Ax les Thermes (Ariège) One of the most celebrated hot spring localities in the Pyrenees. The Romans knew of these hot sulfurous waters in ancient times. In 1260 under Saint Louis, the Count of Foix built the hospital and the Bassin des Ladres where soldiers who had contracted leprosy or wounds during the Crusades came for care and recuperation. Some of the hottest springs in the Pyrenees, and extremely sulfurous; the odor of sulfur suffuses the entire area. There are around 80 known hot springs here with temperatures between 22 and 78 C, total debit of 2 million liters per day. Some have a distinct blue tint due to the colloidial sulfur in suspension, which fades after a few minutes exposure to air. There are several spas here, and anyone who is fascinated with springs will surely enjoy exploring this town. Official website of Ax les Thermes. (Click photos for larger veiws)

Bassin des Ladres.

Source Canons. 77 degrees centigrade (137 farehnheit).

Source Canons.

Source Canons...

The sulfur deposits are very evident.

This hot spring is on a wall of a cafe patio. Imagine the mingling scents of roses, coffee, hot sulfurous water...

Along a quiet side street. Niche is about 1 m high.

Closeup of source on left. Water has distinctive blue tint from minerals.

Another basin.

Despite the name Source des Neiges ("Source of the Snows") this is another extremely hot spring.

Closer view, Source des Neiges.

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