This thermal spa town in southwestern France has been a wellness center since Roman times. Its hot springs and mud treatments draw visitors to its modern health facilities.
In southwestern France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Dax draws visitors to its 64°C thermal springs and mud treatments. Walk through streets lined with Art Deco buildings like the grand Hotel Splendid, explore a Roman temple crypt beneath the Borda Museum, or join 800,000 revelers at the August feria. You'll find twice-weekly markets in the medieval center and can watch traditional Landaise bullfighting where athletes dodge rather than fight the bulls.
Thermal Springs and Wellness
You can soak in 64°C mineral-rich water at the Fontaine Chaude, which pumps 2.4 million liters daily into the town's spas. Choose from 16 different thermal centers around Place de la Fontaine, each specializing in rheumatism treatments using therapeutic mud. The mud comes from local springs heated naturally at 2,000 meters underground, continuing a healing tradition that began with Roman settlers.
Art Deco Architecture
Walk into the 1920s Hotel Splendid to see one of France's finest examples of Art Deco design, created by architects André Granet and Roger-Henri Expert. Next door, visit the Atrium, a 1928 building with an ornate theater where you can attend performances and exhibitions. These buildings emerged during the 1920s when Dax became a popular destination for thermal tourism.
Archaeological Sites
Descend into the crypt under the Borda Museum to see the foundations of a second-century Roman temple. Take a walk along rue des Barnabites and Place des Salines to follow a 320-meter stretch of fourth-century Gallo-Roman walls, remnants from when Dax was known as Civitas Aquensium.
Local Sports Culture
Watch US Dax rugby matches at their home stadium, where the club has trained national team players like Pierre Albaladejo and Raphaël Ibanez since 1904. In summer, head to the 8,000-seat bullring built in 1913 to see Spanish-style bullfighting or Course Landaise, a regional sport where athletes leap over charging bulls.
Markets and Daily Life
Start your Saturday morning at the central market, where local farmers sell their produce around Place de la Fontaine Chaude and Place Roger Ducos. Inside the covered market halls, you'll find regional cheeses, wines, and traditional Landais duck specialties. The market stalls spread through the narrow streets, mixing with local cafes and shops.
