Dax (Dacs in Gascon) is a commune in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in south-western France, sub-prefecture of the Landes department. It is also the capital of the arrondissement of Dax and of 2 cantons in the department: Dax-1 and Dax-2.
It is well-known spa town, specialising in mud treatment for rheumatism and similar medical problems.
History
Dax was first established by the Romans, and its name was Civitas Aquensium. In the Middle Ages, it was administered by viscounts until 1177. when Henry II Plantagenet, later King of England, got the Aquitaine. Dax remained under the English rule until 1451, when it was conquered by the French troops before the end of the Hundred Years' War.
Geography
Dax is, in straight line, at about from the beaches of southern Landes, from Bayonne, from Bordeaux, from Mont-de-Marsan and from Pau.
The commune has an area of , and its average altitude is ; at the city hall, the altitude is .
The city of Dax is mainly on the left side of the Adour river.
Climate
The climate of Dax is Marine West Coast Climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfb), with mild winters and warm summers.
Population
The inhabitants of Dax are known, in French, as Dacquois (women: Dacquoises).
With a population of 20,485, Dax has a population density of inhabitants/km2.
Evolution of the population in Dax
Dax forms, with 12 other communes, the urban area of Dax with a population of 49,853 inhabitants (2013) and an area of . This urban area is the centre of the metropolitan area of Dax, formed by 31 communes, with a population of 64,937 inhabitants (2013) and an area of .
Administration
Dax is a subprefecture of the Landes department since 1800. It is also the capital of the arrondissement of Dax and the administrative centre () of two cantons: Dax-1, formed with a part of Dax and ten other communes, with 24,887 inhabitants (2014). Dax-2, formed with a part of Dax and nine other communes, with 29,536 inhabitants (2014).
Twin towns
Dax is twinned with: Logroño, Spain
Sites of interest
Cathedral of Notre-Dame Ste-Marie
Church of Saint-Vincent-de-Xaintes
Fontaine Chaude ("Hot Fountain")
People from or related to Dax
Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), theologian born in a village near Dax. Jean-Charles de Borda (1733-1799), mathematician. Roger Ducos (1747-1818), politician. Paul Darbos (1990), Internet celebrity.