Dax, Landes
Dax is a commune in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France, sub-prefecture of the Landes department.
It is known as a spa, specialising in mud treatment for rheumatism and similar ailments.
It is also a market town, former bishopric and busy local centre, especially for the Chalosse area.
History
It was first established by the Romans, and its reputation is supposed to date from a visit by Julia, the daughter of the first Emperor Octavian Augustus. Its Roman name was Civitas Aquensium. In the Middle Ages, it was administered by viscounts until 1177. With the acquisition of Aquitaine by Henry II Plantagenet, later King of England, Dax remained under English rule until 1451, when it was conquered by French troops before the end of the Hundred Years' War. It successfully withstood a Spanish siege in 1521-1522.Population
Climate
Sights
- Roman archaeological crypt, including the foundations of a Roman temple from the second century AD.97
- Remains of the Gallic-Roman walls
- Cathedral of Notre-Dame Ste-Marie97
- Church of Saint-Vincent-de-Xaintes.97
- Fontaine Chaude .97
Twin towns
- Logroño, Spain
Personalities
- Maurice Boyau, ace of the First World War who spent most of his life in Dax
- Jean-Charles de Borda, mathematician
- Vincent de Paul, theologian born in a village near Dax
- Victor Denain, aviator and politician
- Roger Ducos, politician born in Dax
- Patrick Edlinger, rock climber
- Brigitte Lovisa Fouché, painter
- Laurent Fressinet, chess player
- Raphaël Ibañez, rugby player
- Christophe Lamaison, rugby player
- Émile Magne, art historian and literary critic