Dax town
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Dax, Nehe spring - by Emmanuel Legros on Google
Description
Dax is a mid-size town in the southern part of the Landes department in the southwest of France. It is known for its thermal sources and treatments, its bull ring (the Arenes), its 5-day summer feria and its rugby club that nowadays oscillates between first and second division. Culturally, it is part of the Gascogne region and its history goes back to the Roman Empire when it was given the name of Aquae Tarbellicae in reference to its hot springs - the name has stuck and "Aqu" has become "d'Acqs" over time.
Access & Transport
The town is on the regional and high-speed train line between Bordeaux (75-90mins), Pau and Bayonne/Biarritz. By car, take the A63 and the D947 (when coming from Bordeaux) or the D824 (coming from the Basque region). The closest international airports are Biarritz (45mins) and Bordeaux (1h30mins).
Instructions & Recommendations
The city can be visited year-round, but the big attraction is the feria around mid-August when accommodations will be fully booked out. Refer to the schedule and practical info here: https://www.daxlaferia.fr/ Depending on your interest you may want to avoid those dates or target them. The city is quite centrally located with many other touristy areas around: Béarn, Basque Country, the southern coast of the Landes with the Atlantic Ocean, or the Armagnac region.
Environmental & Social
The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Thermal tourism is an important source of revenues but nothing that distort everyday price and lifestyle for residents. Overall, tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy.
Conclusion
The town of Dax isn't very well known but will reward those who prefer to discover regions in depth and adhere to the slow travel mindset. If you are looking to "tick lists" then this is not the place but otherwise you should enjoy a visit there.
Key positive
Interesting history centred around hot springs and thermal treatments
The summer feria has a fantastic atmosphere
Key negative
No standout highlights
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:5h
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo