What if we go to Dax for a weekend ?!

Discover Landes

Today, I'm delighted to tell you about my getaway to the pretty town of Dax . On the program: sun, lively pedestrian streets and of course thermal water! For a weekend of relaxation and pleasure, this is the ideal place where the culture of the Landes and hydrotherapy combine ...

First step: the Place de la Fontaine hot

The Hot Fountain

Impossible to walk in the city of Dax without making a turn on the side of the source Nèhe , goddess of waters. This impressive ensemble was built on top of ancient Roman baths! It is also a true symbol of the region's thermal therapist . For the curious, it is possible to approach and touch this sacred water. Be careful, it's hot, very hot. This water is naturally at a temperature of 64 ° C hence the name of this source.

The colorful market of Dax

It is on this Place de la Fontaine Chaude that we find the market every Saturday and Sunday morning. Other beautiful markets take place Place Camille Bouvet and Place Roger Ducos . I really enjoyed walking around the Hot Fountain. It is lively, colorful, there are beautiful terraces full of locals and tourists enjoying the sun. I made a short stop at the Café de Bordeaux where I could admire the beautiful fountain for a long time.

The Bordeaux coffee, ideally placed

A cocooning afternoon in a thermal center

Like all the big cities of the Southwest, this city is known for its summer festivals . In Dax, they take place in mid-August and attract revelers from all over France. But the rest of the year, it is another type of tourism that attracts visitors: wellness tourism . Did you know that the Landes are the first thermal region in France ? Between Dax and Saint-Paul-et-Dax, no less than 16 thermal establishments are open. The oldest, Les Bains Saint-Pierre dates from 1855 and is located right next to the Gallo-Roman ramparts .

Bains Saint-Pierre, Dax

Amazing to see these Gallo-Roman ramparts in such good condition!

Make no mistake, the cures are open to everyone and allow you to treat many pathologies including rheumatism , circulation problems ... but also give the opportunity to relax and unwind during a long or short stay or even for a few hours . It makes you want doesn't it?

But what makes this region so popular with spa guests? Already there is its water, known to have many therapeutic properties . Then there is its mud, called the peloid which is unique in France. Finally, there is a know-how developed since Roman times. We devoted an article to thermal baths in the Landes, to find out more, it's here!

After an afternoon that is very difficult to get massaged and pampered, it is time to put on our best clothes for an evening of entertainment at the Casino de Dax .

Sunday: walk in the pedestrian streets and cultural visits

Stroll through the streets of Dax

Walking through the city, you will discover pleasant pedestrian streets and superb monuments. Difficult to remain indifferent to the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral and its pretty square. In the shade of the trees, there is a statue of a man and his dog referring to the history of the city . According to legend, a Roman legionnaire would have liked to drown his dog who suffered from rheumatism (it's gay ...). The dog came out of it more fit than ever and this is how the properties of this thermal water would have been discovered.

The beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral

The famous statue of the Roman legionnaire and his dog

The other cultural stop that I recommend is the magnificent arenas of Dax. Whether you are an aficionado or not, they will not leave you unmoved. Built in 1913, they host many events, especially during the summer period and during the Dax celebrations : bullfights, Landes competitions but not only. The arenas will host this year the Landes Basketball Cup final .

The superb arenas of Dax

A few kilometers away, you will find something to enjoy at the Marché Friand . I love these places which bring together quality craftsmen and tasting areas in a friendly atmosphere. It's lively and there is something for everyone. Here we find baker, butcher, fishmonger, chocolate maker ...

If you prefer the more traditional atmosphere of a restaurant, go to Le Valmont ! You will be seduced by the stone-walled room where you can taste good dishes prepared with fresh products and made with great know-how.

The Friand market for a gourmet break

Inside, only good things!

Terrace of the Valmont restaurant

After regaining strength, head for the superb Borda museum . You will travel back in time by discovering unique prehistoric items , period navigation instruments or even visiting the ruins of religious monuments .

I would have loved to take a look at the aviation museum , which is a few kilometers from the center, but it is closed on Sundays. If you go during the week, go see this impressive collection, unique in Europe, which exhibits nearly 40 engineering jewels!

The Aviation Museum, one of a kind

Landes competitions are a tradition in Dax

Did you want to plan a weekend in Dax? Discover the activities planned for the region in our agenda to better prepare your visit. Landes folklore evenings, concerts, exhibitions… I bet you will love your getaway!