Le Bassin de la Basse Ax-les-Thermes

## Overview Le Bassin de la Basse is a free, publicly accessible hot spring located in the heart of Ax-les-Thermes, a renowned thermal spa town nestled in the Ariège Pyrenees of southern France. Ax-les-Thermes has been celebrated for its naturally hot sulfurous waters since at least the 13th century, when the town's thermal springs were famously used by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem to treat soldiers returning from the Crusades who suffered from leprosy and other ailments. The town sits at the confluence of three rivers — the Ariège, the Oriège, and the Lauze — and benefits from over 80 natural hot springs that emerge throughout the area, with water temperatures ranging from approximately 18°C to 78°C (64°F–172°F). Le Bassin de la Basse is situated along the Promenade Paul Salette, a pleasant riverside walkway in the center of town. As a free outdoor basin fed by the town's natural geothermal waters, it offers visitors the rare opportunity to soak in hot mineral water at no cost, right in the middle of a charming Pyrenean village. The waters of Ax-les-Thermes are historically known for their high sulfur content and have long been associated with therapeutic benefits for skin conditions, rheumatism, and respiratory ailments — though visitors should note that no specific water quality data has been independently verified for this particular basin. ## Directions 1. Ax-les-Thermes is located in the Ariège department of the Occitanie region in southern France, approximately 130 km south of Toulouse. 2. From Toulouse, take the A61 motorway south, then follow the N20 toward Andorra/Ax-les-Thermes. The drive takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. 3. Once in Ax-les-Thermes, head toward the town center. The basin is located along the **Promenade Paul Salette**, a pedestrian walkway near the river. 4. GPS coordinates: **42.7214, 1.8397**. Parking is available in the town center; from there, the basin is a short walk along the promenade. 5. Look for the open-air stone basin along the riverside path — it is publicly accessible and typically easy to spot. ## What to Expect Le Bassin de la Basse is an open-air stone soaking basin fed by naturally heated thermal water. The experience is informal and communal — there are no changing rooms or facilities directly at the basin, so visitors often come prepared to soak in swimwear. The water is warm and has a characteristic sulfurous mineral smell typical of the Ax-les-Thermes springs. The Promenade Paul Salette is a scenic riverside path lined with trees, making the setting peaceful and picturesque, especially in the cooler months when steam rises from the warm water. The basin is accessible year-round, and soaking in winter with snow-capped Pyrenean peaks in the background is a particularly memorable experience. Ax-les-Thermes itself is a lively small town with cafés, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance. The famous Bassin des Ladres — a historic public fountain where locals and visitors traditionally soak their feet — is also nearby in the town center. For those seeking a more developed thermal experience, the Bains du Couloubret spa complex is just a short walk away. The basin can be visited at any time of day, though early mornings and evenings tend to be quieter. As a free public amenity, it can attract visitors during peak tourist season (summer and ski season), so plan accordingly if you prefer a more tranquil soak.