Dax

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Dax is inland in Aquitaine (south-west France), heading north-east from Bayonne towards Mont-de-Marsan. It is found on the edges of the extensive forests of the Landes region.

Dax began its history in pre-roman times, was built up by the Romans and became an important town because of its thermal waters and then largely destroyed by the barbarians but was rebuilt and eventually passed into English hands with the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henri Plantagenet.

After the Hundred Years War had driven the English from France the need for a fortified town passed, but it was not until the 19th century that the towns’ extensive fortifications were largely demolished.

A small part of the ramparts can still be seen. The Promenade des Remparts is in the north of the town next to the Parc Theodore Denis. In the 19th century with the introduction of a railway line the thermal waters became key to the towns wealth once again.

The key site to see in Dax is the ‘Fontaine Chaude’ where there is a pool of hot thermal water inside a Roman-style structure built in the 19th century. The water is about 64°. The pool is fenced off but taps at one end have the thermal water pouring out. The water is said to be good for the relief of rheumatic ailments, gynaecological problems and problems related to veins. It is also famous for its mud treatments. In terms of numbers of visitors Dax is the biggest spa town in France.

Also worth seeing in Dax is the Hotel Splendid, an Art Deco Hotel which is considered to be a key work of the Art Deco period in the 1930s. Ernest Hemingway and Joseph Kessel are amongst the celebrities of the time who stayed in the hotel. The Atrium is another Art Deco building in the town and is now a concert hall. You can enter its very nice looking restaurant for a meal, an excellent spot for lunch.

Dax also has some notable modern architecture including the Les Thermes Hotel built by Jean Nouvel.

The cathedral of Dax, the Cathedrale Notre Dame, was finished at the end of the 19th century. It is built in a classical neo-grec style. It is built on the site of a 13th century gothic cathedral and the ‘portail’ of this has been preserved and can be seen in the left transept. . It is very ornately carved and shows the last judgement.

Other things to do in Dax

- The Crypte Archeologique which contains the remains of a gallo-roman temple of the 2nd century.

- A visit to the Arenes, the bullfighting ring of Dax. This is situated in the Parc Theodore Denis.

- Musée G. Dupouy. Georgette Dupouy a 20th century artist whose paintings are described as impressionist with surrealist tones has exhibited throughout the world. 60 of her paintings are now in permanent collection in this museum.

- Helicopter Museum, ‘Musée de l’armée de terre et de l’hélicoptère’. A large collection of French army helicopters and an insight into how a helicopter works.

There are also two gardens worth visiting nearby:

- The Plantarium at Gaujacq, a botanic garden with a large collection of plants and plants for sale.

- Parc du Sarrat. Covering 3 hectares and with a botanic garden and a potager.

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Dax Hotels

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