin des Ladres. It was located next to the hospital and the adjoining chapel called “Notre Dame du Bain” (Notre Dame du Bain).
For centuries, thermal water was widely used for scalding pigs, preparing hot dishes, and even brewing coffee (when boiled, the unpleasant smell of the water disappears).
Les Bains Couloubret tariffs and rates
High season
Public holidays and school holidays all zones (except Easter holidays)
Monday to Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sunday
Opening 10:00 10:00 10:00
Closing 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Low season
Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday
Opening 10:00 10:00 2:00 p.m.
Closing 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
2 technical closures – one before summer, the other before winter.
Rates of the baths
Access to the baths (cloakroom time included)
Adult (from 16 years old) 18,50 €
Child (from 5 to 15 years old) 15 €
Book of 10 adult access 165 €
The excess of 2H00 is charged € 4.50 per half hour.
End of the day tariff in low season: One hour before the closing of the baths, the access 2 consecutive hours is at half price.
Bath Rates: Family Pass (adults from 16 years old – children from 5 to 15 years old)
Access to the baths for 2h consecutive (cloakroom time included)
1 adult + 1 child 29 €
2 adults + 1 child 46 €
2 adults + 2 children 58 €
additional child 13 €
The excess of 2H00 is charged € 4.50 per half hour.
Rates of the baths
Access to the baths for 5h consecutive (cloakroom time included)
1 adult (from 16 years old) 31 €
1 child (from 5 to 15 years old) 25 €
The excess of 5H00 is charged € 4.50 per half hour.
Pass ‘Tempo
This is a split access card that allows you to access the Baths at your own pace.
Only you will be counted the real time you spend there, to the minute.
Pass’Tempo Adult (from 16 years old), child (from 5 to 15 years old)
Pass’Tempo 180 mn – 3H 27,50 € 23 €
Pass’Tempo 300 mn – 5h 45 € 38,50 €
Pass’Tempo 600 mn – 10H 83 € 72,50 €
Pass’Tempo 1200 mn – 20 hours 147 € 129,50 €
Pass’Tempo 1800 mn – 30H 210 € 189 €
For any subscription card, a deposit of 5 € will be required.
Any Pass purchased must be consumed within 1 year of purchase, it gives access to one person.
How to get to?
From Paris: 8 hr 4 min (804 km) via A20
From Toulouse: 1 hr 39 min (128 km) via A66 and N20
From Andorra: 1 hr 14 min (57.4 km) via CG-2 and N20
From Barcelona: 2 hr 49 min (200 km) via C-16
From Madrid: 7 hr 37 min (714 km) via A-2
From Monaco: 6 hr 31 min (618 km) via A8
From Moscow: 38 hr (3,543 km) via E30/M1
From Belgrade: 20 hr 18 min (1,921 km) via E70
From Istanbul: 30 hr (2,871 km) via E70
From Bern: 8 hr 49 min (876 km) via A9
See here Pyrenees travel guide
See here France travel guide
See here Spain travel guide
