Fontaine d'Eau Chaude, Dax, Landes (40), France

## Overview The Fontaine d'Eau Chaude (Hot Water Fountain) in Dax is one of the most remarkable natural hot springs in France and a cornerstone of the city's centuries-old thermal tradition. Located in the heart of Dax, in the Landes department of southwestern France, this iconic fountain delivers naturally heated water at temperatures that can reach around 64°C (147°F), making it one of the hottest natural springs in the country. Dax has been celebrated for its thermal waters since antiquity. The Romans, who knew the city as *Aquae Tarbellicae*, were among the first to harness the hot springs for bathing and therapeutic purposes. According to local legend, a Roman legionnaire's aging, arthritic dog wandered into the warm muddy waters of the Adour riverbank and emerged rejuvenated — a tale that is said to have inspired the development of Dax as a thermal spa destination. This legend is so central to the city's identity that a statue of the dog can be found nearby. The Fontaine d'Eau Chaude stands as the symbolic origin of Dax's thriving spa and wellness industry, which continues to attract tens of thousands of visitors each year for hydrotherapy and mud treatments. The spring water is rich in minerals and has been used therapeutically for over two thousand years. The thermal mud (*péloïde*) produced from the interaction of the hot spring water with Adour River sediment is particularly prized in balneotherapy treatments. Today, Dax is the leading spa town in France by number of visitors seeking thermal cures. The fountain itself is a free, publicly accessible monument — visitors can approach and feel the impressive heat of the water as it flows. It is a must-see landmark for anyone visiting the Landes region. ## Directions 1. The Fontaine d'Eau Chaude is located in the center of Dax, near the cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Dax). 2. From the Dax train station (Gare de Dax), head south on foot — the fountain is approximately a 10-minute walk into the old town center. 3. Follow signs toward the city center and the cathedral. The fountain is situated on the **Place de la Fontaine Chaude**, a well-known square that is easy to find. 4. GPS coordinates: **43.71093, -1.052809**. 5. Parking is available in nearby municipal lots and along surrounding streets. The area is very walkable. ## What to Expect The Fontaine d'Eau Chaude is an open-air monument set within a neoclassical portico structure, with steaming hot water visibly flowing from the source. The water temperature is extremely high — reportedly around 64°C (147°F) — so visitors should exercise caution and avoid direct contact with the water. The steam rising from the fountain is especially dramatic on cooler days and makes for striking photographs. The surrounding Place de la Fontaine Chaude is a pleasant public square in the historic center of Dax, with cafés, shops, and the nearby cathedral within easy walking distance. The area is fully accessible and free to visit at any time. This is not a bathing spring — the water is far too hot for immersion at the source. However, Dax is home to numerous thermal spas and wellness centers where visitors can experience the therapeutic benefits of the local hot spring water and mineral-rich mud in a controlled, comfortable setting. The fountain is a wonderful starting point for exploring Dax's rich thermal heritage, Roman history, and the charming streets of this Gascon town in the heart of the Landes.