Located less than half an hour from the ocean and bordered by forest, Dax is a welcoming, commercial town. It is also a renowned spa town. Today, over 60,000 people visit France's leading spa destination every year, with its renowned therapeutic virtues, particularly in rheumatology and phlebology. The town's festive and bullfighting culture is particularly vibrant, attracting over 800,000 visitors each summer for the famous Feria. The town also offers a multitude of gourmet stops. So, what's there to do and see in Dax? Here are the 11 must-sees on your visit.
1. The Dax bullring, the largest in the Landes region
The current building, designed by architect Albert Pomade in a Hispano-Moorish style, is distinguished by its red tiles and shutters contrasting with a white background. Built in 1913 and enlarged in 1932, the Dax bullring is reminiscent of the plazas de toros in Seville, Cordoba and Granada. With a seating capacity of 8,000, they are the largest in the Landes region. The history of bullfighting in Dax dates back to 1784, with races in the streets, then on the Place de la Course from 1813, when the first wooden bullring was erected.
Read more: What to do in Nouvelle-Aquitaine The 15 must-sees
2. Visit Dax differently with Epok'tour
Discover Dax from a new angle with Epok'tour ! Take a trip back to 1913, guided by an enthusiastic Dacquoise in period costume, and immerse yourself in the town's 20th-century spa and festive atmosphere. Relive the key events of this technologically advanced period through a fun, interactive tour, punctuated by captivating historical anecdotes. Departure from the arena, with stops at Place de la Course, Promenade des Remparts, Berges de l'Adour, and in front of the seaside villas in the spa district.
Good to know: The team at the Dax tourist office can tell you all about the city's must-sees, including the arenas, the cathedral and the Fontaine Chaude.
3. Dax's archaeological crypt
Dating from the 1st or 2nd century, Dax's archaeological crypt is considered by archaeologists to be a civil basilica, a public meeting place where various activities such as banking and judicial affairs took place. Measuring 43 meters long and 27 meters wide, it was flanked by two adjoining rooms. Only the foundations of the building are well preserved. This building bears witness to Rome's political and religious power.
Worth knowing: Currently closed for renovation, the crypt is scheduled to reopen in 2024. Stay tuned!
4. Relax at the Dax thermal baths
Thermal spas are a must in the Landes region, especially in Dax. The Borda thermal baths, for example, enjoy an excellent reputation. The bright, modern facilities are ideal for relaxation. You'll find a variety of services focusing on aquatic activities, relaxation and treatments. With the vacations just around the corner, it's the perfect time to treat yourself to a wellness break! An energetic massage or a few pilatherapy sessions will be perfect. On site, you can opt for long cures or mini-cures. Remember to book yours well in advance! If you simply want to relax for half a day, that's also possible.
Good to know: La Fontaine Chaude is the emblem of the Dax spa. A legend surrounds the benefits of its waters: that of a Roman legionary. Garrisoned in Dax, he decided to end the suffering of his rheumatized dog by throwing it into the Adour river. On his return from Spain, he found his dog cured, thanks to the thermal mud in which it had washed up. And so began the history of thermal bathing in Dax.
5. Visit Dax Cathedral
Discover Notre-Dame de Dax Cathedral, a classic Greek Revival building built between the mid-17th and late 19th centuries, open daily. Inside, don't miss the ogival apostles' door, a vestige of the former 13th-century Gothic cathedral. You can also admire magnificent paintings, such as "Jesus and His Disciples" by Honthorst and "The Adoration of the Shepherds" by Hans Von Aachen.
Good to know: Take advantage of the free guided tours organized by the Tourist Office every Thursday at 4pm, from May to October.
6. Visit the Georgette Dupouy Museum
The museum is dedicated to the international career of Georgette Dupouy, a 20th-century French painter born in Paris in 1901. It exhibits some sixty of her works and reconstructs her studio, tracing the life of this artist who died in Dax in 1992. Georgette Dupouy traveled the world alongside such great names in painting as Chagall, Corot, Dali, Miró, Picasso, Renoir and Utrillo. Thanks to the commitment of dedicated enthusiasts and volunteers, the museum also welcomes other local and international artists to its gallery.
7. The Borda Museum in Dax
Housed in the former church of the Carmelite convent dating from 1523, the Borda museum offers temporary exhibitions. Contrary to popular belief, it is not named after the naturalist and paleontologist Jacques-François Borda d'Oro, a pioneer of prehistory, but after his relative, Jean-Charles de Borda, a navigator and scientist. The museum presents various exhibitions on prehistoric archaeology, the medieval period, local and extra-European ethnology, and the natural sciences. Since 2024, the museum has redeveloped its reception area and offers a new scenography in the basilica.
Did you know? Dax is one of France's top 10 towns in which to retire!
8. Discover the history of light aviation and the army at the ALAT museum
Located near the helicopter pilot school south of Dax, the ALAT (Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre) and Helicopter Museum offers tours of aviation-related objects. Guided and commented tours are organized on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2.30pm, lasting two hours. On other days, tours are free. The museum exhibits 45 aircraft over 7,000 m², as well as various objects and memorabilia, tracing the history of light aviation and the army.
9. Take a gourmet break at Maison Balme
For a lunch break, head to La Maison Balme brasserie! You'll discover truffles in all their forms, all year round, for a unique culinary experience that will delight gourmets. Highlights include truffle-flavored Parmesan cream, and tasty dishes such as the famous croque Martine, homemade truffle sandwich, coquillettes and brouillade with truffle, or a comforting platter of Iberian charcuterie. A must for local food lovers.
10. Souvenirs from the "Un bain au chocolat" store
In this boutique, it's impossible to resist Monsieur Gaudet's creations, notably Le P'tit Landais, a vanilla cookie topped with peanut praline, all coated in dark or milk chocolate. The best delicatessens in the South-West reserve a place of honor for her. Also discover his macaroons, with a new ephemeral flavor every three months, his many chocolates, including the traditional P'tits carrés to accompany coffee, as well as his sweets and artisanal ice creams. And of course, don't miss the unmissable Basque cake.
11. Stroll around Domaine du Sarrat
The Domaine du Sarrat is a vast park ideal for family walks, offering a magnificent and pleasant setting. It boasts a wide variety of trees, with over 1,200 specimens from 27 different families, as well as 1,500 shrubs. This botanical garden, classified as a natural conservatory for its two rare species, is a real feast for the eyes. Listed on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments, the park was bequeathed to the town in 1988 by Landes architect René Guichemerre, who had built his main residence there, inspired by the Californian style of the 1930s. The 3.6-hectare estate is a harmonious blend of French style and landscaping.
Where to stay in Dax?
To make the most of your stay in Dax, discover the different accommodation options available in the town.
- The most emblematic: the Splendid
Bookable right here, this emblematic city hotel is a grand 1930s hotel with the cachet of yesteryear. From Sacha Guitry to Hemingway, many great names have stayed here. Today, this beautiful hotel **** offers rooms as spacious as they are refined, with a breathtaking view of the Adour river.
- The perfect option for spa-goers: Les Terrasses de Borda
Bookable herethese apartments allow you to enjoy your spa treatment in complete peace of mind. They are directly linked to the thermal baths by covered galleries. You can choose between a type 1 and type 2 apartment, not to mention the proximity of 2 restaurants offering half-board or full-board (takeaway) meals.
- Good value for money: the Ibis style in Dax
Bookable right here, the ibis Styles Dax Miradour hotel stands on the banks of the River Adour, close to the town's shops and attractions. Enjoy the view. The restaurant serves traditional cuisine and the bar serves snacks 24 hours a day. Spa guests have access to treatments from the hotel. Ideal for business or leisure stays.
