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Dax town

3 Place de la Cathédrale, Dax, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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.

Meta review

According to reviews of various attractions within the city, the highlights are the hot springs, the Arenes that can actually be visited and prove quite spectacular for tourists who had never seen a bull fighting ring, and the Cathedral.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:5h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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