Ax, derived from the Latin "aqua" -water- owes its name to the 80 springs found in the area. Ax stands at the meeting place of three valleys (Ascou, Orlu and Mérens), and was destroyed many times during its history: it suffered from raids by Visgoths, Moors and Catalans, not to mention devastating fires and the plague... Yet, because of its status as a free town, Ax was an important trading centre during medieval times. As early as the XIIIth century, soldiers who had caught leprosy during the crusades came to the spa town to be healed in the Ladres waters, naturally hot springs at 76°. However, it was the arrival of the railway in 1888 that enabled Ax to become a renowned and prosperous spa town.

There are 80 springs in Ax-les-Thermes		Even today, thermalism remains the town's main activity, the second being skiing with the Ax-Bonascre ski resort.

The Orlu nature reserve It is said that the Oriège river contained gold. Whence the name of Orlu ("or" being the French for gold). Actually, the real treasure of Orlu lies elsewhere: this nature reserve is a paradise for all kinds of animals. There are more izards here than anywhere else in the Pyrenees.

		Luzenac talc The Trimouns quarry, at an altitude of 1800 m, sees much activity during the six months when there is no snow. Workers break up and sort the blocks of talc to be made into talcum powder. About ten kilometres from Ax, near Luzenac, lies the biggest talc quarry in the world. Despite a number of mechanical facilities, most of the work is carried out manually. Once crushed, the talcum powder is sold to industries all over the world. It is used in numerous medicines, paints, plastics and even dairy products.

Workers break up the blocks of talc during the six months when there is no snow.

	Practical tips