Le trou de Madame

## Overview Le Trou de Madame is a natural hot spring located in the commune of Préchacq-les-Bains, a small village in the Landes department of southwestern France. Préchacq-les-Bains has a long history as a thermal destination — its name literally includes "les Bains" (the baths), reflecting centuries of use of the area's naturally warm mineral waters. The thermal springs of Préchacq-les-Bains have been known since at least the Roman era and were notably frequented during the 17th and 18th centuries by visitors seeking the reputed therapeutic benefits of the warm, mineral-rich waters. Le Trou de Madame — which translates charmingly to "The Lady's Hole" — is one of the free, wild hot springs in the area, accessible without charge. Situated along an unnamed road near the village, this spring offers a rare opportunity to experience naturally heated water in a rustic, open-air setting in the heart of the Landes countryside. The thermal waters of Préchacq-les-Bains are historically associated with sulfurous and mineral-rich compositions, and the springs in this area have traditionally been reported to emerge at warm temperatures. Visitors have historically used these waters for bathing and relaxation, though water quality and safety should always be assessed individually. ## Directions 1. Head to the village of **Préchacq-les-Bains** in the Landes department (40465), located roughly 15 km southeast of Dax. 2. Navigate toward the GPS coordinates **43.7611, -0.9359** using a GPS device or mapping application — this will guide you to an unnamed road near the spring. 3. The spring is situated along an unpaved or minor road outside the village center. Look for signs of a natural bathing spot or ask locally for "Le Trou de Madame," as it is known among residents. 4. Parking may be limited to roadside pull-offs; arrive prepared for a short walk on uneven terrain. *Note: As this is a wild spring on a minor road, a GPS-capable device is strongly recommended for finding the exact location.* ## What to Expect Le Trou de Madame is a free-access natural hot spring in a rural setting. Expect a modest, unimproved bathing spot — this is not a developed spa but rather a natural pool fed by warm spring water. The surrounding landscape is typical of the Landes region: gently rolling terrain with lush greenery, farmland, and scattered woodland. As a wild spring, there are no facilities such as changing rooms, restrooms, or lifeguards on site. The area is best enjoyed by visitors comfortable with a natural, undeveloped environment. The spring may vary in flow and temperature depending on the season and recent weather conditions. Préchacq-les-Bains itself is a quiet village with limited services, though the nearby town of Dax — one of France's most famous thermal cities — offers a full range of accommodations, restaurants, and additional hot spring experiences. Visiting Le Trou de Madame can be a wonderful complement to exploring the broader thermal heritage of the Landes region.