The 9 things to do in Dax

For your next holiday, you decided to explore the Landes and the Basque country? Don't miss making a small detour to visit Dax!

Charming little town halfway between Bayonne and Mont-de-Marsan, Dax is a city rocked by the waves. Traversed by the Adour, it is known for the benefits of its waters, which has earned it its reputation as a spa town since the Roman era. But Dax, it is also ancient vestiges that will remember the attention of all lovers of history. Between nature, culture and generous reception, Dax seduces travellers of all ages. Be sure of one thing: the city is full of curiosities to discover and places to visit. Follow the guide to visit Dax at best!

1. The ALAT and helicopter museum

This captivating museum tracing the history of the Light Air Force of the Earth Army is located in the southern part of the city. With over 30 aircraft, you will learn more about the world and aviation and helicopter techniques.

In addition, the museum guides are enthusiasts who will be happy to make the educational and affordable theme for all. An original activity to be done in Dax to learn about the world of aeronautics!

2. The hot fountain

If you are looking for what to do in Dax, plan on your program to see the city symbol! Indeed, the hot fountain was built in the nineteenth century on what is assumed to be the location of the ancient Roman baths. The boiling water is used in the preparation of the Dax Peloid, a famous natural medicine.

Be careful before giving in to the curiosity of touching water, because its temperature exceeds 60 degrees! The fountain is located on a pleasant square in the city centre. You can also enjoy delicious ice creams! In short, this is a delicious contrast to the heat of the dacquois waves that will caresss your skin!

3. The Baths

Many visitors regularly make a detour by the city for its thermal baths. Two spas are located in the city, in Dax and Saint-Paul-lès-Dax. From rheumatism to phlebitas to venous insufficiency, many ills are relieved by the beneficial action of the dacquoise waters on the organism, and this since the Roman times!

Are you a casual traveler? If you want to focus on your well-being, a 6-day mini-cure of thermal care may be the solution.

4. The ramparts

The ancient heritage of the southern regions of France is no longer to be demonstrated, and Dax does not shadow the painting! Its fortifications of ten meters high were built in the fourth century. Only a few remains are still standing.

Originally, alleys and arrivals in the city were monitored by 43 towers scattered along the ramparts. Having undergone the test of time, these have been the subject of a major renovation programme: 320 meters of ramparts can now visit Dax!

5. The Borda Museum

The chapel of the Carmes

At the Carmes Chapel, a temporary exhibition opens its doors every year. It showcases the museum's permanent collections by addressing various themes combining history with science and technology. In a playful way, it makes them accessible to adults and children.

You will be able to buy a ticket for the museum including the visit of exhibitions and crypt for a very modest sum. An ideal activity to do in Dax for the curious!

The archaeological crypt

The other side of the musée de Borda is his archaeological crypt. This monument, which originally measured more than 30 metres long, was discovered in 1978 as a result of roadwork in the city.

It is a religious monument dating from the I or II century: the archaeologists still hesitate between the hypothesis of a temple or a basilica. The crypt is an exciting building to see in Dax, only on guided tour.

6. The arenas

The white and yellow arenas that proudly impose themselves in the city centre are an unmistakable activity on the list of things to do in Dax. Its 8000 seats make it the largest arenas of all Landes! Their grandiose and solar style is not to mention that of the Andalusian buildings.

You can visit them by simple architectural curiosity or even attend a real Landes race, especially during the Dax holidays. In this case, don’t forget to foresee a hat and sunglasses in the summer, because the star can hit hard.

7. Dax's parties

Once a year in mid-August, Dax changes his face and offers the best of his heritage for five days. A surviving atmosphere reigns in the city where the famous Landes races, typical of the regional tauromachie, compete on this occasion in the arenas.

Street musicians, fanfares and artists of the live show add to this atmosphere of conviviality characteristic of the southwest. From here or elsewhere, men, women, children, young people and the elderly meet to share moments rich in good mood, emotions and passion. To do absolutely to Dax!

8. Saint-Paul-lès-Dax

Saint-Paul-lès-Dax, nearby Dax village, is also worth a visit! In addition to its thermal resort, the commune offers the advantage of being calm and sheltering pleasant little corners of nature. Cristus Lake, with sports facilities and games for children, is a perfect place to plan a picnic or a quieter afternoon.

If you like the walks, a walk in the Domaine d’Abesse is the opportunity to combine the useful to the pleasant by joining the station of Dax by the old railways from the pond of the Courbe. See also: the charming Romanesque church of Saint-Paul-lès-Dax.

9. The surrounding villages

If you are looking for what to visit in Dax, it might be wise to push the exploration to the historic villages of the dacquois country. In the surrounding area, forest habitats, small valleys and river tips are altered. Between peatlands and pine forests, hiking trails cross the vicinity of Mées, Herm and Gourbera.

In the ancient feudal towns of Candresse and Saint-Pandelon, it is a jump in history that awaits you. Finally, go in the footsteps of Saint Vincent de Paul in the village to which he gave his name.

How do I get to Dax?

By plane

To get to Dax, you can of course opt for a flight. Compare routes with a tool like Skyscanner which will allow you to find the fastest and cheapest. In doing so, there are several possibilities for you:

• You can choose to land at French airports Pau or Biarritz, both within a radius of 150 kilometers around Dax.
• Another solution is to consider the journeys to the Spanish airport Saint Sebastian, just over an hour’s drive.
• If no flight is suitable, the nearest major airport is that of Bordeaux : the opportunity to briefly visit the Landes!

By train

If you are already in France or around the corner, it may be wise to look at the options of train travel. If this is the solution you hold, the easiest will be to reach the stations Toulouse or Bordeaux and then board a train heading to Dax. In addition, there are many connections in the region!

Where to stay in Dax?

Nice tourist destination in the Basque country, Dax is full of holiday homes. Villa in the vicinity of Dax, small typical hotel in downtown or Airbnb on the banks of the Adour. So you will find your happiness from a few dozen euros the night for two people by consulting a Compare hotels .

Dax being a small town, the overcrowded areas remain at a moderate distance from the city centre while being quieter. Saint-Paul-lès-Dax is also a very good choice. Indeed, just two kilometers from the centre of Dax, enjoy a quiet area where you can stay on the lake!

So, what are you waiting to visit Dax?