Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains is a commune in the Ariège department, in the Occitanie region, 20 km south of Foix.
Historically belonging to the country of Sabarthès, its territory of nearly 12 km² ranges from 481 to 1482 meters above sea level.
Established for the most part on the right bank of the Ariège, covered with shrubby environments (46% of its area) and forests (40%), the locality comprises several entities. Formerly, it was divided into two distinct communes: those of Ornolac above, on the hillsides, and Ussat-les-Bains, below.
It was in the 19th century that springs already renowned for their virtues gave rise to thermal activity. The brother of Napoleon and King of Holland Louis Bonaparte and the poet Lamartine were then among the spa guests… The resort still exists, recommended for psychosomatic illnesses and certain neurological disorders.
The town, which has some 250 inhabitants, is also famous for its caves, where visitors notably discover evidence from the Bronze Age.
If we add the mountain landscapes and the green environment conducive to hiking, we understand that the resort of Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains is a popular place to visit or stay, especially in summer.
The historic and built heritage of the town deserves attention. A journey in the form of discovery can begin with the Saint-Pierre church, in the Barry d'En Haut district. With a Romanesque base (thus the right part of the nave and three apses date from the 12th century), the building was then remodeled, even heightened, and repairs were carried out following a fire which occurred in 1879. The fact remains that the materials (schist) and the sobriety of the church contribute to its charm.
On the religious level, again, it is worth mentioning the remains of the Romanesque chapel of Lugeat (12th century), in the heart of a now abandoned hamlet, and the Saint-Martin chapel in Ussat-les-Bains.
If the thermal activity itself is now housed in private hotel establishments, the old thermal baths built in the 19th century remain a typical element of the local heritage and bear witness to a time when spa guests could take their baths and enjoy waters in amazing settings. Thus, one observes, leaning against the mountain, the old thermal baths of Ussat made up of glazed arcades surmounted by a balustraded roof, which retain some nobility although disused, or again, but this time invaded by vegetation, the old Sainte-Germaine spa site.
The park dedicated to taking the waters has been preserved, but the kiosk no longer exists... On the other hand, a tennis court has been set up there and a mini-golf course has been set up there (open all year except on Saturday, price: 4 euros). Information on +33 5 61 05 89 71.
The other part of the local heritage is made up of the caves that dot the territory. The most famous is that of Lombrives, on the left bank, at the edge of the town. It is reached from the village via a quarter of an hour's walk or a small tourist train (2 euros). Its largest room could contain Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. Our ancestors already occupied the cave at the time of the Magdalenians (between - 17,000 and - 14,000 BC) then the site was a burial place during the Bronze Age. Later, the cave served as a sacred lair for the Cathars, a refuge for the Protestants or a hiding place for the hoodlums. Many traces of these successive occupations are still visible. In addition to "classic" tours with a guide, underground hikes and night tours are offered in season. Open every day. Price: from 8 to 12 euros. Family pass: 34 euros. Information on +33 6 49 44 45 00.
Also noteworthy, the Fontanet cave which contains parietal engravings (closed to the public) and the decorated caves of the Churches and of the Grand-Father, whose most precious parts (with engravings) or fragile ones are not accessible.
On the leisure side, apart from the establishments still offering cures with therapeutic virtues (information on +33 5 61 02 20 20), the course of the Ariège which forms a small lake at the level of the village lends itself to canoeing. Fishermen also have their habits here. However, it is the hikers who are the most pampered with many paths which, from the river, go up to the green peaks which overlook the different districts of the village. The opportunity to enjoy, from the Col d'Ussat, splendid panoramas but also natural environments protected for their ecosystem. Loops accessible to cyclists also connect the locality to its neighbor of Tarascon-sur-Ariège. Please note: in winter, some of the paths are likely to be covered in snow. Maps and information from the tourist office on +33 5 61 64 60 60.
The second weekend of July, local festival with convivial and musical entertainment (meals, ball), but also pétanque competition and pedestrian race.
The first weekend of September, "Slow Festival" with concerts, shows and events on the theme of sustainable development.
